YEAR II — WALDORF TEACHER EDUCATION
ApplyYear II deepens students’ journey with focused tracks in Early Childhood and Elementary Grades, combining hands-on teaching practice with advanced studies in Waldorf education.
About Year II
Introductory Teacher Education courses begin in the first year and continue with greater intensity in the second. Whether students focus on Elementary Grades or Early Childhood, the program provides an in-depth study of Rudolf Steiner’s insights into human nature and the developmental needs of children. Core coursework centers on methodology and curriculum studies in relation to child development, complemented by artistic disciplines such as eurythmy, music, singing, speech, drama, recorder playing, painting, drawing, form drawing, and clay modeling.
To graduate and be fully prepared to enter a Waldorf classroom, students must complete significant study and artistic practice assignments, two weeks of classroom observation, three weeks of practice teaching, and an individualized research project. The classroom observation and practice teaching should be conducted with a master teacher at an accredited Waldorf school, though they may take place in different schools or classrooms. Success in the program relies heavily on each student’s independent studies, making personal initiative a vital component.
Year II Curriculum Highlights
Early Childhood Specialization
In the second year, students have the option to specialize in Waldorf Early Childhood Education, focusing on the developmental needs of children in their first seven years of life. To earn an Early Childhood Teacher Certificate, participants must complete two years of Saturday courses and three weeks of summer courses, spread over two or more summers.
The program includes the study of early childhood development from an anthroposophical perspective and practical training in storytelling, circle work, handwork, puppetry, and child observation. Students also explore the importance of meaningful adult activity in fostering imitation and play, the 12 senses, eurythmy, painting, clay modeling, and promoting healthy movement development in young children.
In addition to the coursework, participants explore practices for inner work that support the future teacher’s self-development and cultivate essential qualities that positively influence the healthy development of children. Early Childhood specialization students also join those studying Grades Specialization for an overview of Waldorf pedagogy and curriculum, gaining insight into how their work fits within the context of the whole school.
Prior study or experience in Early Childhood Education is helpful but not required. To graduate, students must complete substantial hours in Waldorf Kindergartens, observing and participating in the children’s daily experiences. Extensive classroom experience, such as internships or assistant teaching, is essential for preparing to take on the role of a lead teacher. This practical work is completed outside of Alkion’s regularly scheduled weekly classes.
Grades Teacher Specialization
Program Overview
Foundation Studies in Anthroposophy is a prerequisite and forms a significant part of the first year. In the second year, students may specialize in Waldorf Grades Specialization Education, focusing on children in their second seven years of life. The program emphasizes inner work for self-development, cultivating essential qualities that support healthy child development.
To earn an AWSNA-approved Waldorf Grades Teacher Certificate, participants must complete two years of Saturday courses and three summer course weeks, spread over two or more summers. Prior experience in Elementary Education is helpful but not required. Graduation requires substantial hours of observation and participation in Waldorf classrooms, as well as extensive internships or assistant teaching, conducted outside regular Alkion classes.
Mentoring
Each student is paired with a faculty mentor—an experienced Waldorf educator—who provides guidance through annual two-day classroom visits and follow-up phone consultations to support professional growth and practical skills.
Program Highlights
Students explore key themes, including:
- The image of the human being in Waldorf Education.
- Child development, observation, and the four temperaments.
- Fostering imagination, rhythm, and healthy sensory development.
- Authority, discipline, and classroom management.
- Social, environmental, and organizational dynamics in Waldorf Schools.
Creative and Practical Training
- Artistic disciplines: watercolor painting, drawing, clay modeling, music, and singing.
- Curriculum studies with a focus on English and math foundations.
- Medical and nutritional insights, including healthy sleep rhythms.
- Classroom practicums with mentor guidance.
For more details, see our Catalog (PDF).
Year II Completion and Certification
Graduates of the Alkion Waldorf Teacher Education program are prepared for employment in Waldorf schools or other settings that incorporate Waldorf practices. It is important to note that most established Waldorf schools require teachers to hold both a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and a diploma from an accredited Waldorf Teacher Education program.
Tuition
We strive to keep our tuition as low as possible so that our programs may be accessible to a wide range of interested students.
Year II Highlight: Watercolor Painting
Experience the Waldorf curriculum for grades 5-8 through wet-on-wet and layer painting techniques, focusing on natural sciences and world cultures. Students will create colorful works where form emerges from color, and practice teaching painting classes with peer feedback. Through outdoor sessions, develop observation skills using pastels, charcoal, and watercolors to capture landscapes, exploring color theory, texture, and perspective. Weather permitting, we’ll work directly in nature; otherwise, we’ll bring natural elements indoors. Our approach emphasizes intuitive artistic expression followed by thoughtful analysis, helping cultivate observation skills valuable for understanding developmental, social, and environmental contexts.
I can’t imagine a better and more inspiring place to have completed my Waldorf Early Childhood teacher education. I was continuously amazed at the dedication and knowledge my teachers shared and inspired within my cohort and me over two years of training. It has changed my life forever in all the best ways.
