Waldorf Grades Teacher Training

2.5 Years* Part Time
Entry Every Year
Next Intake Summer, 2023

Application deadline May 15th, 2023

Apply Online Now for 2023

This two and a half year*, part-time program of professional Waldorf teacher education is offered to those who are seeking to teach out of an understanding of Waldorf Education and what it can contribute to children today. Throughout the two and a half years*, studies in Anthroposophy and Waldorf Education are interwoven with artistic and practical subjects.

Students will study books on Anthroposophy, Waldorf Education and other relevant texts. The emphasis will be on understanding all aspects of child development. The artistic courses have a two-fold purpose; to enhance personal self-development and creativity, and to provide a basis for the work of the class teacher. Courses in painting, eurythmy, speech and drama, storytelling, singing, music, clay modeling, woodwork and Spacial Dynamics, amongst others, will be offered. A major aim of the training is to awaken independent thinking, ignite enthusiasm and foster creativity.

Career Application

Waldorf Grades Teacher

Program Format

The first 2 years of the 2.5 year* program includes:

  • 3 weeks summer intensive in Duncan on Vancouver Island, BC.
  • 1 week in November (5 day intensive) in North Vancouver, BC.
  • 1 week in February (5 day intensive) in North Vancouver, BC.

The third year of the 2.5 year* program includes:

  • 3 weeks summer intensive in Duncan on Vancouver Island, BC.
Requirements for Observation, Practicum and Supplemental Work

The requirements below are to be arranged only with the Program Director and depending on the student may be divided into two, three, or four different segments. During the course of the three-year program, the student is required to fulfill:

Category 1 – Pre-Service Teacher: (not teaching in a Waldorf School)

  • 30 Observation hours, student logs observations
  • 8 weeks minimum (2 four week blocks) of Practicum classroom experience under the auspices of a Waldorf trained and experienced lead teacher. See guidance document (to come).
  • 3 weeks of supplemental Field Work (could be additional teaching, substitute teaching, volunteering, being  a part of life of school  etc.) (200 hours) (logged)

for an overall minimum of 12 weeks.

Category 2 – In-Service Teacher:  (currently teaching in a Waldorf school)

  • 30 Observation hours
  • Complete 4 weeks of practicum teaching in another class, under the guidance/mentorship of an experienced teacher
  • Receive a minimum of 2 two-day Practicum Visits (either by the WCI Program Director or someone delegated by the Program Director)
  • Complete the equivalent of 3 weeks of additional Field Work (assistant teaching, substitute teaching, volunteering etc.)

for an overall minimum equivalency of 12 weeks.

Fieldwork for both Pre-Service and In-service teachers:

  • a minimum of approximately 200 hours (or 6 weeks) of additional institute coursework or field work, or other work (independent projects, capstone, etc.) to be determined by the Program Director as based on individual or program needs.

* Program duration change from 3 to 2.5 years pending approval from PTIB

On Completion of Program

Students who successfully complete the program will receive a Waldorf Teaching Certificate *

*  West Coast Institute Grades Program is approved by the Association of Waldorf Schools of North America (AWSNA),  the Independent Schools Branch of the BC Ministry of Education, and has Designated Status with the Private Training Institutes Branch of the Ministry of Advanced Education in BC (PTIB).

*  Students who wish to teach in Waldorf schools in BC must also hold either a provincial teaching certificate or a degree accepted by the Independent Schools Branch of the BC Ministry of Education.

Upcoming Session Dates

  • The February, 2023 session dates are February 19th to February 24th, 2023.
    This session is held at the Vancouver Waldorf School in North Vancouver.
  • The summer, 2023 session dates are July 2nd to July 21st, 2023.
    This session is held at Sunrise Waldorf School on Vancouver Island.
  • The November, 2023 session dates are yet to be determined.
    This session is held at the Vancouver Waldorf School in North Vancouver.

Program Fees

  • Course work plus the follow up mentoring meetings is $6200 Cdn for each of the first two years, and $3800 for the third year. (Tuition may be subject to an annual increase.)
  • One-time, non-refundable application fee of $125 Cdn.
  • Additional costs for required course textbooks and some supplies.
  • Tuition fees will be paid in three equal instalments on July 1, October 1 and January 1. Students receiving AWSNA loans and grants or Vidar loans will have their invoices adjusted in October and January. The payment deadline is mid month after which a late fee of $100 Cdn will be charged.
  • Electronic payments are preferred, always using the link on the website: Interac payments for Canadians and PayPal for International Students.
  • Payments should always be made in Canadian dollars.
  • NSF cheques will be charged $30 Cdn.
  • Cancellations/withdrawals will be refunded in accordance with the requirements of PTIB of British Columbia. Please see our Refund Policy for details.
  • The West Coast Institute for Studies in Anthroposophy reserves the right to make changes to fees, policies, regulations and courses when deemed necessary and as permitted by PTIB.

Technology Needs

  • Students are required to have access to the internet for online sessions,  an active email account, and use of a cell phone, tablet or computer that can host Zoom video calls, Google Classrooms and Google Documents.

Admission Requirements

  • Applicants should have experience working with children, preferably in a Waldorf setting.
  • Applicants are required to have a post-secondary education, for example a University or College degree or a Provincial Teaching Certificate.
  • Applicants should be at least 23 years old.
  • Applicants must be proficient in reading, writing, listening and speaking in English. Please see our Language Proficiency Policy for details.

Application Process

An interview with one of the Institute’s Program Directors, or someone in your local area requested by them to do so, is necessary prior to acceptance. Please complete the process as described below, being sure to show details of any post-secondary diplomas and/or degrees earned or description of life experience since leaving high school.

  • Applicants must complete and submit the Waldorf Grades Teacher Training application for admission form and email the contents noted below.
  • Applicants must send a note from a licensed physician which certifies that the applicant is in good health, free from communicable disease, including TB, and fit to undertake training.
  • Applicants must submit a brief biography.
  • Applicants must submit transcript(s) to indicate level of post-secondary studies.
  • Applicants must submit a resumé.
  • Applicants must submit a recent photograph.
  • Applicants must pay the $125 Cdn non-refundable application processing fee payable to ‘West Coast Institute’.
  • Applicants must submit a copy of a criminal record check OR a current BC Teaching Certificate. The criminal record check can be provided for Canadians by the local police department or, at less cost, from the Department of Justice at www.gov.bc.ca/justice. Any charges involved must be born by the applicant.

Policies

Please visit our Policies Page.

All previous debts to the West Coast Institute must be settled prior to admission.

Application Deadline

Application Deadline: May 15th, 2023.

  • Applications that are received after this date will be considered if there are still places available.

Meals & Accommodation

Summer Session

Spring & Fall Sessions

Grades Program Director

Rubeena Sandhu
grades@westcoastinstitute.org

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West Coast Institute for Studies in Anthroposophy

Email: info(at)westcoastinstitute.org
Tel: 604-740-0539