Waldorf Institute of Southern California
Imagine Becoming your Favorite Teacher
What is WISC?
The Waldorf Institute of Southern California (WISC) offers teacher education programs dedicated to preparing teachers in the holistic principles of Waldorf education. Recognized by AWSNA, and WECAN, WISC’s programs provide flexible education options including online classes, weekend intensives, workshops, summer weeks, and a full 25-month certification program. WISC is also a member of INASTE, International Network For Academic Steiner Teacher Education.
What is Waldorf Education?
Waldorf education is more than just an academic approach. It is a way of seeing the world, a philosophy of teaching that nurtures creativity, individuality and deep human connection. WISC prepares educators to integrate these principles into their classrooms, fostering a love for learning in students of all ages.
Our approach to teacher education
The Waldorf Institute of Southern California (WISC) is dedicated to training educators who are not just teachers, but guides, artists, and lifelong learners. Our program is built on three essential pillars:
1. Developing an understanding and connection to Anthroposophy – the spiritual and developmental foundation that guides Waldorf education.
2. Child development through life phases – learning to meet children where they are at every stage of their growth.
3. Studying Steiner’s curriculum – engaging with the core texts and teachings that shape the Waldorf classroom.
What programs do we offer?
We provide long-term Early Childhood and Elementary Grades teacher certification programs, Practical Arts Teacher Education and Emergency and Trauma Pedagogy certification. Whether you’re seeking a comprehensive certification path or looking to expand your skill set in Waldorf education WISC is here to support you. All our workshops are open to everyone.
II. Grades 1-8 teacher certificate program
Start Date: July 1, 2026
Length of Program: 25 Months (June ‘26-July ‘28)
Location: In Person Los Angeles, San Diego, Orange County & online (Zoom sessions)
Summer weeks: 3 intensive in-person weeks each summer for 3 summers.
School year Intensives (in person): 5 Saturday in-person sessions per year for each of the 2 school years.
Zoom Sessions (online): Monthly Mentoring Monday and Waldorf Essential sessions.
Additional annual offerings: Biodynamic farming workshop, Speech workshop and Threefold Event
What you will earn: An AWSNA recognized grades teacher education certificate.
Tuition: $25,200 For the full 25-month program. NOTE: Monthly payments plans are available and you can apply for need based tuition assistance.
EARLY BIRD TUITION until May 1st, $1,200 off!
I. Early Childhood teacher certificate program
Start Date: July 1, 2027
Length of Program: 25 Months (June ‘27-July ‘29)
Location: In Person Los Angeles, San Diego, Orange County & online (Zoom sessions)
Summer weeks: 2 intensive in person weeks each summer for 3 summers. Plus one extra exploratory summer week one of the three summers.
School year intensives (in person): 4 Saturdays in-person session per year for each of the 2 school years.
Zoom Sessions (online): Weekly Tuesday afternoon and monthly Monday evening sessions.
Additional annual offerings: Biodynamic farming workshop, Speech workshop and Threefold Community Event.
What you will earn: A WECAN accredited early childhood teacher education certificate.
Tuition: $22,500 For the full 25-month program. NOTE: Monthly payment plans are available and you can apply for need based tuition assistance.
EARLY BIRD TUITION until May 1st, $1,000 off!
IV. Emergency and Trauma Pedagogy
Open to everyone! Date: December 15-18 2026
Length of Program: 12 Modules over 3 Years, each module is 2-4 days long. The modules do not need to be taken in order.
Location: In person at the Rudolf Steiner Community Center in Pasadena and at the Pasadena Waldorf School.
Next up are Modules 12 and Module 1: Module 12 Is a graduation module and the end of the last cycle. Module 1 Is the beginning of a new cycle and an introduction to what Emergency and Trauma pedagogy is. We will dive deeper into Trauma development and prevention.
Tuition: Ranges from $308-$615 per module.
III. Waldorf Practical Arts Training (WPAT)
Become a Waldorf handwork or woodwork teacher!
Open to everyone! Start Date: February, 2027
Length of Program: 9 Modules over 3 Years, each module is 6 days long. The modules do not need to be taken in order, you can join at any time during the three years.
Location: Online or in person, Location TBD
The full AWSNA accredited Practical Arts Certification course, consists of nine individual six-day long intensives (modules) spread out over three years.
We will start with Module 1 again in February 15-20 2027
Tuition: Ranges from $184-$710 per module.
Why Choose WISC?
Recognized by AWSNA & WECAN – Accredited & respected teacher training program.
Flexible learning options – in-person, hybrid, and online courses available.
Supportive community – become part of a thriving network of educators dedicated to Waldorf principles.
A life-changing approach to teaching – transform your classroom, your career, and your students' futures.