About the WISC Elementary Certificate Program:

The Elementary Certificate Program: spans 3 summers and 2 calendar years with a total of 25 months. The new program begins July 2025. The program is designed to prepare participants with the depth of understanding and skills needed to work successfully in a range of Waldorf school settings  Our program instructors are leaders in the field of Waldorf education, with many years of practical Waldorf classroom experience, and as adult educators for WISC and other institutes.  Together with visiting faculty they provide you with a rich and comprehensive education.

At WISC you will experience a balance of in-person classes with synchronous on-line seminars. We are a local, regional institute where developing a close sense of community provides the foundation of support and growth for personal transformation.

AWSNA expectations and WISC Elementary Certificate

As a member of AWSNA WISC offers a fully AWSNA-recognized Waldorf teacher preparation program. Upon completion of course hours and field work, this certificate  opens the door for employment as a Waldorf educator for the elementary grades 1-8.

The NewWISC full program of 700 course hours (plus Fieldwork) meets and exceeds the 500 hours minimum required by AWSNA. We encourage you to watch the film Waldorf 100 Learn to change the world produced in association with the Waldorf 100 International Forum for Steiner/Waldorf Education.

NewWISC Elementary Certificate Program: includes study and experience in these areas:

• Foundational principles of Waldorf education

• Anthroposophical studies 

• Pedagogical practices and the Waldorf Curriculum grades 1-8

• Artistic and handwork activities of Waldorf education

• Professional and social aspects of Waldorf education

• Inner holistic development of the educator

• Independent research

What will you learn?

• To understand the child in depth, through the broader study of human development.

• To develop skills to practice this understanding in a Waldorf setting based on rhythm, arts, storytelling, music, crafts and imagination.

• To study together Rudolf Steiner’s philosophy to deepen awareness of the far-reaching effects of a holistic education

•  To practice tools and capacities for self-development and lifelong research.