EARLY CHILDHOOD TEACHER PREPARATION

Waldorf Teacher Institute's Early Childhood Teacher Preparation Program equips future Waldorf school teachers with a firm foundation to begin their teaching career.  Throughout their course of study, WTI students are actively engaged in self-development through philosophical discussions, artistic activities and curriculum-rich learning opportunities.  Waldorf Early Childhood teachers provide a nurturing environment rich with daily play-based and movement activities.  Through play and imitation, children develop an active imagination that encourages creative thinking, problem-solving, and social skills.  Upon completion of our Teacher Preparation Program, students are ready to step into an Early Childhood classroom and begin a new career working with young children and their families.

Coursework in the Early Childhood program focuses on the development of the young child from  birth until they are ready to enter grade school around age 7.  WTI students in the Early Childhood Teacher Preparation Program complete courses that focus on anthroposophical studies and human development, child development and Waldorf education, practical and artistic activities for the classroom, professional and social aspects of Waldorf education, artistic and handwork activities for the educator, an independent research project, and mentored teaching or practicum.  Since early childhood is the foundation for future learning some of these classes are held jointly with students enrolled in the grades school program for their mutual benefit. Waldorf early childhood teachers provide a nurturing environment rich with daily play, movement, and nature-based activities.  Through play and imitation, children develop an active imagination that encourages creative thinking, problem-solving, and social skills.     

WTI students complete two full week-long Summer Intensives, which occur in June each year.  Summer Intensive weeks allow students to delve in-depth to topics of interest.  Recent Summer Intensive week topics include: biodynamic farming and beekeeping, educating the will in the young child, speech and living language, and educational support.

WTI students have the opportunity to see Waldorf classrooms in action.  During their course of study, WTI Early Childhood students complete a minimum of 40 hours of observation of experienced lead teachers.  We encourage students to visit a number of Waldorf schools to get a sense of how this unique education is shaped in various schools.

WTI students complete teaching practicums with experienced lead Waldorf early childhood teachers in order to put what they are learning into action and prepare for lead teaching in an early childhood classroom.   WTI students meet with their supervising teachers regularly and are fully engaged in the life of the kindergarten during their practicums.  

WTI students who are not currently practicing Waldorf teachers or teacher assistants who are working at least three days per week in a Waldorf early childhood classroom are required to complete two three-week student teaching practicums.

Currently practicing Waldorf teachers or teacher assistants who are working at least three days per week in a Waldorf early childhood classroom are required to complete student teaching practicums as well, although the requirements are different.  They must have a minimum of three weeks (fifteen days) of observation and practicum during the course of their training (of which at least two weeks must be in classrooms other than their own), and two days of mentoring per year in their own classrooms.  Currently practicing assistant teachers are also required to complete two weeks of student teaching.  One week can be in the classroom that they are the assistant in and one week needs to be in a classroom that they do not normally work in.  

WTI students are paired with a mentor who will help support them through completing their coursework and student teaching requirements.  A minimum of nine hours of mentoring are scheduled  each year.  Mentors also are available to help students explore employment goals and opportunities.