[knittygritty]

Hello, all! I adore Waldorf--the education, the lifestyle, and everything it stands for. When I have children someday I hope to be fortunate enough to send them to a Waldorf school. I wanted to ask if any of you know what it takes to become a handwork teacher? I'm currently in college seeking my BFA in Fibers (so I'm passionate and quite knowledgeable about handwork processes)...as I come to my graduation date I keep wondering what I'll actually do with my degree, and being a handwork teacher is one of my options.

I'd love any input you can give me!

 

[dharmama]

:

 

[bendingbirch]

I don't much about the specified length of the program, but I know Rudolf Steiner College in CA and Sunbridge (I think Sunbridge still offers a handwork teacher program) has programs....You may try to google their websites and see what comes up!
Best of luck to you,

 

[knittygritty]

So you do need to take specific schooling for handwork? I figured that one would need to learn more about waldorf methods of education, philosophy, etc, but I wasn't sure if I would need to retake all of the courses about processes I already know.

 

[canndw]

While I don't exactly know, my guess is that the waldorf teacher training classes for handwork have less to do with the details of actually doing the handwork and more with the way handwork supports the curriculum and the developing child, and will probably include "foundation studies" in anthroposophy.

I'd suggest you find a school near you and spend some time with the handwork teacher -- maybe you could be an assistant and get internship credit?

One thing about being a waldorf school subject teacher is frequently you have to deal with all the grades. being able to control and organize classes from grade one through eight is a BIG challenge.

David

 

[mariposita]

From my understanding, to become a handwork teacher you need to take the Foundations course, which is the first step in becoming any sort of Waldorf teacher. Then there is specific training (Sunbridge definitely still has a program) that you do for the handwork portion. So yes, you are most definitely trained more in Waldorf techniques, as well as learning more about handwork through the different grades.

 

[kristyn]

the threefold center in new york state also has a handwork teachers program

 

[knittygritty]

Thanks, everyone, for your helpful responses!