High School Teaching Foundation (HTF)
Enrolments are now open for 2026
This comprehensive part-time course, developed by leading Steiner/Waldorf educators of the high school years, offers the essential Steiner training to equip High School teachers with the necessary skills and knowledge in Steiner education and teaching to provide a practical and accessible experience of Rudolf Steiner education with the adolescent at the centre of the curriculum.
The course is a collaboration with Newcastle Waldorf School’s training program for high school teachers, developed and presented by highly experienced Steiner educators, Michael Merle and Sophia Montefiore, and supported by the Pedagogical Section in Australia.
The course is presented online. Please read below for more details.
Begins February 2026
Course Overview
The High School Teaching Foundation Program (HTF) is designed to support educators who seek to expand beyond traditional methods of education, placing the adolescent’s unique needs at the centre of the learning process and empowering teachers to inspire growth, resilience, and self-discovery during this pivotal stage of life, with a focus on fostering human potential, nurturing empathy and connection, and cultivating a life-long love of learning.
This is a one-year course, delivered part-time and online via weekly lectures during term time. Attendance at the Pedagogical Section’s in-person High School Seminar is an additional requirement of this course.
In consideration of the pressures placed on high school teachers, the course has been designed to ensure that students are able to complete the coursework while maintaining a full-time teaching position, and supports the transition from mainstream to Steiner Education.
On successful completion of the course, Students will receive a Certificate of Completion from the Pedagogical Section, Sydney Rudolf Steiner College, and the Tutors.
No prior learning or teaching qualification is required for enrolment in this course however, a relevant Australian tertiary qualification is required for teaching at any level in education in Australia.
About the Tutors
Career Path and Employment
This Steiner/Waldorf High School teacher training course is recognised and supported by the Pedagogical Section in Australia.
On successful completion of the course, Students will receive a Certificate of Completion from the Pedagogical Section, Sydney Rudolf Steiner College, and the Tutors.
Employment prospects both here and internationally are excellent for our students.
There is an ever-increasing demand for qualified Steiner/ Waldorf High School teachers as Steiner Education continues to expand in Australia and throughout the world. At present, there are over 40 Steiner Schools (including State schools with Steiner Streams) in Australia requiring on average 2 or more new Steiner Teachers each year. There are currently over 1,100 Steiner schools worldwide in 64 different countries and nearly 2,000 Early Years settings in more than 70 countries.
Please be aware that an Australian tertiary qualification is required for teaching professionally at any level of education in Australia.
Online Learning: Terms 1 – 4TERM 1: February – April 2026 (Dates to be confirmed)
TERM 2: May – June 2026 (dates to be confirmed)
TERM 3: July – September 2026 (dates to be confirmed) 1. and 2. Principles of Waldorf Pedagogy Cycles of the Year and Rhythms of Learning
TERM 4: October – December 2026 (dates to be confirmed)
Program is subject to some changes Tutors: Michael Merle, supported by Sophia Montefiore Webinar Times: One evening a week during term, 7pm – 8.30pm (AET) (weekday to be confirmed) Special note: Online lectures (webinars) will not be recorded, but notes will be offered to those that miss a session. 80% attendance for online lectures is a requirement to complete this course. |
Course Requirements
Online Lectures
Course content presented online over 4 terms, with one weekly webinar for 7 weeks per term
Assignments
Assignments are given throughout the course (these support students’ understanding and are manageable within the course timeframe)
In-Person Intensive
Attendance at the annual Teacher Intensives held in January at Newcastle Waldorf School is required
Blackboard Drawing
Blackboard Drawing – a recorded self-paced course accessible through SRSC
Annual course fee: A$2,200
Payment options:
Full fee: $2,200 (with 5% discount if paid by 10th December 2025)
Termly Fee: $550 (x4)
Please note that your first payment must be made to secure your place. This amount will be deducted from your total course fees. The next invoice will be due in February 2026, unless you have paid the full course fee upfront.
Note:
Attendance at the High School Intensive in Newcastle is not included in the Annual Course Fee.
Registration and payment for this must be processed through the Pedagogical Section in Australia
Refunds and Cancellation Policy
Course Information
Course Code: HTF
Course Coordinator: Robyn Davis
Venues: Online
Outcome: On successful completion of the course, Students will receive a Certificate of Completion from the Pedagogical Section, Sydney Rudolf Steiner College, and the Tutors.