This second-year Certificate course provides a comprehensive Steiner/Waldorf training to complete the required Steiner qualification to lead a primary school class in a Steiner/Waldorf school, with a focus on curriculum and meeting the needs of the developing child.

Modules will include the Evolution of Consciousness and the Curriculum, Advanced Steiner Curriculum, Meeting the Needs of the Child, and the Introduction to the Art of Observation. (lecture content and tutors may be subject to change).

Regular course assignments, further reading and individual research deepen the students’ engagement and understanding and is a compulsory component of the course, as well as a practicum module for observation and participation in a Steiner/Waldorf classroom under an experienced Steiner Teacher, or mentorship.

Course delivery: Online and In-Person

• Online Lectures in Terms 1-3: One online lecture (webinar) delivered weekly in the evenings in the first three terms.
• Autumn Seminar* (April 12-16^th):  The 5-day seminar is held in-person in Sydney from 12 – 16 April 2025.
• Term 4: Practicum module (up to 18 months for completion)

*only one seminar for the PTC course. 

Course Participants

This is the second year and Certificate course for those who wish to become a Rudolf Steiner Primary Teacher (PTC). Completion of the first-year Foundation course or equivalent is a requirement for enrolment in this course. The Certificate course provides a recognised qualification for teaching in a Rudolf Steiner or Waldorf school.

Prerequisite for the Certificate course: Successful completion of the Foundation year course (or equivalent)

Practicum module overview 

The practicum module in Steiner education Primary teacher training is essential for deepening both practical teaching skills and the understanding of anthroposophical principles in action.  

For teachers currently working in Steiner schools, it offers a unique opportunity to observe another colleague and refine their practice, align closely with the school’s pedagogical approach, and bring fresh insights into the classroom.  

For those new to or outside of Steiner education, the practicum is transformative, providing hands-on experience with a pedagogy that nurtures the whole child: body, soul, and spirit. This module supports educators in experiencing the living essence of Steiner education, rooted in an understanding of human development and a commitment to fostering each child’s individuality. In this way, the practicum becomes a bridge, translating theory into authentic, compassionate teaching practice. 

Placement outline for Students currently NOT working in a Steiner school: 

• 3 weeks of practicum in a Steiner school.  

• Placement is encouraged to be done in an established Steiner school (local or international). 

• The placement supervisor teacher needs to have at least one cycle (7 years) of experience in the primary years of a Steiner school.  

• A College Mentor can be assigned to your placement depending on the supervisor’s experience and willingness to the role.

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Course Fees

Total Course Fee $3,250 AUD

5% Early Bird Discount for full fee payment is available till the end of December.

Payment Options

•    Pay in Full (5% discount applies until 10 December); OR
•    Quarterly payments (4 equal payments due at the beginning of each quarter); OR
•    Monthly payments (over 10 months)

*Term payments are due on the following dates: Feb 2, May 2, August 2, Oct 2

Consult your tax advisor about tax deductibility.

Career Path and Employment

Our Steiner/Waldorf primary teacher training courses are acknowledged and endorsed by Steiner Education Australia (SEA).

Employment prospects both here and internationally are excellent for our students.

Successful completion of both the Foundation and Certificate courses will qualify the student with the recognised training to lead a Primary school class as class teacher in a Steiner/Waldorf primary school.

There are excellent employment prospects for Steiner-trained teachers who have completed our Primary Teaching Foundation and Certificate Courses. There is an ever-increasing demand for qualified Steiner/ Waldorf 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.

There are excellent employment prospects for Steiner-trained teachers who have completed our Primary Teaching Foundation and Certificate Courses. There is an ever-increasing demand for qualified Steiner/ Waldorf 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.

All our courses are endorsed by Steiner Education Australia (SEA).

Why study at Sydney Rudolf Steiner College?

Sydney Rudolf Steiner College has been preparing Teachers for careers in Steiner education for over 30 years.

Our courses are well-established and guided by a staff of highly experienced and respected tutors. We offer flexibility in our delivery, the opportunity to engage with the content and receive a thorough grounding in the foundations of Rudolf Steiner education.

In addition, our programs support the transition from mainstream into Steiner education and we offer Professional Development within Steiner Education through NESA. Our courses are recognised both in Australia (SEA and SECA) and internationally (IASWECE).