Steiner / waldorf education

Steiner Education is the most rapidly expanding education in the world. In Australia there are 51 Steiner schools, nine Steiner streams integrated within State schools, a specialist school for children K-12 with moderate to severe disabilities, and a growing number of pre-schools, early childhood settings and playgroups.

There is a demand for Steiner-trained teachers in Australia and around the world, and our graduates find employment in early childhood settings, primary and secondary schools and in roles working with children with special needs.

Pathway to Steiner / Waldorf Teaching

The pathway to becoming a Steiner/Waldorf teacher in Australia—whether in Early Childhood, Primary, or High School education—typically begins with an accredited teaching qualification, such as a Bachelor of Education or Master of Teaching, together with teacher registration in the relevant state or territory.

In addition to these requirements, Steiner/Waldorf schools highly value specialised preparation in Steiner pedagogy, child development, and curriculum.

The Primary Steiner Teacher Education Certificate Course provides a comprehensive pathway into Steiner education. The programme comprises eighteen modules, including three residential intensives and a school-based practicum, and is generally completed part-time over two to three years, with flexible study options available. Participants who successfully complete all 18 modules including practicum requirements are awarded the Certificate of Completion in Primary Steiner Teacher Education. This certification is widely recognised and highly regarded by Steiner/Waldorf schools throughout Australia.

Australia Steiner Teacher Education Association (ASTEA)

The Melbourne Rudolf Steiner Seminar and Parsifal College, formerly known as Sydney Rudolf Steiner College, have established a new umbrella organisation for teacher education: the Association for Steiner Teacher Education Australia (ASTEA).

A central commitment of the Association is to create, foster and promote high-quality teacher education that is deeply grounded in the educational insights of Rudolf Steiner, while also responding thoughtfully and practically to the realities of contemporary schools, teachers, children, and communities.

Course programmes endorsed by ASTEA are quality assured in the following ways:

  • Each course is carefully mapped against three complementary frameworks:
  • the Steiner Education Australia (SEA) Proficient Steiner Teacher education standards
  • the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership’s (AITSL) Professional Standards for Teachers
  • the Hague Circle International Guidelines for Steiner and Waldorf Teacher Education
  • Tutors of these endorsed courses are experienced Steiner/Waldorf educators, school leaders, and adult learning practitioners who bring extensive classroom experience, professional qualifications, and a deep commitment to educational renewal.
  • We teach artistically and we teach all subjects through the arts stimulating rich soul development and a love of learning.
  • The well-developed curriculum ensures a sequenced and coherent course, offering the student consistent, thorough and artistic delivery of the course materials and skills development. It is also developed to be consistent with the ACARA-approved Australian Steiner Curriculum Framework.
  • The course design includes a balance of academic, artistic, reflective and experiential/practical work and activities.
  • The marked assessments, evaluation and student support ensure that the student can apply the learnings to the teaching environment.

For more information about ASTEA, endorsed courses, or detailed standards, see astea.edu.au .

Individual professional development in Primary Steiner Teaching

For those seeking professional learning rather than the full certificate, individual modules may be undertaken independently. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) may be available for relevant studies previously completed through the Seminar or other recognised education provider where the learning outcomes are comparable.

Participants receive a Professional Development Certificate following the successful completion of each module, detailing the module content, professional standards addressed, and hours completed.

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