Sunbridge’s 4-week certificate program in Waldorf World Language Teacher Education is designed for current or aspiring Waldorf world language teachers. This offering is designed to provide Waldorf world language teachers with an informed understanding of Waldorf curriculum and an anthroposophical view of child development, enabling these individuals to be more fully integrated members of their school community and to meet their students through the lens of a Waldorf educator.
This program is offered every other year. After a hiatus which has allowed us to develop it into a more robust offering that integrates our growing understanding of how Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are an integral part not only of our Waldorf communities in general but of world language programs in particular, we expect to be enrolling a new World Language cohort in July 2024.
World Language Coordinator: Meggan Gill
Come to our October 11 online Info Session to learn more.
Academic Experience
During their three-week campus study, Sunbridge world language students focus on the theoretical considerations and practical aspects of world language teaching through the grades. There is additional daily coursework in child development, Waldorf pedagogy, and the arts. While the thrust of the practical activities will be on grades 1-8 teaching, high school world language teachers will also benefit from attending this offering. Reading fundamental texts by Rudolf Steiner and instruction in developing a meditative practice is included in the experience, as is a one-week observation of an experienced Waldorf world language teacher that takes place during the following school year.
Through this experience, you will discover:
- How to teach world languages in accordance with Waldorf education. In addition to large group instruction in teaching world languages in general, you will be given opportunities to work in small groups with same-language colleagues, developing and sharing ideas concerning curricular themes, celebrating festivals and practical activities.
- The anthroposophical basis for learning new languages and why learning and acquiring a new language is so important to child development
- How to address the challenge world language teachers face in the classroom, including time management, classroom management, curriculum development, and lesson planning
As a student in the Sunbridge World Language Teacher Education program, you will study alongside students from Sunbridge’s three-year Elementary Teacher Education diploma program, many of whom are practicing Waldorf teachers. This academic environment will provide you with the benefit of developing colleagueship among fellow Waldorf educators. Through your studies, you will gain a Waldorf pedagogical understanding of the child and a knowledge of how that understanding relates to world language study. This will lead to a deepening of the curriculum for both you as a world language teacher and the Waldorf class and other subject teachers with whom you work, allowing for a more informed partnership.
“It is hard to say what was most significant. I have pages and pages of notes and many many essential and enlightening lessons. I particularly appreciated the wonderful collaboration with my classmates.”
“I (now) understand the development of the child and how it should affect our teaching. I feel much better prepared for the school year and am very happy that I came!”
~ Sunbridge World Language Teacher Education students
Components
Length
The world language offering is comprised of a three-week on-campus summer study, plus a one-week observation of an experienced Waldorf world language teacher.
Observation
The required one-week observation of an experienced Waldorf world language teacher will be arranged for a mutually-convenient time and setting during the academic year that follows. Observations must be completed by June of that academic year.
Sample Curriculum
151A-F Teaching World Language (60 hours)
103A, B, or C Child Development and Learning (22.5 hours)
133A Speech I (15 hours)
137 Eurythmy (15 hours)
138 Chorus and Recorder (15 hours)
140 Observation (32.50 hours)
Total hours: 160
Students are asked to bring curriculum ideas (verses, songs, games) to share and discuss.
Admission Requirements
This program is designed for those currently teaching world languages in Waldorf schools or those who aspire to become Waldorf world language teachers. Applicants must be proficient in the language they currently or intend to teach. A high school diploma is required for admission; a bachelor’s degree is not required.
Applicants must complete an application form and submit all required application materials, including a letter of reference from someone qualified to speak to your suitability for the vocation of Waldorf world language teacher and your ability to be successful in this intensive. Applicants must possess a high school diploma (a bachelor’s degree is not required). Financial aid is available. Students receive a certificate upon completion.
Application Process
The regular application deadline for summer enrollment is June 1. Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible, especially those individuals seeking financial aid. Applications submitted after June 1 are considered on a space-available basis and must contain a late application fee.
A completed application includes:
- Complete application form
- Current résumé
- One letter of recommendation (accompanied, if required, by a signed letter-of-recommendation form) sent from your recommender directly to the Sunbridge Institute Admissions Office
- If applicable, a transcript from your degree-granting institution, or any college attended. Otherwise, a high school transcript or diploma.
- Non-refundable $50 application fee. Applications received without this fee will not be processed. Applications received after June 1 must contain an additional $50 late fee.
Send all materials to:
Sunbridge Institute Office of Admissions
285 Hungry Hollow Road
Chestnut Ridge, NY 10977
Once your application is received, we review it for completeness and contact you to arrange a phone interview. Admissions decisions are sent out soon thereafter, on a rolling basis.
All applicants whose first language is not English or who have taken their prior education in a non-English-speaking college or university must demonstrate oral and written proficiency in English during the admissions process. Taking the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) may be required.
Applications for summer 2024 will be posted here when available. If you are interested in applying, please contact our admissions coordinator, Barbara Vitale, at [email protected] / 845-425-0055 x20.
Combine with Elementary Program
Sunbridge world language students may elect to combine their specialized world language studies with matriculation in our Elementary Teacher Education program and receive a Waldorf teacher education diploma with concentration in world language teaching. Matriculation in our elementary program entails meeting certain admission requirements, such as having earned 60 credits from an accredited college or university, and paying full program tuition. Elementary program graduates are eligible to apply their Sunbridge studies toward earning a fully-accredited SUNY master’s degree with a concentration in Waldorf Education. If you would like to learn more, please contact our admissions office at [email protected] / 845-425-0055 x20.
For Assistance
Contact our admissions office at [email protected] / 845-425-0055 x20
Non-Discrimination Statement
In all of its dealings, including its admissions, educational, and employment practices, it is the policy of Sunbridge Institute, its Trustees, officers, employees and other duly authorized agents not to discriminate against any individual or group for reasons of race, color, creed, gender, age, culture, ethnicity, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation or identification, or mental or physical disability.
Sunbridge Institute reserves the right to cancel or change any offering at any time and to make faculty or course substitutions when necessary.
