Programs
The Arcturus Rudolf Education Program has been educating Waldorf teachers and preparing adult students to enter the professional Teacher Education Program for 20 years. Sessions meet at the Chicago Waldorf School building on weekends.
The Foundation Studies Program can be completed in 1 year with full time attendance.
The Teacher Development Program can be completed in 2 years with full time weekend attendance.
Classes meet on Friday from 4:00 pm until 9:00 pm and on Saturdays from 8:30am until 3:15pm. The current full time program consists of ten weekends in the fall, ten weekends in the winter, and ten weekends in the spring. Included are two festival weekends, one seminar weekend and the graduation weekend, which are obligatory for all full time students. In order to complete our program, all the students must take two Summer Intensive Weeks prior graduation.
Singing, Eurythmy, Folk Dancing & Theater Arts
Singing and Eurhythmy are the only subjects offered throughout all three terms of the year, and all three years of the training.
Eurythmy
This introduction to Steiner’s art of movement is meant to awaken the student to the movements inherent in language and music. We will explore how in eurhythmy the entire human being becomes the instrument of the creative word and tone.
Music and Singing
Joyful singing of old and new songs, some done with the flexibility of improvisation enhances the teacher’s preparation.
Folkdance in the classroom
Just what is folkdancing? Rhythm, musicality, structure, spatial awareness, shared motion, body awareness, cultural awareness, social skills, listening, soul life, and so much more. Like plain, good, physical fun. For a Waldorf teacher, folkdance serves many purposes. It helps ground children, helps teachers assess student development, makes curriculum come alive (think Greek dances, for example), and can be a jumping off point for explorations into many subject areas. You will learn basic folkdances and how to present these in the classroom as well as how to analyse and break down a dance into simple teachable structures. Some dances demand full control of one's feet, others focus on physical interactions with other dancers. Some odd time rhythms will be presented as well. Get ready to dance with Jutta & the Hi-Dukes (tm)!
Theater Arts
One of the Arts frequently drawn upon in Waldorf Education is that of Drama. In this extended cross-class course the full range of the Theater Arts will be developed in all aspects of preparation and production.
Foundation Studies - Rudolf Steiner’s Worldview
This sequence of courses is a comprehensive and systematic introduction into Steiner's concept of the world. Included is the introduction to a number of artistic disciplines, which engage this worldview and enable the participant to experience specific spiritual principles in various formats. The basis for further professional development, these courses may also be taken independently for personal growth. More info...
Teacher Development I
The completion of the Foundation Studies Year, and its observation hours is a prerequisite for entering the two-year professional teacher education Program. This Preparation I year provides a continuing study of Steiner's philosophical perspective as applied in Waldorf education, as well as further artistic exploration. Essential courses in this year include Child Development from the expanded conception of the human being given by Anthroposophy. More info...
Teacher Development II
The specifics of the Waldorf curriculum are addressed and methods of classroom management are practiced during this year. This includes several weeks of practice teaching with experienced Waldorf teachers in a Waldorf school. Foundation Studies and Teacher Preparation I are a prerequisite. All courses, two summer intensives, twenty-four hours of observation and six weeks of student teaching need to be completed for a Certificate of Completion. More info...
Summer Intensive - Continuing Education Week
The Arcturus Summer Intensive program has undergone much transformation over the past decade. Originally designed as a supplementary course for our current students and for teachers in Waldorf classrooms, (either for certification or for enrichment), the current Intensive program has been focusing on local and regional issues in order to not only attract people from outside the Waldorf community but also to bring an anthroposophical perspective on modern life to those who teach or are interested in the study of Waldorf education. More info...
Convenient Weekend Classes
Arcturus classes except the Summer Intensive are held on weekends, so that people who work during the week can be accommodated. Friday afternoon classes are from 4:00 to 9:00 pm, while Saturday classes are from 8:30 am to 3:15 pm. See the current Course Schedule for actual dates and for times of individual classes. More info...
A Certificate of Completion is given to those who successfully complete three years of course work, and two Summer Intensive weeks.