New Adult Learning Institute
Training Programs
Grounded in Practice
A ‘New’ Waldorf Foundations
In Person Intensive | August 17th - 21st, 2026
Virtual Sessions |Sept 2026 - June 2027
Aug 17-21, 2026
Our foundation program supports your Waldorf teaching practice from the ground up!
Rather than focusing on anthroposophical theory alone, we introduce the generative principles of Waldorf Education practically and methodically in any teaching context.
Program Overview
The intensive provides the experiential and conceptual foundation for the year.
The virtual modules:
Deepen each generative principle
Support application in real teaching contexts
Strengthen reflective and collegial practice
Support ongoing teacher development
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In-Person Intensive
August 17–21, 2026A five-day immersion into the living practice of Waldorf educational principles.
Daily Rhythm
Mornings begin in movement and, when possible, in nature.The day unfolds through morning lecture, artistic contemplation & conversation, and quiet moments to absorb and integrate.
Space is held for pause—for breath, and nature moments.
Location
Cowichan Valley · Duncan, BC.
A quiet, forested setting in a West Coast modern home, with optional evening sauna.Or
The immersion may also be offered at your school or within your community - check out our Hosted School Partnership Model.
Curriculum
Foundations
Contemporary lense into Waldorf Educational Psychology (Anthroposophy) as a way of understanding the developing human being. Child development learning is approached through art, geometry, and movement.Generative Principles
An introduction to Martyn Rawson’s generative principles through living classroom examples.Teacher Inner Work
Practices that support and sustain the teacher, attending to inner life through contemplative, somatic, and reflective work.Application & Preparation
Time to think, plan, and shape your own work (administrative or teaching). Guidance to bring principle into practice so teaching becomes lived, not only -
VIRTUAL TWICE MONTHLY MODULES - Sept 2026 thru May 2027 (Subject to Change)
Every other Saturday each month, Dates TBAMonthly Schedule:
Week 1: 2-hour virtual session
Week 2: 2-hour independent exploration
Week 3 & 4: Repeat the cycle with a new topic
SAMPLE SCHEDULE (subject to change)
Module #1 Asynchronous Pre Recording & Saturday 9:30am - 3:30pm - For Virtual ONLY Participants-Introduction to Grounded in Practice
-Biography of Steiner (possible pre-recording)
-Generative Principles
All Modules are 9:30am - 12:30pm Saturdays
Module #2
Rudolf Steiner’s Epistemology /Theory of Knowledge
(Waldorf Education takes the spiritual dimension seriously)
Module #3
Children Need to be Ready to Learn and Need Time to Learn
(Child Developmental Strategies)
Module #4
Teaching Must be Artistic
Activating the imagination through vivid pictorial descriptions and images is a powerful starting point for learning
Module #5 or 25th TBC
Teaching Must be Artistic
Storytelling Creates a Sense of Coherence
Module #6
Learning is Rhythmic (Learning Processes 7fold)
Module #7
Learning is Structured Over Time
Block Teaching Strengthens Learning Disposition Over Time
Module #8
Supporting the Development of the Twelve Senses
Module #9
The Cultural Life of the School
Celebrating Nature and Ancient Wisdom in Contemporary Ways
Module 9
Creating Rich Experiences
Module #10
Rudolf Steiner’s Theory of Knowing
Philosophy of Freedom Part 1
Module #11
Sense of Coherence is the Basis for Healthy Learning
Module #12
Direct Experience is the Basis for Healthy Learning
Module #13
A Phenomenological Approach Enables an Organic Growth of Knowledge
Module #14
Nurturing Self-Activity in Your Students
Module #15
The Waldorf Class is a Learning Community - Diverse Learners/ Differentiated Learning
Module #16
Building a Learning Community - Assessment and Reporting in Waldorf Schools
Module #17
Connecting With Parents
Module #18
The Teachers are a Collegial Learning Community - Waldorf School Governance a Basis for Collaborative Education
Module #19
Communication and Conflict Resolution: Making sure your language is restorative. (Share Resources)
Module #20
The Primary Aims of the Curriculum in Waldorf Schools
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Whole Program: $3350 CAD
6 day In Person Retreat: $1500 CAD
Twice Monthly Virtual Modules: Sept - May: $2200 CAD.
Important Enrolment Information
It is highly recommended to take the whole program, however you may:
Enroll in the full program, including both the retreat and virtual modules.
Alternatively, join the virtual modules as standalone.
We offer these options to best suit your needs and schedule!
Credit Hours & Transferring to Accredited Waldorf Teacher Training InstitutesThis program fulfills 100 hours of Foundation Study according to AWSNA guidelines for teacher preparation requirements. Credit transfer for foundation or supplementary hours requires approval by training institutes on a case by case basis. However, full credit hours are pre-approved by the following institutes:
Learn More
NEW!
Grounded in Practice
Hosted School Partnership Model
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– We come to your school to offer a 5-day, immersive foundational intensive introducing the generative principles of Waldorf Education.
– The rest of the program is virtual for 10 months of the school year -
Minimum 6 full program participants
Intensive week may include up to 12 total faculty members (additional participants at an additional cost)
Host school covers travel, accommodation, and meals
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Contact Us - for more details. Rates are in canadian dollars.
We are excited to partner with your school to explore and deepen educational practice through the generative principles of Waldorf Education.
Your Instructors
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Sarah Nelson
Sarah Nelson has been a Waldorf educator and advocate for over 27 years, serving as a class teacher, early childhood educator, pedagogical administrator, mentor, and leader within the Association of Waldorf Schools of North America (AWSNA). She holds a Master’s in Education from Antioch New England, a Waldorf Teaching Certificate, and a Bachelor’s in Adolescent and Child Psychology from UMass. Sarah works with various Waldorf schools while splitting her time between British Columbia and Maui, HI.
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Rubeena Sandhu
Rubeena Sandhu has been a Waldorf educator and principal for over 25 years. She has served on the Leadership Council of the Association of Waldorf Schools of North America (AWSNA) since 2018, and is currently the Secretary of the Anthroposophical Society in Canada. With a Masters of Education in School Counselling, a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts and a Waldorf Teaching Certificate she supports students, teachers administrators and parents to learn, develop, connect and heal.