Steiner school teacher

About this occupation

Steiner school teachers educate students using approaches that reflect the (Waldorf) Steiner philosophy and principles. They focus on practical, hands-on activities in the curriculum and instruct their classes in a manner that emphasises the development of the students' social, creative and artistic capacities. Steiner school teachers instruct students in similar subjects to the ones in standardised education, although using a different approach, and with the exception of a higher amount of classes focused on creative and artistic practice and theory. They use teaching techniques that support the (Waldorf) Steiner school philosophy, evaluate students' learning progress and communicate with other school staff.

A specialisation of primary school teacher.

• Teach basic skills, such as color, shape, number and letter recognition, personal hygiene, and social skills.
• Establish and enforce rules for behavior and procedures for maintaining order.
• Adapt teaching methods and instructional materials to meet students' varying needs and interests.
• Provide a variety of materials and resources for children to explore, manipulate, and use, both in learning activities and in imaginative play.
• Serve meals and snacks in accordance with nutritional guidelines.
• Attend to children's basic needs by feeding them, dressing them, and changing their diapers.

Typical education (US)

High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)

Preparation

Job Zone 3 of 5

Interests

Social, Artistic, Conventional

Top skills: Speaking, Instructing, Active Listening, Learning Strategies, Reading Comprehension, Critical Thinking

US median pay: US$38,140 a year (2025), 478,780 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.

Subjects this work relies on

How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).

• English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageVery important (3.8)
• PsychologyO*NET: PsychologyImportant (3.1)

O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.

Preparation needed

Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed

Most common education (US)

High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)

Education

Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.

Experience

Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.

Training

Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.