Benefits of Membership & Affiliation

VISION AND PLANNING:
The association takes a leading role in articulating its vision and developing and executing strategy to support the growth and development of Waldorf education and Waldorf schools in North America.

INDIVIDUAL MEMBERSHIP
As an Individual Member of AWSNA, you are part of a movement to improve and transform education for children throughout North America. By becoming a member of AWSNA, you will be engaging in our community and partnering with us in spreading the message of Waldorf Education. Whether you are a parent, grandparent, alum, retired teacher, or currently practicing teacher, we welcome you to join us.

SUPPORT FOR AFFILIATED SCHOOLS:
AWSNA regional leaders and delegates offer support and consultation to affiliated schools throughout various stages of their growth.

TEACHER EDUCATION LOANS AND GRANTS:
Financial assistance for Waldorf teacher education is available through the AWSNA Teacher Education Loans and Grants Program and other programs offered through teacher education institutes.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND TRAINING:
The association offers practical training, resources, conferences, workshops, and webinars for teachers, trustees, and administrative staff. Our continental conference is held each year in June.

ADMINISTRATIVE NETWORKING:
The Administrative Network of AWSNA (ANA), along with shared practices webpages and on-line networking forums, support Waldorf education in North America by fostering healthy and effective organizational, financial, and administrative practices.

ACCREDITATION:
Waldorf schools become accredited through AWSNA by completing a formal evaluation process that aims to foster continuous improvement and affirm congruence with effective practices and the Principles for Waldorf Schools.

DATA AND STATISTICS:
In partnership with the National Association for Independent Schools (NAIS), AWSNA provides members with independent school trends and statistical analysis to inform strategy and market position.

PUBLICATIONS:
In addition to its monthly eNews, AWSNA publishes School Renewal bi-annually. Other Waldorf publications are available through the Research Institute for Waldorf Education.

ADVOCACY:
Through its membership in various federal and state advocacy organizations, AWSNA provides a voice for Waldorf education aimed at preserving and promoting educational pluralism and shaping our nations' legislative and educational agendas.

MEDIA RELATIONS and COMMUNITY OUTREACH:
AWSNA promotes Waldorf education and its member schools through waldorfeducation.org, social media, through engagement with press and public media, and by offering expertise in education forums and events.

MARKETING AND MESSAGING RESOURCES:
The association conducts market research and provides members with branding, messaging, media, and advertising tools.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND FUNDRAISING:
AWSNA secures financial support in the form of foundation grants, corporate sponsorships, and individual donors for the benefit of association members.

JOB POSTINGS AND SABBATICAL LISTS:
Members may post open positions on the Waldorf education jobs page. The association provides an internal sabbatical list of teachers and administrative personnel available for mentorship, short-term or interim employment, and general school support.

STEWARDSHIP OF THE WALDORF SERVICE MARKS:
AWSNA is the steward of the following service marks: WALDORF, RUDOLF STEINER, and STEINER, registered with the US Patent and Trademark Office.

RESEARCH:
AWSNA partners with the Research Institute for Waldorf Education to support ongoing research into curriculum and child development.