OPEN SEMINAR SERIES
These offerings will change each year since they provide us all with an opportunity to share in the fruits of current researchers whose work is relevant to us as Waldorf educators. In the next few years topics will range from the future of AI and its implications for our teaching, the nature of sleep from a medical perspective, curriculum innovation, engaging the unfolding will of our students, balance in the life of the Waldorf teacher, working with colleagues, governance and
more.
Each seminar will be online [2 1/2 hours] and will have room for reflection, possibly an artistic activity, questions and, discussion depending on the number of participants.
Cost: $35per Seminar or $150 to sign up for all 5
MIND THE GAP: What Our Students Really Need, the View of Schools Today, and How Waldorf Education Can Bridge The Gap
Presenter: Liz Beaven, EdD
Focus: EC-12th grade
We all share concerns for the future; as educators, our interest is
heightened as we have responsibility for preparing our young
people. What will they face and what will they need?
Together, we will explore the founding goals of Waldorf education and their relevance for our time. We will look at what we are experiencing in our classrooms and schools—the gifts, surprises, potential, and challenges--and how the principles and practices of Waldorf education can and must respond. We will examine the gap between prevailing views of education and what parents and teachers say students will need to meet their future. Waldorf education is uniquely situated to bridge that gap and support students today and as they voyage into an unknown future. This is an exciting task that calls for our imagination, courage, truthfulness, and a deep feeling of responsibility.
Meditation, Centering, and Relationship
Presenter: Frances Vig
Focus: EC-12th grade
Through presentation, simple observation exercises and discussion, we will look at how the practice of meditation can help us develop renewed capacities of attention and engagement with ourselves, those around us and the natural world. With this as a context will also discuss the difference between knowing about something, and knowing something.
As educators we are aware that relationship is key to learning, We also know that relationships need care and attention to thrive and deepen. Yet these very human attributes of care and attention are being challenged by our fast paced world where we are being pulled in many directions at the same time.
Let's share and discuss what it means to be centered, what it means to care, what it means to know, and how we can choose what to give our attention to.
You will need:
Colored pencils, A black rollerball or felt tip pen, A pencil, Plain paper, A pair of scissors, A clean plain brown paper bag at least 8x10, A plant or a twig, leaf or blossom, A cell phone
Human Presence and Artificial Intelligence
What Truth and Reconciliation in Canada Can Teach us About Having a Difficult Conversation
Presenter: Cathie Foote
Focus: EC-12th grade
Our Truth and Reconciliation Commission gave many “Calls to Action” to every person and organization in Canada. Over the past few years, I have been working to find my own place-
based and family history-based way into taking up some of the action to which I’ve been called as a Canadian. In these beginning steps of mine toward more truth-telling and reconciling understanding and activity, I have also come to see how Truth and Reconciliation naturally calls for conversations that are difficult. In my long-time professional life as a social worker, therapist and Waldorf school administrator, I gained a lot of experience in having difficult conversations. In this seminar, I want to explore how the learnings from truth-telling and reconciling can inform the way we approach and engage in a difficult conversation – specifically in the context of a school, where we as adults have to have many conversations that are
difficult for us.
Purposeful Work and Embracing Simplicity
OPEN SEMINAR SERIES IS BACK!
Looking for amazing online interactive presentations on timely subjects surrounding Waldorf education and the movement in general?
Click the button below and see what we have to offer!
questions? Email us: admin@waldorfteachertraining.org