Why Waldorf?

Everyday I am realizing more and more that Waldorf Education is where my passion lies. My whole life has been preparing me to be a Waldorf Teacher. During the last six months I need only mention the word Waldorf or the name Rudolf Steiner, and personal connections come tumbling at me from all directions.

My first remembrances of Waldorf Education is when my younger brother, Adrian, was attending a Waldorf school up in Cedar Springs, Michigan. I didn't think about it much until years later when I spoke extensively with a family friend, Audrey, about her experiences as a Waldorf trained teacher. For hours I sat and listened, absorbed in her passion for Waldorf Education and delighting in the twinkle in her eyes as she described the role Rudolf Steiner's philosophy in her life thus far. This set my creative juices flowing. I read what ever I could get my fingers on both promoting and bashing this ever growing educational fad.

Shortly after this conversation I embarked on an exploratory adventure traveling through México. I was paying between 10-15 pesos per hour for these precious moments connected to the world wide web, but I continued my pursuit as diligently as ever. I found that Waldorf Education is a truly international phenomenon found in more than 80 countries across the world, including México. I eagerly contacted the nearest school. Goethe Elementary School is located in México, D.F. (Mexico City) and I was lucky enough to tour the premises and enjoy a delightful conversation with the woodworking teacher. He shared with me his own story as well as the history and direction of the Goethe school. I was enchanted by the soothing pastel washed walls, the aura of nature emanating from the woodwork, and the sound of the full school chorus drifting up through the patio as we sat in the faculty library. This was my first (purposeful) Waldorf experience, found right in the heart of the biggest, craziest, supposedly-most-dangerous city in the world, and it only left me with more questions and a deeper yearning to learn more.

Heading north, I contacted the Colegio Yeccan Waldorf in Guanajuato, México. There I found an even more welcoming staff, allowing me two classroom observations, tour of the premises, and even a lunch date with the English teacher. When I first arrived, there was a great commotion in the lobby where twenty or so children were practicing what I later learned to call eurythmy. They were constantly in motion, simultaneously exercising their mind, body, and heart. I sat in on the fifth grade class, where an engaging and experienced teacher led the empowered and excited children in dance, song, and main-lesson geography activities. The next day I returned and was pleased to observe the fourth grade main-lesson as well. I could feel the positive energy like the warmth of a mother's hug wrapping around me.

With each step in my path I continue to be greeted with confirmation and encouragement. With each step I feel closer to home.

When I mentioned my interest in this alternative form of education, my aunt Susan immediately handed me a book. Seven lectures from the 1920's that Rudolf Steiner gave to a room full of teachers who were planning to open a school based on his theories of anthroposophy. My godmother tells me she based her homeschooling heavily on Waldorf principles and she can't wait to talk with me more about my plans. My step-mom studied it. Another friend of the family, Pam's, bachelors thesis was a study on Waldorf Education. My uncle Ron said that he studied Waldorf Education back in the day, but wound up as a chiropractor. My aunt Kea told me she spent some time at the Detroit Waldorf School and has a stack of books I should read. My friends are interested in it, and my family supportive.

It is time for me to take a dive.




Waldorf history:
http://www.whywaldorfworks.org/02_W_Education/history.asp
Considering being a teacher?
http://www.whywaldorfworks.org/08_TeacherPrep/index.asp