What is Waldorf Education?
What is Waldorf?
Perhaps you've heard the name Waldorf education, or seen glimpses of the beautiful classrooms: children deeply engrossed in watercolor painting, knitting, or the rich rhythm of a story being told. What truly lies at the heart of Waldorf, and why, in an ever-accelerating world, does this approach continue to thrive?
The Heart of the Curriculum: Head, Heart, and Hands
At its core, Waldorf education is about nurturing the whole child, including soul and spirit. It's not simply about filling young minds with facts; it's about awakening their capacities and strengthening their will. We believe that true learning engages the head, heart, and hands. This holistic approach creates a beautiful tapestry:
• Family & Values: Our classrooms act as an extension of the home, fostering respect, empathy, and a strong moral compass.
• Festivals: Seasonal celebrations—like Michaelmas, Martinmas, and May Day—are the heartbeat of our year. They foster gratitude, a sense of belonging, and a deep connection to the spiritual rhythms of the earth.
• Art & Science: Art isn't a "special" here; it is the medium through which we learn. We paint the mood of a story and draw geometric forms to understand math.
• Academic Rigor: Our curriculum is incredibly robust. We introduce concepts when a child is developmentally ready, leading to deeper comprehension rather than rote memorization.
The Teacher’s Path: A Commitment to Lineage and Craft
In Waldorf education, there is a saying from the founder of Waldorf education: Dr. Rudolf Steiner that half the curriculum is what the teacher brings, and the other half is what lives within the students, waiting to be nourished or satiated. Steiner largely taught through lectures and this method of teaching, as a method of oral communication from teacher to student has continued within Waldorf education. Due to the twofold curriculum, it is a living curriculum so Waldorf teachers are lifelong students themselves, constantly perfecting their craft of delivery and refining their ability to scan and analyze the needs of each individual child and taking each child into meditation as a means of seeing what each child requires during the school day. As Arthur Auer said, the subterranean curriculum of Waldorf is relationships so the class teacher is traditionally with the class from grades 1-8, providing rich opportunities and steadiness for the families, children, and teacher to grow.
This depth of teaching cannot be found in a vacuum. Being "self-taught" through books, blogs, or social media alone is not in alignment with Waldorf culture. True Waldorf training requires working in community with faculty—in person and in some cases online through accredited programs. This ensures that the sacred traditions are passed down correctly and that growth is fostered for generations to come, and our community of educators grows.
At conferences, teachers often share and ask, "Who taught you?" or “where did you receive training?” As many fellow Waldorf teachers I’ve had the pleasure of meeting over the years have shared the brilliance of their mentors and teachers, my own journey has also been guided by master teachers as well, whom many are also authors, that have dedicated their lives to this work. My practice is rooted in the wisdom of mentors such as:
• Torin Finser, renowned author of School as a Journey.
• Karine Finser, founder of the Waldorf Healing Institute.
• Arthur Auer, author of Learning about the World through Modeling.
• Elizabeth Auer, author and expert in Waldorf creative arts.
• Carla Comey, former administrator and teacher trainer.
• Julia Kerr, former teacher at Kimberton and High Mowing.
• Geraldine Kline, former administrator at High Mowing.
• Adria Osgood, former handwork teacher at High Mowing.
• Alison Henry, seasoned Waldorf educator and mentor.
In my case, I received my Waldorf teacher certification from the robust Antioch University of New England program where I chose the Master’s of Education track in order to complete a thesis project that would add more research to the Waldorf community.
A Waldorf teacher's ongoing development is supported by accredited programs and the Center for Anthroposophy based in Wilton, NH, on the beautiful grounds of High Mowing School, as well as conferences and programs at institutions provided by AWSNA (Association of Waldorf Schools of North America). For us in Michigan, a wonderful option is the Great Lakes Waldorf Institute.
Why Waldorf Works: The Research Supports It
While the beauty of a Waldorf classroom speaks for itself, modern research affirms its effectiveness:
• Critical Thinking: A study by the Waldorf Research Institute (2007) found that graduates consistently demonstrate superior critical thinking skills, creativity, and a high degree of social responsibility.
• Cognitive Development: Research in the Journal of Cognition and Development (2010) found that Waldorf students exhibited greater imaginative play and stronger narrative skills, which are foundational for complex literacy.
• Academic Success: Studies by the Research Institute for Waldorf Education (2013) show that while Waldorf students may start certain subjects later, they match or exceed the performance of their peers in conventional settings by the time they reach high school.
• Global Citizenship: The European Council for Steiner Waldorf Education (2015) found that alumni are more likely to pursue diverse, entrepreneurial careers and remain highly engaged, lifelong learners.
In Waldorf education, we are planting seeds for a vibrant, meaningful life. By educating the whole human being, we prepare students not just for the next test, but for the world.