Harnessing Waldorf to Construct Educational Possibilities: Challenges and Opportunities

Session Type: Symposium

Abstract

Building on the growing body of research on equitable learning environments (ELEs) and scale (see Coburn, Higgs & Morel, 2023), this symposium spotlights Waldorf education, the oldest progressive reform movement dedicated in its founding charter to dismantle inequity and construct educational possibilities. The session’s purpose is to explore the challenges, opportunities and lessons learned, through Waldorf as case, with particular attention to serving culturally, linguistically and socio-economically diverse students and to enable conditions to disrupt the reproduction of inequities. Symposium papers examine curriculum, professional development, caregiver community, and instruction through hero’s journey storytelling to advance efforts to conceptualize, design and study ELEs and scale. The session invites spirited dialogue and a shared focus on areas for further research and action.

Sub Unit

• SIG-Holistic Education

Chair

• Bruce Uhrmacher, University of Denver

Papers

• Waldorf Education With Racial Justice as a Core Principle: A Curriculum Implementation Study - Kenya Strong, Kenya's Coaching

• Scaling Equitable Learning Environments Through Professional Development, Challenges, and Opportunities: A Waldorf Case Study - Melanie Reiser, Association of Waldorf Schools of North America; Ida Oberman, Alanus University of Arts and Social Sciences

• EnCompass Four Corners Caregivers Connections: Cultivating a Nexus of Learning and Love - Monique Brinson, EnCompass Four Corners

• Harnessing Waldorf Story Methods to Move From Perceived Helplessness to Hero’s Journey: Challenges and Opportunities - Allegra Alessandri Pfeifer, California Department of Education; Ida Oberman, Alanus University of Arts and Social Sciences

Discussant

• Bruce Uhrmacher, University of Denver