Intuition and Innovation in Waldorf Schools: Exploring New Impulses

Intuition is the source for all truly new innovations.  How do we begin to cultivate the quality of new thinking in ourselves as teachers and also in our students?  Although the foundation of Waldorf Education upholds theses ideals, how do we activate our own inner activity to bring these qualities to life?

Keynote speaker Michael D’Aleo explores ways in which Waldorf teachers can apply a phenomenological approach to their own teaching to  bring freshness and innovation to the Waldorf classroom.  A phenomenological outlook in teaching helps teachers stay tuned in to the needs of the children and avoid an automatic, routine approach that may not be truly connected to the children’s needs.  Michael encourages teachers to push themselves into new areas of the Waldorf curriculum, and he will explore some personal tools that are helpful in that process.

Participants will also choose two workshops. These are presented by teachers who are striving to develop some of the more subtle approaches that might be included in a Waldorf Curriculum in the shape of new blocks, new approaches to integrate in the classroom, or new ways of understanding how Waldorf education meets the growing child.

Participants also choose from a variety of workshops, including:

• The Unintended Effects of Electromagnetics (wireless signals) on the Human Being
• Nurturing and Rhythmical Extended Day Programs in the Kindergarten
• Educational Support in the Classroom
• Sexuality Education in Waldorf Schools
• Governance Innovations: The Threefold Leadership Team
• Professional Development through Accreditation
• A Vital Practical Arts Program
• Marketing as Effective Communication
• Eurythmy: How Shall We Move to find Intuition?
• Singing in the Mood of the Fifth
• Administration Rountable

Michael D'Aleo is a founding member of the Saratoga Experiential Natural Science Research Institute (SENSRI) in Saratoga Springs, New York and is the Director of Research.  He was a co-founder of the high school at the Waldorf School of Saratoga Springs where he teaches physical science and mathematics.  Mr. D’Aleo is also an instructor of Waldorf School physical science teachers at The Center for Anthroposophy in Wilton New Hampshire as well as a guest teacher at various teacher training institutions.  He is the cofounder of, and leads the successful 6^th, 7^th and 8^th grade science teacher training, Teaching Sensible Science.