Waldorf Leadership Development

Cultivate your capacity to serve in leadership positions.

View Option A Schedule

Option A Schedule
Explorations Online — March 12 and March 26-27, 2022
Meditative Practices and Self-Development, with Bev Boyer, with a welcome from Torin Finser, speech with Debbie Spitulnik
Explorations Online — April 9-10 and April 30-May 1
Practical Thinking and the Rightful Place of Technology, with Douglas Gerwin, eurythmy with Leonore Russell
Explorations Online — May 14-15
Parents and Community in a Waldorf School, with Torin Finser and Karine Munk Finser, pastel drawing with Karine Munk Finser

Leadership Seminar — Saturday, May 14, 2022 3:00 – 4:15 p.m. ET (virtual)

Karen Atkinson and Torin Finser – Orientation to the program. Presentation on agreements as a basis for productive collaboration.

Leadership Intensive — Monday, June 27th – Thursday, June 30th 12:45-5:35 (virtual)

Daily presentations by Torin Finser on karmic connections, followed by breakout group discussions, and hygienic eurythmy with Leonore Russell. Special guests include, Connie Stokes, David Barham, Emily Merchant, and Chiaki Uchiyama

  • Group Dynamics and Leadership Styles
  • Communication and Role Clarity in a Waldorf School
  • Difficult Conversations and Working with Conflict in the Workplace
  • Leadership and Initiative
  • Learning to “Read” the Biography of a Waldorf School
  • Navigating Pedagogical Leadership – Roles, Responsibilities, Communication
  • Building for Success: The Founding and Early Years of a Public Waldorf School

Leadership Seminars — Saturdays from 3:00 – 4:15 ET (virtual)

9/10 Special Guest Presentation

9/24 Special Guest Presentation

Explorations Online — September 10-11 and September 24-25
Meeting the Social and Emotional Needs of Children Today, with Kim John Payne, eurythmy with Leonore Russell
Explorations Online — October 1-2 and October 15-16
Healing the Hurt: Learning to Support Each Other as Advocates for Social Justice, with Heather Scott, singing with Meg Chittenden

Leadership Intensive — Keene, NH (in-person)
October 7-11 th, Friday 6:30 p.m. – Tuesday 11 a.m.

Torin Finser, Karen Atkinson, Leonore Russell, Karine Munk Finser, Michal Noer and Guest Presentations

10/7 Collaborating Together – Faculty, Board, and Administration

10/8 Leadership and Followership

10/9 Decision Making as a Litmus Test for Leaders

10/10 Role Clarity and Authority

10/11 Mentorship and Evaluation

Explorations Online — October 29-30 and November 12-13
Phenomenology: Learning to See with Beginner’s Eyes: Study and Visual Arts with Colleen O’Connors

Leadership Seminars — Saturdays continue from 3:00 – 4:15 ET (virtual)

11/12 Special Guest Presentation

12/3 Special Guest Presentation

12/17 Special Guest Presentation

1/14 Special Guest Presentation

1/28 Special Guest Presentation

2/11 Special Guest Presentation

2/25 Special Guest Presentation

Explorations Online — December 3-4 and December 17-18
Temperaments and Learning Styles, with Carla Beebe Comey, speech with Debbie Spitulnik
Explorations Online — January 14-15 and January 28-29
Overview of the Waldorf Grades Curriculum: A Renewed Pedagogy for our Time, with Alison Henry and guest presenters, singing with Meg Chittenden
Explorations Online — February 11-12 and February 25
Innovation Through Anthroposophical Initiatives, with Karen Atkinson and Bev Boyer, speech with Debbie Spitulnik

Leadership Intensive, Keene — NH (in-person)
Friday, April 21, 2023 6:30 pm – Tuesday, April 25th 11 am

Torin Finser, Karen Atkinson, Leonore Russell, Karine Munk Finser, Michal Noer

  • Introduction to Case Studies and Framing Perspectives
  • 12/17 Special Guest Presentation
  • Organizational Trauma
  • Strategic vs Tactical and Working with Resistance
  • Student Presentations

View Option B Schedule

Program Opening

Saturday, May 11, 2024, 3:00-4:15 ET, online

Orientation with Program Coordinator, Karen Atkinson
Presentation on Agreements with Program Director, Torin Finser

Summer Intensive

Monday, July 1 - Thursday, July 4, 2024, 1:00-5:00 ET, online, Monday, July 1, 2024

Orientation with Program Coordinator, Karen Atkinson
Presentation on Agreements with Program Director, Torin Finser

Program Opening Saturday, May 11, 2024, 3:00-4:15 ET, online

Leadership Seminar, Saturday, May 14, 2022 3:00 – 4:15 p.m. ET (virtual)

Karen Atkinson and Torin Finser – Orientation to the program. Presentation on agreements as a basis for productive collaboration. June 26th to July 1st (virtual)

Leadership Intensive, Monday, June 27th – Thursday, June 30th 12:45-5:35 (virtual)

Daily presentations by Torin Finser on karmic connections, followed by breakout group discussions, and hygienic eurythmy with Leonore Russell. Special guests include, Connie Stokes, David Barham, Emily Merchant, and Chiaki Uchiyama

  • Group Dynamics and Leadership Styles
  • Communication and Role Clarity in a Waldorf School
  • Difficult conversations and working with conflict in the workplace
  • Leadership and Initiative
  • Learning to “Read” the Biography of a Waldorf School
  • Navigating Pedagogical Leadership – Roles, Responsibilities, Communication
  • Building for Success: The Founding and Early Years of a Public Waldorf School

Leadership Seminars, Saturdays from 3:00 – 4:15 ET (virtual)

9/10 Special Guest Presentation

9/24 Special Guest Presentation

Leadership Intensive, Keene, NH (in-person)
October 7-11 th, Friday 6:30 p.m. – Tuesday 11 a.m.

Torin Finser, Karen Atkinson, Leonore Russell, Karine Munk Finser, Michal Noer and Guest Presentations

10/7 Collaborating Together – Faculty, Board, and Administration

10/8 Leadership and Followership

10/9 Decision Making as a Litmus Test for Leaders

10/10 Role Clarity and Authority

10/11 Mentorship and Evaluation

Leadership Seminars, Saturdays continue from 3:00 – 4:15 ET (virtual)

11/12 Special Guest Presentation

12/3 Special Guest Presentation

12/17 Special Guest Presentation

1/14 Special Guest Presentation

1/28 Special Guest Presentation

2/11 Special Guest Presentation

2/25 Special Guest Presentation

Leadership Intensive, Keene, NH (in-person)
Friday, April 21, 2023 6:30 pm – Tuesday, April 25th 11 am

Torin Finser, Karen Atkinson, Leonore Russell, Karine Munk Finser, Michal Noer

  • Introduction to Case Studies and Framing Perspectives
  • Organizational Trauma
  • Strategic vs Tactical and Working with Resistance
  • Student Presentations

Low-residency Educational Leadership Program

This highly-regarded program is designed to support independent and public Waldorf school administrators, staff, trustees, and pedagogical leaders to develop, expand, and deepen leadership skills. With a blend of face-to-face and online professional development and training, attendees build skills, capacities, and understanding of their vital roles in Waldorf schools.

What you'll experience

The program includes workshops, guided exercises, case studies, mentoring, and presentations in areas such as group dynamics, role clarity, communication, conflict resolution, navigating change efforts, strategic vs. tactical decision making, community development, and collaborative leadership among other topics brought by a stellar line-up of guest presenters.

Options

Option A: Waldorf Leadership Development Seminars + Explorations Online
March 2024 — April 2025

This option is primarily intended for educators in the early stages of their teaching or leadership careers. Participants will gain a wider and more in-depth understanding of the role of Anthroposophy and the arts in Waldorf Pedagogy.

Option B: Waldorf Leadership Development Saturday seminars and residencies (without Explorations)
May 11, 2024 – April 2025

This option is intended for experienced educators and/or administrators  as well as Explorations and Waldorf Teacher Education Program graduates.

Overview of Topics Covered in Presentations and Workshops

Leadership Development

  • Group dynamics and leadership styles
  • Management and Leadership
  • Leadership for Change: Innovation
  • Taking Initiative
  • Collaborative and change in an independent WS
  • Managing through change in a public WS
  • Above topics also covered in eurythmy in the
  • workplace and social color and clay workshops

Finances

  • Social finance
  • Fundraising
  • Board work

HR

  • Rhythms of Administration and HR
  • Professional development and
    mentoring/evaluation
  • HR best practices
  • Collegial relationships and social well being
  • Role play and small group work
  • D.Community Development
  • Building a Community of parents and teachers
  • Fostering the Cultural Sphere in 3 folding
  • Many exercises in eurythmy in the workplace

DEI

  • Working with differences/inclusion
  • DEI in the workplace
  • Facilitation

Conflict resolution

  • Communication and conflict
  • Mediation
  • The difficult conversation
  • Karmic considerations

Strategic Leadership

  • Tactical vs strategic leadership
  • Decision making
  • Change, personal and organizational
  • Planetary influences
  • Whole systems approaches
  • Oversight, Accountability, and Responsibility

Communication

  • Roadblocks to listening
  • Giving and receiving feedback
  • Working with Resistance to change
  • Copper ball exercise in eurythmy social arts

Text:
Organizational Integrity by Torin Finser

Suggested Readings:
A Simpler Way by Margaret Wheatley
The Fifth Discipline by Peter Senge
Money Can Heal by Siegfried Finser

Karen Atkinson

Coordinator of Waldorf Leadership Development Program

Contact Karen directly with questions about the program.

Name(Required)
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Who should attend

  • Newly hired school administrators and administrative staff in admissions, HR, business, development, marketing, etc.
  • Experienced administrators seeking renewal and further professional development.
  • Past Explorations and Building Bridges program graduates wishing to focus on Waldorf administration and leadership.
  • Pedagogical leaders: school directors, faculty chair, college chair, section chairs, principal (public Waldorf), and committee chairs.
  • Trustees seeking greater collaboration among school decision making groups.
  • Lead parents who wish to serve their school in present or future leadership roles.

Current and Upcoming Cycle Schedules

Current Cycle (2024-2025)

Program Opening

Saturday, May 11, 2024, 3:00-4:15 ET, online

  • Orientation with Program Coordinator, Karen Atkinson
  • Presentation on Agreements with Program Director, Torin Finser

Summer Intensive

Monday, July 1 – Thursday, July 4, 2024, 1:00-5:00 ET, online

Monday, July 1, 2024

  • Group Dynamics and Leadership Styles with Torin Finser
  • Karmic Considerations
  • Pedagogical Leadership with David Barham

Tuesday, July 2, 2024

  • Communication with Torin Finser
  • Karmic Considerations
  • Collaborative Leadership in an Independent Waldorf Schools with Sian Owen-Cruise

Wednesday, July 3, 2024

  • Conflict Resolution with Torin Finser
  • Karmic Considerations
  • Orientation to Eurythmy in the workplace with Leonore Russel
  • Founding and Leading a Public Waldorf School with Emily Merchant

Thursday, July 4, 2024

  • Collaboration: Building a Professional Learning Community with Torin Finser
  • Karmic Considerations
  • Heart Centered Governance: A Perspective on Social Health, DEI, and Renewing Impulses with Chiaki Uchiyama

Saturday Sessions

Saturday, September 14, 2024, 3:00-4:15 ET, online

  • Rhythms of Administration and Human Resources with Denese Giordano

Saturday, September 28, 2024, 3:00-4:15 ET, online

  • Collegial Relationships and Social Wellbeing with Kim John Payne

October Residency, Keene, NH

Friday – Tuesday, October 4-8, 2024, in-person, 6:30-9:00 PM

Friday 6:30-9:00 PM

  • Welcome and Overview
  • Opening Lecture on Social Architecture with Torin Finser
  • Weaving Together through Working Groups
  • Eurythmy in the Workplace with Leonore Russell

Saturday 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM

  • Management, Leadership, and Facilitating Change with Torin Finser
  • Eurythmy in the Workplace with Leonore Russell
  • Exploring Social Color Exercises with Karine Munk Finser
  • Building a Community of Parents and Teachers with Lisa Mahar

Sunday 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM

  • Leadership, Meetings and Decision Making with Torin Finser
  • Eurythmy in the Workplace with Leonore Russell
    Exploring Social Color Exercises with Karine Munk Finser
  • Fostering the Cultural Sphere in the Context of Threefold Social Order with Luke Goodwin

Monday 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM

  • Leadership, Authority, and Time Management with Torin Finser
  • Eurythmy in the Workplace with Leonore Russell
  • Exploring Social Color Exercises with Karine Munk Finser
  • Pedagogical Leadership and Professional Development with Karen Atkinson

Tuesday 8:30-11:00 AM

  • Solitude and Inner Work with Torin Finser
  • Eurythmy in the Workplace with Leonore Russell
  • Review and what to bring back to your community

Saturday Sessions

Saturday, November 9, 2024, 3:00-4:15 ET, online

  • DEI in the Workplace with Devona Stalnaker-Shofner

Saturday, December 7, 2024, 3:00-4:15 ET, online

  • Leading a Public Waldorf Charter School with Caleb Buckley

Saturday, December 14, 2024, 3:00-4:15 ET, online

  • Working with Money in Waldorf Communities with Mark Finser

Saturday, January 11, 2025, 3:00-4:15 ET, online

  • Leading a Successful Capital Campaign with Lynne Espy

Saturday, January 25, 2025, 3:00-4:15 ET, online

  • Effective Board Leadership with Valerie Colis

Saturday, February 8, 2025, 3:00-4:15 ET, online

  • Best Practices in Human Resources with Laura Cruz

Saturday, February 22, 2025, 3:00-4:15 ET, online

  • The Art of Leading a Difficult Conversation with Cathie Foote

Saturday, March 8, 2025, 3:00-4:15 ET, online

  • Make-up Session and preparing for the April Residency

April Residency, Keene, NH

April Residency, Keene, NH, Wednesday, April 23 – Sunday, April 27, 2025 in-person

Wednesday 6:30-9:00 PM

  • Welcome and Overview with Karen Atkinson
  • Opening Lecture on Perspectives and School Issues with Torin Finser
  • Eurythmy in the Workplace with Leonore Russell

Thursday 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM

  • Our Individual Double and Organizational Trauma with Torin Finser
  • Eurythmy in the Workplace with Leonore Russell
  • Facilitation with Lisa Mahar
  • Exploring Social Arts through Clay with Sylvia Borau

Friday 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM

  • How Can Leaders Work with Resistance to Change with Torin Finser
  • Eurythmy in the Workplace with Leonore Russell
  • Pedagogical Leadership; Oversight, Accountability, and Responsibility withKaren Atkinson
  • Exploring Social Arts through Clay with Sylvia Borau

Saturday 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM

  • Understanding Beyond the “Presenting Phenomena”: Karmic Considerations with Torin Finser
  • Eurythmy in the Workplace with Leonore Russell
  • Preparing presentations from work groups on school issues/perspectives
  • Exploring Social Arts through Clay with Sylvia Borau

Sunday 8:30-11:00 AM

  • Participant Presentations on School Issues and Perspectives
  • Eurythmy in the Workplace with Leonore Russell
  • Review of weekend and program
  • Program Closing (Graduation) with Torin Finser and Karen Atkinson
Upcoming (2025-2026)

Program Opening

Saturday, May 10, 2025, 3:00-4:15 ET, online

  • Orientation with Program Coordinator, Karen Atkinson
  • Presentation on Agreements with Program Director, Torin Finser

Summer Intensive

Tuesday, July 1 – Thursday, July 3, 2025, 1:00-5:00 ET, online

Tuesday, July 1, 2025

  • Group Dynamics and Leadership Styles with Torin Finser
  • Karmic Considerations
  • Collaborative Leadership in an Independent Waldorf Schools with Sian Owen-Cruise

Wednesday, July 2, 2025

  • Conflict Resolution with Torin Finser
  • Karmic Considerations
  • Orientation to Eurythmy in the workplace with Leonore Russel
  • Founding and Leading a Public Waldorf School with Emily Merchant

Thursday, July 3, 2025

  • Communication and Community Development with Torin Finser
  • Karmic Considerations
  • Heart Centered Governance: Heart Perspective on Social Health, DEI, and Renewing Impulses with Chiaki Uchiyama

Saturday Sessions

Saturday, September 13, 2025, 3:00-4:15 ET, online

  • Rhythms of Administration and Human Resources with Denese Giordano

Saturday, September 27, 2025, 3:00-4:15 ET, online

  • Collegial Relationships and Social Wellbeing with Kim John Payne

October Residency, Keene, NH

Friday-Tuesday, October 10-14, 2025, in-person

Friday 6:30-9:00 PM

  • Welcome and Overview with Karen Atkinson
  • Evening Lecture on Social Architecture with Torin Finser
  • Weaving Together through Working Groups
  • Eurythmy in the Workplace with Leonore Russell
  • Saturday 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM

Management, Leadership, and Facilitating Change with Torin Finser

  • Eurythmy in the Workplace with Leonore Russell
  • Exploring Social Color Exercises with Karine Munk Finser
  • Pedagogical Leadership and Professional Development with Karen Atkinson

Sunday 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM

  • Meetings, Facilitating Consensus, Decision Making with Torin Finser
  • Eurythmy in the Workplace with Leonore Russell
  • Exploring Social Color Exercises with Karine Munk Finser
  • Pedagogical Leadership with David Barham

Monday 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM

  • Authority, Role Clarity and Time Management with Torin Finser
  • Eurythmy in the Workplace with Leonore Russell
  • Exploring Social Color Exercises with Karine Munk Finser
  • Building a Community of Parents and Teachers with Lisa Mahar

Tuesday 8:30-11:00 AM

  • Solitude and Inner Work with Torin Finser
  • Eurythmy in the Workplace with Leonore Russell
  • Review and what to bring back to your community

Saturday Sessions

Saturday, November 15, 2025, 3:00-4:15 ET, online

  • DEI in the Workplace with Devona Stalnaker-Shofner

Saturday, December 6, 2025, 3:00-4:15 ET, online

  • Leading a Public Waldorf Charter School with Caleb Buckley

Saturday, December 13, 2025, 3:00-4:15 ET, online

  • Working with Money and Social Finance with Mark Finser

Saturday, January 10, 2026, 3:00-4:15 ET, online

  • Leading a Successful Capital Campaign with Lynne Espy

Saturday, January 24, 2026, 3:00-4:15 ET, online

  • Effective Board Leadership with Valerie Colis

Saturday, February 7, 2026, 3:00-4:15 ET, online

  • Best Practices in Human Resources with Laura Cruz

Saturday, February 21, 2026, 3:00-4:15 ET, online

  • The Art of Leading a Difficult Conversation with Cathie Foote

Saturday, March 7, 2026, 3:00-4:15 ET, online

  • Whole Systems and the Karma of Leadership with Torin Finser

April Residency, Keene, NH

April 2026 Residency Dates TBD

Friday, April TBD, 2026

  • Welcome and Overview with Karen Atkinson
  • Opening Lecture on Perspectives and School Issues with Torin Finser
  • Eurythmy in the Workplace with Leonore Russell

Saturday, April TBD, 2026

  • Our Individual Double and Organizational Trauma with Torin Finser
  • Eurythmy in the Workplace with Leonore Russell
  • Pedagogical Leadership; Oversight, Accountability, and
  • Responsibility with Karen Atkinson
  • Exploring Social Arts through Clay with Michal Noer

Sunday, April TBD, 2026

  • How Can Leaders Work with Resistance to Change with Torin Finser
  • Eurythmy in the Workplace with Leonore Russell
  • Fostering the Cultural Sphere in the Context of  Threefold Social Order with Luke Goodwin
  • Exploring Social Arts through Clay with Michal Noer

Monday, April TBD, 2026

  • Understanding Beyond the “Presenting Phenomena”:
  • Karmic Considerations with Torin Finser
  • Eurythmy in the Workplace with Leonore Russell
  • Social Arts through Clay with Michal Noer
  • Meeting Facilitation with Lisa Mahar

Tuesday, April TBD, 2026

  • Participant Presentations on School Issues and Perspectives
  • Eurythmy in the Workplace with Leonore Russell
  • Review of weekend and program
    Program Closing (Graduation) with Torin Finser and Karen Atkinson

Option A: $3,475 Waldorf Leadership Seminars, plus Explorations Online

Option B: $2,600 Waldorf Leadership Seminars only.

For past Exploration and Waldorf Teacher Ed program graduates as well as Experienced Teachers.*

*If you have 5 or more years of experience in a Waldorf school as a teacher or other pedagogical role, or you have previously taken and graduated from the Explorations program (or other foundational studies) or Waldorf teacher education, you may opt out of the Explorations sessions and just take the administrative courses: Saturday online seminars from 3:00-4:15 p.m. and three intensives; July, October, and April. *Note: October and April intensives will take place in-person, in Keene, NH.

For schools interested in sending a delegation of 3 or more participants, please contact us for a discount.

Acceptance  is on a first come first served basis and space is limited. We strongly suggest early registration. 

For more information contact:

Karen Atkinson, Program Coordinator
email Karen

For registration assistance contact:

Milan Daler, Administrator
email Milan or call (603) 654-2566

Limited Financial Aid is available upon request. To inquire, please fill out and submit the form below.

Waldorf Leadership Development Financial Aid Application

Name
Address

Next three questions for teachers and school staff only:

All applicants:

Your annual family income:(Required)
Do you intend to pursue Waldorf Teacher Training upon completion of this course?(Required)
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

An enrolled student may withdraw from the program upon written request to milan@centerforanthroposophy.org. Such a request must be received at least 30 days prior to the beginning of the program in order to receive a refund (less $75 cancellation fee). No refunds will be granted if cancellation is received within 30 days of the program start date or while in session.

Waldorf Leadership Development Seminars and Explorations Online Descriptions

Waldorf Leadership Development

Through a combination of virtual and in-person classes, participants will engage in seminars designed to cultivate the capacities needed for serving in leadership positions. Beginning in May 2024, participants will attend a program orientation online, followed by a one-week online intensive from July 1-4, 2024. Virtual meetings will continue twice monthly during the 2024-25 school year, with the addition of two in-person, long weekend intensives held in Keene, NH; October 2024 and April 2025.

Explorations Online

Explorations takes up burning current topics along with contemplative studies and the practice of the arts through anthroposophy as a method of inquiry. This online course is offered as a supplementary seminar designed to support and inspire both independent and public Waldorf school administrators and pedagogical leaders. Exploration classes meet twice monthly during the school year beginning in March 2024. 

Program Leadership

Portrait of Torin Finser

Torin Finser, Ph.D.

Program Director

Karen Atkinson, M.Ed.

Program Coordinator

Faculty

The guest speakers and artistic leaders:

Testimonials

“This course provides a practical and spiritual curriculum so that admin and board members can enter into the life of the school, be nourished by their participation in work that may not always be as rewarding as working with the children, and also to not feel that they have to abdicate all agency to teachers because of their lack of knowledge about Waldorf Education and Anthroposophy.” ~ Cathy O’Neill

“Torin Finser brings a heartfelt study of leadership to his Renewal students. Even over Zoom, he engages us in reflective self-awareness and our call to initiative to find the ‘light-filled center of our being’ and then to share that understanding and gifts with the world.” ~ Julie Pepe-Phelps

“This was a wonderful course that provided a deeper understanding of the organism of a Waldorf school. I will carry both the theory, and the practical applications, with me into the coming years. I am grateful to Torin, Leonore, and the many guest speakers. I made some great connections in the breakout rooms with amazing folks from around the world. Many thanks.” ~ Anya Tuton

“The thoughtful, heart-centered, comprehensive and compelling nature of this training is astounding! I sense that the time and resources invested will pay dividends for a lifetime.” ~ Elsa Dooling

“Waldorf Administration and Leadership is an invaluable course for those working in any capacity of a Waldorf organization.” ~ Karra Williams

“The Waldorf Administration and Leadership training has been an essential component of my professional path as a leader in service.”

“Waldorf administrator turn over is often high with an average of 3-5 years. This training provides the knowledge, support, and inner work to support longevity in the field and the passion to progress the movement.”

“I would highly recommend this training for leaders, not only in Waldorf schools, but anyone looking to lead with heart and compassion in their life’s work.” ~ Laura Cruz, Program graduate

Testimonials for Waldorf Leadership Development Program

“This program was instrumental in helping to weave together the threads of leadership. It was rejuvenating to explore these topics with other leaders on the continent and from international settings.”

“I am newer to Waldorf administration, coming into the role at the beginning of the pandemic. The Leadership Program has provided me with excellent resources through presentations by some of the most capable Waldorf educators, leaders, and administrators in the movement. Every presentation brought tools and information directly relevant to my work. Many of these presentations fundamentally changed or strengthened my understanding of how I can best support my school and its work. Additionally, the in-person residency in Keene, NH, offered an opportunity to connect more deeply with the other program participants, building relationships and connections with peers from across North America. In administration, we can become siloed in our schools, without many direct peers within each school. Having sudden access to many peers, learning from and supporting each other, building our knowledge together, and sharing our experiences and biographies with one another, has been a gift.”

“The administrative training is a welcome extension of the teacher training I received so many years ago. It is vitally important that the administrators leading our schools have a place to meet, to discuss their unique journey and explore how the Waldorf pedagogy is applied in this ever-changing realm. I loved the practical and the philosophical mix of materials covered in this training. The instructors came from a variety of backgrounds and brought expert insights into the conversation. The strong undercurrent of respect for the incredible challenges administrators face on a daily basis had a powerful therapeutic effect and the various topics covered met us every single time in real, practical ways but also inspired us to continue to strive towards the ideal, but without a sense of overwhelm. Healthiest professional development I have experienced in years. This training is the best gift a board could give to their administrative staff. And the best gift an administrator can give to themselves!”

“The course was extremely valuable, not only in terms of content that was highly relevant to my current administrative work, but also as an opportunity to meet others doing the same kind of work at a huge number of locations.”

“The unique element of this training for me was the support it gave me as a branch chair, a pedagogical leader still working in the classroom, but also in the realm of administration and adult relationships. Teachers train to teach, and then get thrust into being branch chairs; College chairs, committee chairs, etc., and would benefit greatly from the skills and topics covered in this course. Also, in a busy world, the rhythm of a one hour and change session every other week was really do-able and was a grounding rhythm. Finally, the opportunity this summer to participate in the work with Cherie and Petna Ndaliko, Decomposing the Colonial Gaze, was extraordinarily rich and eye and heart opening.”

“This was just what our admin team needed. A training to share and a base to build upon. Each presenter was well prepared and the use of Zoom was well handled. The addition of our live session in October, and soon in April, was also important, and the group work with the eurythmy and artistic endeavors were a wonderful balance.” ~ School Director/Administrator

“All schools, whether aware of Waldorf pedagogy or not, would greatly benefit from their teacher and administrative leaders attending this course.”

The Waldorf Administration and Leadership Development Program has been a deeply enriching and supportive series of courses geared directly to the improvement of my administrative practice for our Waldorf-inspired Charter school. There have been an abundance of amazing speakers and professionals, experienced in the various realms of school leadership. The collegiality component in small group discussions was also a huge support to me this year. This program truly serves the Head, Heart, and Hands of current Waldorf school leaders.”

“Looking for ways to improve your leadership skills working out of Waldorf principals? Public or private, an initiative or a seasoned school, the leadership training has you covered. Practical, knowledgeable faculty, financially viable in the ease of your home. This is a much needed training for anyone in leadership of a Waldorf school.”

“This program taught me so much about the value and nature of leadership in our time and what it means to take on that mantle.”

“The unique element of this training for me was the support it gave me as a branch chair, a pedagogical leader still working in the classroom, but also in the realm of administration and adult relationships. Teachers train to teach, and then get thrust into being branch chairs; College chairs, committee chairs, etc., and would benefit greatly from the skills and topics covered in this course. Also, in a busy world, the rhythm of a one hour and change session every other week was really do-able and was a grounding rhythm. Finally, the opportunity this summer to participate in the work with Cherie and Petna Ndaliko, Decomposing the Colonial Gaze, was extraordinarily rich and eye and heart opening.”

“All schools, whether aware of Waldorf pedagogy or not, would greatly benefit from their teacher and administrative leaders attending this course.”

Karen Atkinson, M.Ed.

Karen is a dedicated educator and leader in Waldorf Education, with over 30 years of experience as an early childhood educator, grade school class teacher, pedagogical leader, and adult educator. A graduate of Antioch University New England, Karen holds a Master’s in Education and Waldorf Teacher Education Certification in both early childhood and elementary education.

Karen’s commitment to Waldorf education extends beyond the classroom. She has served as the Mid-Atlantic Regional Leader on the Leadership Council of the Association of Waldorf Schools in North America (AWSNA) and as the Mid-Atlantic Regional Leader and Representative for the Waldorf Early Childhood Association of North America (WECAN). Her work in these roles has focused on fostering collaboration, supporting educators, and promoting the growth of Waldorf education.

Passionate about inspiring and supporting educators and school leaders, Karen is the Program Director of the Mentor Training Program and Renewal Courses, as well as the Coordinator for the Waldorf Leadership Development Program. Through these programs, she provides pedagogical leadership and professional development opportunities designed to meet the unique needs of Waldorf educators and leaders.

Outside of her professional work, Karen is an avid naturalist, hiker, watercolor artist, and natural foods cook. She finds joy in exploring the outdoors and preparing wholesome, health-giving meals for family and friends.