with Sarah Galligan

The first-grade year is a magical journey where children take their first steps into grade school, discovering the joys of learning through stories, songs, verses, and play. As a first-grade teacher, you have the unique responsibility of uniting individual children into a cohesive class while introducing them to the foundations of reading, writing, and arithmetic. This pivotal year not only nurtures academic growth but also supports children in their development as free, spiritual, and connected human beings.

This course is designed to guide teachers through the essential elements of first-grade teaching, offering practical tools and inspiration for the classroom. Together, we’ll explore:

• Storytelling: How to choose and tell stories that captivate young imaginations.
• Movement and Rhythm: Circle activities, games, and rhythmic exercises that support healthy learning and sensory integration.
• Artistic Work: Hands-on sessions in guided drawing, form drawing, painting, chalkboard art, and beeswax modeling.
• Nature and Reverence: Integrating nature studies, seasonal crafts, and festivals to foster a deep connection to the natural world.
• Inclusive Classrooms: Creating a welcoming environment that promotes belonging and celebrates diversity.
• Curriculum Development: Understanding Rudolf Steiner’s indications for language arts and math in a contemporary context for today’s children.
• Classroom Management: Establishing rhythms, fostering respectful relationships, and supporting social-emotional growth.
• Teacher Support: Practical advice on planning the year, organizing block rotations, hosting parent meetings, and maintaining clear communication.

Participants will leave the course with a treasure trove of resources, including:

• Sample main lesson book pages, songs, poems, and activities.
  Block plans and year outlines.
• Tools for parent communication and classroom management.

A comprehensive reading list to deepen your understanding.

This course is open to everyone—whether you’re preparing to teach first grade in a classroom, at home, or online. It’s ideal for both experienced educators and those just beginning their teaching journey.
By the end of the week, you’ll not only have a wealth of practical materials but also the confidence, joy, and inspiration to lead your class through this transformative year. Join us to discover the art of teaching first grade and laying the foundations for lifelong learning.

Sarah Galligan Born and raised in New Hampshire, Sarah landed in the Monadnock Region 16 years ago to undertake Waldorf teacher training, and never left. During that time, she has held many roles working with children and families, including Director of Davis Public Library, Founding Director and Lead Teacher of Calendula Garden Children’s Center, and Kindergarten Teacher at Monadnock Waldorf School. This is her fourth year teaching first grade at Gathering Waters Charter School. Sarah holds a BA in Fine Arts from Franklin Pierce University and an M.Ed. in Elementary Education with a Waldorf teaching certificate from Antioch University New England. Sarah is inspired by an unwavering commitment of Waldorf Education to meet the needs of children today through developmentally appropriate curriculum and its creative and holistic approach. Sarah lives in Keene and loves to spend time with her family and in her garden.

Jen Persinotti

Second grade is a year of transition and awakening. Children stand on the threshold between early and middle childhood, ready to engage with a world that now reveals its contrasts—virtue and mischief, truth and imperfection. This developmental stage is rich with opportunities for growth, as second graders build on the self-assurance gained in first grade and enter new academic and emotional challenges.

Through stories, children explore the duality of human nature. Stories about heroic individuals and fables introduce lessons of virtue and folly, offering a safe and imaginative way for students to reflect on themselves and their place in the world. At the same time, their academic skills take a leap forward: reading instruction deepens, writing evolves into composition, and math begins to transition from hands-on learning to more abstract concepts.

For the second-grade teacher, this year is a dynamic and rewarding challenge. The curriculum offers a harmonious blend of reverence, humor, and engaged learning, creating space for the teacher’s creativity to shine.

What This Course Covers:
This course equips teachers with the tools and inspiration needed to navigate the rich landscape of the second-grade year. Key topics include:

• Curricular Content: Selecting stories, songs, and activities that resonate with the developmental stage of second graders.
• Artistic Work: Hands-on sessions in guided drawing, form drawing, beeswax modeling, and wet-on-wet watercolor painting.
• Movement and Rhythm: Incorporating circle work and rhythmic activities to foster classroom harmony, engagement, and sensory integration.
• Festivals and Nature: Enlivening seasonal festivals and nurturing a sense of reverence for the natural world.
• Inclusive Classrooms: Creating an environment where every child feels a sense of belonging and community.
• Language Arts and Math: Exploring Steiner’s indications and adapting them for today’s learners.
• Teacher Practices: Guidance on year planning, block rotations, classroom management, and balancing the demands of teaching with self-care.

What You’ll Take Away:
Participants will leave the course with a wealth of practical resources, including:

• Sample main lesson book pages, songs, poems, and activities.
• Block plans, parent communication templates, and a curated reading list.
• Artistic projects and ideas to inspire and enrich the classroom.
• Who Should Attend:

This course is ideal for anyone preparing to teach second grade in classrooms, at home, or online, as well as those interested in Waldorf education through the lens of the second-grade curriculum. Whether you’re an experienced teacher or just beginning your journey, this course offers valuable insights and tools to lead a vibrant and successful second-grade year.

Join us to explore the heart of second grade—a year of contrasts, growth, and wonder. Together, we’ll prepare to meet the joys and challenges of this transformative year with creativity, confidence, and inspiration.

Jen Persinotti

As a second-generation Waldorf teacher and a former student of Pine Hill Waldorf School in Wilton, New Hampshire, Jen has been connected to Waldorf education from her earliest years.  She has been a class teacher at the Waldorf School of Philadelphia for eleven years, graduating the class of 2021, and now leading the class of 2029.  Jen enjoys bringing the rich Waldorf curriculum to life and is passionate about creating spaces of belonging for her students, honoring the unique gifts that every child has to offer.  She holds a BSE in Earth and Space Science from Millersville University and received her Waldorf teacher training certificate from Sunbridge Institute. 

with Kris Ritz

The third grade is a pivotal year, marked by the profound transition of the nine-year change. During this time, children awaken to a new sense of individuality, realizing they are separate from the world around them. This awakening can feel unsettling, but with the guidance of thoughtful adults and the rich Waldorf curriculum, students find reassurance and connection as they step into this next phase of their development.

Why Is Third Grade So Significant?
At this age, children begin to connect more consciously with their community and the natural world. They develop a sense of responsibility and stewardship, both for the land and the people around them. This shift in perspective is supported by hands-on, practical activities—gardening, cooking, building, and exploring local crafts like fishing or boat building—that bring the curriculum to life and anchor their learning in meaningful experiences.

What This Course Offers:
During this Renewal course, third-grade teachers will explore the deeper purpose behind each curriculum block, asking: Why is this study important at this stage of development? This guiding question shapes every aspect of the third-grade year.

Participants will engage with:

• Curricular Blocks: Stories from the Hebrew Bible, Native American traditions, and beyond.
• Daily Lesson Rhythms: Movement activities, practice work, bookwork, and storytelling.
• Practical Projects: Ideas for gardening, building, cooking, and other hands-on activities that foster connection to the earth and community.
• Artistic Exploration: Drawing forms, color blending, and other creative practices.
• Expert Insights: Deeper studies on topics like humanity’s archetypal stories, farming, and the child’s relationship to the natural world.

Who Should Attend?
Whether you are new to Waldorf education, a seasoned teacher, a homeschooling parent, or teaching online, this course offers valuable guidance, practical resources, and community support.

What You’ll Gain:

• Inspiration and Content: A wealth of stories, songs, verses, and practical activities to bring third grade alive.
• Practical Tools: Resources including documents, videos, and audio recordings to revisit throughout the year.
• Community Support: Insightful discussions with fellow educators to exchange ideas and encouragement.

Third grade is often called the “verb” year, as children become active participants in their own learning and community life. This course will prepare you to meet the developmental needs of your students, offering the tools, understanding, and confidence needed to guide them through this transformative year.

Join us for a week of exploration, creativity, and connection as we delve into the heart of third grade—building not just lessons, but a meaningful and inspiring year for your students.

Kris Ritz

Kris joined the Emerson Waldorf School community in 2008. Currently, she is enjoying a new role as pedagogical support teacher as she works with students in grades 1 – 8 in various capacities. Before returning to North Carolina, she was a class teacher at the Austin Waldorf School and spent a year at Plowshare Farm, an anthroposophical life-sharing community. Born in Upstate New York, Kris graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism. During a career in advertising, she discovered Waldorf education, returned to school, and earned a Waldorf certificate and Master’s degree from Antioch New England Graduate School. Whether supporting the efforts of the students in the classroom or working with third grade teachers as it relates to the curriculum and the developmental threshold of the 9-/10-year change, Kris is inspired by the questions, answers, and “Ahas!” that unfold while working and learning together in community.

with Irene Richardson

Fourth grade is an exciting and transformative time for students. They are grounded and capable, ready to take on new challenges, yet also awakening to differences and exploring their individuality. As their dreamy early years fade, fourth graders develop a sharper awareness of themselves and others, often experimenting with social behaviors and questioning authority. This dynamic year is filled with opportunities for self-reflection, fostering a sense of belonging, and deepening their connection to the world around them.

What Makes Fourth Grade Unique?
Through rich stories and engaging lessons, fourth graders develop the skills and understanding they need to navigate their growing independence and critical thinking. Norse and Yoruba myths provide a backdrop for exploring themes of individuality, community, and adventure. Lessons in local geography and history help students connect to their environment, while studies of the animal kingdom allow them to see humanity reflected in the natural world.

What You’ll Learn in This Course
This Renewal course provides fourth-grade teachers with the tools and inspiration to meet the developmental needs of their students. Topics include:

• Curriculum Highlights: Norse and Yoruba stories, animal studies, local history and geography, fractions, literature, grammar, form drawing, and artistic work.
• Classroom Activities: Ideas for plays, projects, class trips, and engaging lessons that foster curiosity and connection.
• Innovative Approaches: Strategies to integrate diversity, justice, and belonging into the curriculum and classroom culture.
• Practical Tools: Guidance on lesson planning, classroom management, assessment, and parent communication.
• Teacher Wellness: Tips for maintaining a healthy work-life balance and nurturing your own well-being.

Who Should Attend?
This course is for new and experienced Waldorf educators, homeschooling parents, and online teachers seeking inspiration and resources to bring the fourth-grade curriculum to life.

Fourth grade is a time of discovery, both inner and outer. As students explore their growing independence, teachers play a vital role in guiding them to see themselves as part of a greater whole. This course equips you to create a dynamic, inclusive, and supportive classroom environment while inspiring your students to embrace the adventure of learning.

Join us for a week of collaboration, creativity, and exploration as we prepare to lead our fourth graders through this transformative year with confidence and joy.

Irene Richardson

Irene is currently serving as gardening teacher and pedagogical chair support at the River Valley Waldorf School. She has served as class teacher to three groups of Waldorf students, in Princeton, Tucson, and Philadelphia. A love of mythology and folklore, the natural world, and growing things were common threads that ran through her undergraduate degree in comparative religion at Bard College, her master’s in education at Sunbridge College, and her certificate in biodynamics at the Pfeiffer Center. When she is not teaching, Irene is supporting collaborative leadership and self-development in Waldorf schools through her work as an AWSNA delegate. She is enthusiastic about the work of carrying Waldorf education forward into its second century and toward liberation for all. She balances her work life with time exploring forests and museums with her child and collecting stacks of books she hopes to read eventually.

with Jen Kershaw

Fifth grade is a time of harmony, growth, and curiosity. Students stand confidently with “feet on the ground and eyes to the heavens,” ready to embrace new academic and social challenges. They are fully engaged with the world around them, eager to explore its wonders through fresh eyes. As teachers, we meet their enthusiasm with a rich, expansive curriculum designed to support this pivotal stage of development.

What Makes Fifth Grade Special?
Fifth graders are transitioning from imagination-driven learning to a more conscious understanding of the world. They experience the joys of discovery and begin to connect their inner lives to the broader human experience. This is a year of intellectual awakening, artistic expression, and social growth.

What You’ll Learn in This Course
This course is designed to prepare educators to meet the unique needs of fifth graders with confidence and creativity. Highlights include:

• History: Explore ancient cultures, connecting the stories of the past to themes of diversity and inclusion, helping students see themselves reflected in the world’s rich tapestry.
• Geography: Expand from local studies to North America’s landscapes, biomes, and native cultures, grounding students in their connection to the land.
• Science: Dive into botany, discovering the unique gestures of the plant world and its contrast with the animal kingdom.
• Math: Transition from form drawing to freehand geometry, and delve into decimals and practical math with a sense of wonder.
• The Arts: Integrate painting, modeling, drawing, and crafts into your lessons, fostering creativity and a healthy social dynamic in the classroom.

Beyond the Curriculum

• Explore how the curriculum aligns with child development and anthroposophy.
• Gain practical tools for classroom management, parent collaboration, and building a positive class community.
• Learn how to address the diverse needs of your students while maintaining a joyful, inclusive learning environment.

Who Should Attend?
This course is ideal for classroom teachers, homeschooling parents, and anyone preparing to teach fifth grade in a Waldorf-inspired setting.

Fifth grade is a year of balance, exploration, and newness. As students grow more grounded in themselves and their world, you have the opportunity to guide them with a curriculum that inspires, challenges, and connects. This course equips you with the resources, strategies, and inspiration to create an engaging and meaningful fifth-grade experience.

Join us for a week of collaboration, creativity, and practical preparation to lead your fifth graders with energy, enthusiasm, and humor!

Jen Kershaw

Jen earned her B.A. in Acting/Theater Performance from the University of South Florida, a Masters of Science in Education from Wheelock College in Boston, Massachusetts, and a Waldorf Teaching Certificate from Antioch University New England. In the theater world, she performed with Metro Theater Company from St. Louis, Missouri, performing and teaching workshops across the United States. Jen has been teaching in classrooms for twenty – five years, first as an artist educator, then as a middle school math and history teacher, and finally as a Waldorf class teacher. For the past six years, Jen has been a member of the adjunct faculty at Antioch University New England, where she has taught classes in Math, Language Arts, and Drama. A class teacher at heart, in 2011, she joined the faculty at High Mowing School as a class teacher and with her special education degree has also served as the Educational Support Coordinator for the past seven years. In 2018, Jen completed the eight-year journey as a class teacher and recently finished seventh grade with her second class.

with Sarah Nelson

Welcome to Sixth Grade, a year of transformation and discovery! As students enter into adolescence, they bring a new desire to understand the world in practical and logical terms. They are ready to challenge ideas, seek truth, and explore how order and lawfulness shape the world around them.

What Makes Sixth Grade Unique?
Sixth graders stand at the threshold of adolescence, where curiosity meets critical thinking. They are eager to question, analyze, and connect cause and effect in history, science, mathematics, and human behavior. This new consciousness is met with a rich curriculum designed to inspire, engage, and challenge their expanding minds.

What You’ll Learn in This Course
This course equips educators with the tools and inspiration to guide sixth graders through this pivotal year:

• History: Dive into the rise and fall of empires, from the Roman Empire to the Islamic Golden Age and Medieval Europe. Explore themes of law, power, justice, and morality, encouraging students to think critically about different perspectives.
• Science: Foster curiosity with hands-on exploration of Geology, Astronomy, and Physics. Help students discover the natural order and balance of the material world through observation and experimentation.
• Mathematics: Introduce the precision and beauty of Geometry with compass work, and connect students to practical life skills through Business Math.
• Geography: Explore the relationship between people and the earth, cultivate intercultural understanding, and expand students’ awareness of the wider world.
• Arts and Projects: Enrich learning with plays, projects, and field trips that bring the curriculum to life.

21st-Century Relevance
Throughout the course, we will explore ways to innovate the curriculum with a focus on diversity, equity, and justice, ensuring that lessons are meaningful and inclusive for today’s learners.

Practical Guidance for Teachers
This course also provides practical strategies for supporting sixth graders as they develop organizational and study skills, navigate rites of passage, and transition into middle school. Discussions will include homework, class plays, student projects, and more.

Sixth grade marks the beginning of a dynamic middle school journey, where students develop the skills to think critically, act responsibly, and engage meaningfully with the world. This course prepares educators to meet these challenges with confidence, creativity, and compassion.

Who Should Attend?
Whether you are new to Waldorf education, a seasoned teacher, a homeschooling parent, or teaching online, this course offers valuable guidance, practical resources, and community support.

Join us to explore the sixth-grade curriculum and leave inspired, equipped, and ready to guide your students through this exciting year!

Sarah Nelson

Sarah graduated from Antioch University New England Graduate School more than twenty years ago. Since then she has taught at Haleakala Waldorf School in Maui, Hawaii, where she worked with students from pre-K to Grade 8. In addition to class teaching, she served as Leader for the Southern California and Hawaii region on AWSNA’s Leadership Council for several years. In 2021, after completing an eight-year journey with her class in Maui, she returned to British Columbia and currently serves as a visiting teacher and mentor.

with Alison Henry

Seventh grade can be a turbulent time for students, teachers, and parents, as students navigate shifting dynamics and the challenges of early adolescence. However, the rich seventh-grade curriculum offers an antidote to this disaffection, engaging students’ curiosity, creativity, and sense of wonder. From perspective drawing to discovering the golden ratio in nature, this year is filled with subjects that capture imaginations and expand worldviews, providing the perfect tools to meet students where they are.

What You’ll Gain in This Course
This course is designed to empower teachers with the knowledge and resources to inspire and guide seventh graders through this pivotal year:

• Engaging Curriculum Blocks: Presentations and discussions on each traditional seventh-grade block, including perspective drawing, math, history, and more. Gain fresh ideas for delivering content in ways that excite and motivate students.
• Child Development Insights: Understand the developmental shifts of seventh graders and learn how to meet their evolving needs with empathy, creativity, and innovation.
• Social Justice and Representation: Examine ways to bring themes of justice, representation, and decolonization into your curriculum to create a more inclusive and relevant learning experience.
• Creative Teaching Inspiration: Receive concrete suggestions, guiding thoughts, and practical tools to energize your teaching and spark your students’ imaginations.

Seventh grade is a turning point where students are exploring identity, questioning authority, and navigating new social landscapes. The curriculum provides a foundation to channel their energy into meaningful learning experiences while addressing their deeper questions about the world and their place in it.

Who Should Attend?
Whether you are new to Waldorf education, a seasoned teacher, a homeschooling parent, or teaching online, this course offers valuable guidance, practical resources, and community support.

Join us to explore the challenges and opportunities of seventh grade, and leave with confidence, inspiration, and innovative strategies to create a transformative year for your students!

Alison Henry

Alison is a faculty member in the School of Education at Antioch University New England, teaching primarily in Antioch’s Waldorf Teacher Education program. Alison is also a doctoral student in Antioch University’s Graduate School of Leadership and Change. Her research interests include humility in leadership, collaborative decision making, child-centered and developmentally appropriate education, and understanding the narratives that reinforce, disrupt, or heal patterns of coloniality.

Alison has recently relocated to Gig Harbor, WA to be closer to her children and grandchildren. She is deeply grateful for the privilege of traveling where her work calls her.

with Sonya Schewe

Eighth grade marks the culmination of the elementary school journey and the beginning of a new adventure. Students stand on the threshold of adolescence, ready to explore the world with curiosity, clarity, and a growing sense of self. This pivotal year is an opportunity for students to deepen their understanding of history, science, and the arts while stepping into leadership roles within their school community.

What’s in the Curriculum?

• Revolutions in History: From the American and French Revolutions to the Industrial Revolution and the U.S. Civil War, students explore the pivotal events that shaped the modern world. These studies mirror the personal revolutions taking place within each student as they build a new sense of identity.
• Biographies of Change-Makers: Dive into the lives of diverse and inspiring figures, offering students a window into the possibilities of leadership, courage, and innovation.
• Science Through Hands-On Exploration: Bring Meteorology, Physiology, Organic Chemistry, and Physics to life with engaging experiments that connect students to the natural world and scientific principles.
• Language Arts and Artistic Expression: Hone storytelling skills with short stories and creative writing, while fostering artistic talents through drawing, painting, and other visual arts.

Why This Course is Essential
Eighth grade is a time of transformation. Students are not only mastering academic subjects but also discovering who they are and the kind of leaders they want to become. This course provides the tools, resources, and inspiration to guide your students through this exciting and complex year.

What You’ll Gain

• Practical techniques for presenting hands-on science experiments and artistic projects.
• Strategies to weave diverse voices and perspectives into history and Language Arts lessons.
• Insights into how the curriculum supports the developmental needs of eighth graders as they transition into adolescence.
• A wealth of resources and ideas to keep your students engaged, inspired, and prepared for the journey ahead.

Who Should Attend?
Whether you are new to Waldorf education, a seasoned teacher, a homeschooling parent, or teaching online, this course offers valuable guidance, practical resources, and community support.

Join us to create an impactful and meaningful eighth-grade experience—one that celebrates the culmination of elementary education while preparing students to step boldly into the next chapter of their lives.

Sonya Schewe

Sonya has a BA from Warren Wilson College in Asheville, NC, in Sociology and Anthropology.   She earned her M.Ed. from Antioch University New England, where she also received her Waldorf teacher certification in 2008. Sonya is in her nineteenth year at the Cincinnati Waldorf School teaching as a class teacher. She took her first class grades 1-8, her second class 3-8, and is currently in her fifth grade year with a class she started with in first grade. Prior to working at the Cincinnati Waldorf School, she worked as a kindergarten assistant at the Briar Rose School in Columbus, Ohio. She has been involved in Waldorf education and anthroposophy for twenty years. Sonya is the mother of three amazing children, she teaches belly dancing, she dabbles in the fiber arts, she loves drawing portraits, and loves to spend time outside in nature.

with Carol Bärtges

How can Rudolf Steiner’s The Child’s Changing Consciousness illuminate our approach to teaching and curriculum planning? This course invites teachers, school leaders, and community members to explore the developmental journey of the growing human being through an anthroposophical lens, uncovering the intentional design of the twelve-year spiral curriculum. Together, we’ll consider how themes and topics reflect and build upon each other to support students’ evolving consciousness.

What You’ll Gain from This Course

• Practical Insights: Discover how Rudolf Steiner’s insights connect directly to the subjects and blocks we teach, empowering you to approach curriculum design with greater clarity and purpose.
• Tools for Communication: Learn how to confidently articulate the foundation and structure of the Waldorf curriculum to parents, colleagues, and board members.
• Speech and Recitation Skills: Engage daily in speech and recitation exercises that free the voice, strengthen expression, and connect to content for elementary and high school classrooms—perfect for taking back to your students.
• Engaging Exercises: Reading and writing exercises will enrich our discussions and deepen your understanding of Steiner’s text and its relevance to modern teaching.

Who Should Attend?
This course is open to all teachers and school leaders, whether you’re new to Waldorf education or a seasoned educator seeking fresh perspectives. Our exploration of Steiner’s text and its connection to the Waldorf curriculum offers valuable insights for everyone.

Join us to reflect, learn, and leave with practical tools and renewed inspiration for the important work of guiding students through a thoughtfully crafted curriculum that meets their developmental needs.

Carol Bärtges

Carol has had a long relationship with Waldorf education; a graduate of the Rudolf Steiner School in New York City, she returned as a young teacher after university. For most of her career, Carol has served as a high school literature and drama teacher, with a joyful stint as a class teacher in between. She has, at various concurrent times, played additional roles, such as high school admissions director, college guidance director, upper school chair, etc. For ten years, Carol was a member of the AWSNA Leadership Council, serving as Leader for the Mid-Atlantic region.

Carol has long been devoted to higher education – she attended Williams College and after college received graduate degrees in Comparative Literature from NYU and CUNY’s Graduate Center. Academic honors include fellowships from the English-Speaking Union at Oxford University, St. Andrews University for Humanities, and more recently a DAAD Dissertation Research Grant for summer study. Carol is the co-editor of the 75th Anniversary edition of Education as an Art as well as numerous articles on education. Workshops include, “The Semiotics of High School” and “Authentic Assessment and Accountability in Waldorf Education.”       

Currently, Carol is a full-time member of the upper school Humanities department as well as the chair of her school’s faculty development committee and co-chair of the College of Teachers. Her partner of twenty years, Dan Marsch, is an upper school math and philosophy teacher at the school. In her free time, Carol is an avid gardener, hiker, and skier and spends lots of time with her four grandchildren, who live nearby.