Renewal Courses Week-long, certificate earning professional development courses designed to nourish and inspire your body, soul, and spirit. Deepen your relationship with Waldorf education and anthroposophy, through community connections and engagement with the arts. What are Renewal Courses? Renewal Courses are week-long seminars for Waldorf educators, administrators, parents, trustees, artists, and thinkers seeking to deepen their lives through anthroposophy. Renewal Courses are professional development seminars designed for anyone seeking to learn more, while connecting with others seeking the same goal. Who can attend? Everyone is welcome! Renewal Courses are for individuals from both independent and public schools. Educators, administrators, trustees, and parents participate annually, enriching their lives as they become a part of our wide-reaching Renewal Community. How will this benefit me? Renewal Courses are deeply enriching experiences designed to inspire personal and professional growth. Participants will receive a full week of instruction as they engage with their chosen course, complete with resources designed to inspire and support them through the next school year and beyond.  At the end of the course participants will receive a 30-hour Certificate of Completion, enabling them to return to their school or community with renewed inspiration and the skills needed for serving as a Waldorf teacher, administrator, or friend of Waldorf education and anthroposophy. Tell me more! When and where can I attend a Renewal Course? Two independent week-long sessions take place each summer. Participants can choose to attend IN-PERSON or ONLINE. 2024 Renewal Program Photo Gallery new this year! Enjoy some much needed relaxation as you replenish your body and soul. Participants are invited to partake in a variety of retreat-style options including guided bird walks, forest bathing journeys, yoga and meditation classes, massage, personal facials, and immersion therapy. Available to all Renewal Course participants throughout the week. register here PRE-REGISTER TODAY! You’ll be among the first to know when registration opens! HOUSING & MEALS INFO & REGISTRATION Karen Atkinson Director of Renewal Contact Karen directly with questions about the program. WEEK 1 Rejuvenation and Inspiration: A Week-Long IN-PERSON Retreat for Waldorf Educators Sunday, June 29 – Friday, July 4, 2025 on the idyllic campus of High Mowing School in Wilton, NH Join us IN-PERSON for a week of personal and professional renewal as you replenish your body and soul. Immerse in the arts, connect with community, gather inspiration for the coming year, and take time for self-care. Offerings designed to support the inner life and renewal of educators and school leaders. Learn fresh approaches as you cultivate wisdom, and gather supportive materials and teaching resources needed for the next school year. Ignite Inspiration. Empower your teaching with fresh insights and renewed enthusiasm. Gather Essential Resources. Gain tools and strategies to enhance your practice. Cultivate Meaningful Connections. Build a network of passionate educators and leaders. Schedule And Course Details VIEW / DOWNLOAD SCHEDULE view / DOWNLOAD BROCHURE Participants choose one course for the week. Preparing for First Grade, In-Person 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. Preparing for Second Grade, In-Person 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 … Continue reading Renewal-courses