Renewal Courses

Week-long, certificate earning professional development courses designed to nourish and inspire your body, soul, and spirit.

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Week 1 — In Person

June 28 - Friday, July 3, 2026
Wilton, NH

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Teaching First Grade:
Laying Foundations for Lifelong Learning
In-Person with Sarah Galligan

The first-grade year is a momentous and imaginative threshold. Children step fully into grade school life, encountering learning through story, movement, rhythm, artistry, and meaningful work. The first-grade teacher carries the essential task of forming a cohesive class community while laying the foundations for reading, writing, and arithmetic in a way that nourishes the whole child.

This Renewal Course offers inspiration, practical guidance, and artistic renewal for teachers preparing to meet this pivotal year with clarity, confidence, and joy.

Participants will engage deeply with the essential elements of first-grade teaching, including:

Storytelling and Imagination

Choosing and telling stories that enliven learning and speak to the developmental needs of the first grader.

Movement, Rhythm, and Sensory Integration

Circle work, games, verses, and rhythmic activities that support healthy learning and embodied understanding.

Artistic Practice

Guided drawing, form drawing, painting, chalkboard art, and beeswax modeling as foundations for academic and soul development.

Curriculum Foundations

Language arts and mathematics through Rudolf Steiner’s indications, thoughtfully adapted for children today.

Nature, Festivals, and Reverence

Integrating seasonal rhythms, nature study, crafts, and festivals to deepen connection and meaning.

Classroom Life and Social-Emotional Learning

Establishing rhythms, fostering respectful relationships, and creating inclusive classrooms that support belonging and community.

Additional Course Offerings — In-Person (Grades 1–5)

This course also includes Eurythmy with Alexandra Spadea, offering developmentally appropriate movement experiences that support embodiment, balance, and learning readiness across the grades. Participants will also engage in Teaching Music and Singing with Meg O’Dell, providing practical and inspiring approaches to cultivating a rich musical life in the classroom, as well as Artistic Engagement with Narsingh Khalsa, offering immersive artistic experiences that strengthen teaching practice, creativity, and inner renewal.

By the end of the course, teachers leave with renewed confidence, practical tools, and the inspiration to guide their class through this transformative year – laying strong foundations for learning, community, and lifelong growth.

Born and raised in New Hampshire, Sarah Galligan 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.

Portrait of Sarah Galligan
Sarah Galligan

Community Gatherings In-Person, June 28 – July 3, 2026

Community Gatherings bring together participants attending Renewal Courses and the Mentor Training Program, twice daily, at 8:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.                                               

Daily Keynote

with Carol Ann Bärtges 

Spiritual Cognition: How Wonder, Imagination, Inspiration and Intuition Inform our Work

Eurythmy

with Alexandra Spadea

Midday Community Singing 

with Meg O’Dell

Evening Events   — In Person

Monday, June 29, 2026

Evening Lecture : The Five Circles of Love and Friendship

with Kim John Payne

 “Helping students navigate their class social dynamics and adults to calibrate the complexities of collegial relationships”

Join us for an illuminating evening lecture with Kim John Payne exploring the Five Circles of Love and Friendship. This thoughtful presentation offers practical insights for helping students navigate the social dynamics of their classes, while also supporting adults in skillfully calibrating the complexities of collegial relationships. Grounded in warmth, clarity, and real-world experience, this evening invites reflection, understanding, and renewed capacity for fostering healthy relationships in both educational and professional communities.

Tuesday, June 30, 2026                                               

Affinity Group Connections

with Renewal Faculty

Join us for an engaging session of mutual support and shared wisdom. Affinity group connections are dynamic roundtable forums designed to foster collaboration, exchange, and community among Waldorf educators. These interactive sessions offer teachers preparing to enter their next grade an opportunity to gain insights, ideas, and best practices directly from colleagues who have recently completed teaching that grade.

Teachers who have just completed a grade can share their experiences, challenges, and successes, providing invaluable guidance to those stepping into new roles. These conversations are also inclusive and supportive for special subject teachers, pedagogical leaders, and anyone wishing to deepen their engagement with movement practices, arts integration, curriculum development, or broader Waldorf pedagogy. Participants leave inspired, connected, and equipped with practical strategies to enhance their classroom work and professional growth.

Thursday, July 2, 2026

Live Music and Contra Dancing

with Carey Bluhm, Gordon Peery, and Diane Goodman

Join us for a joyful evening of live music and contra dancing with Carey Bluhm, Gordon Peery, and Diane Goodman. Come move, laugh, and connect through spirited music and shared rhythm in a welcoming, celebratory atmosphere. This lively gathering offers a perfect opportunity to unwind, enjoy community, and end the day energized and uplifted for a memorable summer start.

Care for the Body, Soul, and Spirit

Attending a summer course in person offers more than just professional inspiration and community connections—it’s an opportunity for deep personal rejuvenation. Take time to relax and nurture your well-being by indulging in some much-needed self-care. Choose from a variety of wellness offerings designed to nourish your soul and body. Whether you seek quiet reflection, hands-on healing, or artistic renewal, these options are crafted to support your journey of self-care and rejuvenation. Wellness sign-up options will be available in the spring—stay tuned to secure your moments of personal renewal!
Holistic Custom Facial with Kira Atkinson
Healing Massage with Lilliana Rivera
Restorative Yoga and Meditation with Allison Kibler
Forest Bathing Explorations with Will Minehart
Guided Bird Walk with Will Minehart
Artistic Engagement for the Soul with Chenoa Pelligra

Registration Opens February 1, 2026

HOUSING & MEALS INFO & REGISTRATION

Karen Atkinson

Director of Renewal

Contact Karen directly with questions about the program.

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Testimonies from our In-Person Participants

"This Waldorf training was absolutely incredible—truly inspiring, deeply educational, and beautifully delivered. It was rich with wisdom and practical knowledge, and I felt fully supported throughout the experience. Every question I had was answered with care and depth, and I left with even more insight than I could have hoped for. I now feel renewed, inspired, and fully prepared to step into the fourth-grade year with confidence and clarity. With all the resources and guidance shared, this training has been a transformative and empowering experience. I’m so grateful for the opportunity."

"Renewal delivers every time! I come in hoping for inspiration, new materials, revisions of old material, community, new perspectives, and collective spirit - but no expectation! My inner mood is one of a mostly empty cup that’s seeking to be refilled while sharing my remaining drops with others seeking the same - and collectively that seems to happen every year. I have been in person and online and always walk away with a cup that’s overflowing! Thank you to everyone who makes these weeks possible - if only we could engage the entire world in this way it’s the salve we all need!"

"Center for Anthroposophy has been an oasis in the midst of summer planning. It has provided fuel to the flame that fosters my work as a Waldorf Teacher. From art, to singing to all of the details of content and curriculum-they have delivered it all masterfully. Bravo! I will be coming back again and again!" ~ Anna Masters

"I couldn’t have dreamt of a more potent week. (Participant from The Waldorf Journey Grades 1-12)."

"The Renewal course at the Centre for Anthroposophy is always deep and rich. Anthroposophy is reflected in the Leadership and Teachers in a living, flexible, inspiring way. I return to the Centre for Anthroposophy again and again as I prepare to meet the upcoming year of teaching, as the learning offered helps me remember what I am doing and why, and what it means to be a Waldorf Teacher." ~ Torrey MacGrego

"This program was inspiring and truly offered space for renewal. The campus is calm and beautiful, the meals were delicious and healthy, and I left feeling prepared to create for my students. Thank you!" ~ Khadeeja Abdul-Jabbar

"I am absolutely humbled and grateful for having had the chance to join a renewal course. The conversations during the meals with so many people that carry the impulse, the work out of Anthroposophy, the enthusiasm and the willingness to engage and strive to be better human beings. The course for High school and Adolescents was nothing but inspiring and helpful for my work. We had great conversations, shared, gained insights and gathered many tools for my time in the classroom. Thank You! " ~Sarah Schreck

"Gathering among fellow teachers and making new connections atop a hill surrounded by mystical mountains and deep wise forests, opens a healing space for healing education. A beautiful place with beautiful human beings where renewal takes place." ~ Alicia Chang

"Renewal offered an enlivening chance to go deep and unpack a great deal all while keeping spirits joyful. I am truly grateful for all the singing and course nourishment. Thank you." ~Bronwen Prosper

"Renewal was a wonderful course! The quality of instruction was outstanding. It felt fulfilling, meaningful, and focused. The engagement of all of the participants in our grades was wonderful and collegiate, and our cohort intends to stay in touch throughout the year."

"This year’s Renewal was truly a renewal of myself, of my teaching, of my thinking, of my ability to relate to my colleagues, my school, my students and Waldorf Education. Thank you for providing a fertile ground where good seeds for learning and teaching can take root."

I'm so excited and grateful to be in this wonderful and amazing program interacting and connecting with amazing people, I can't plan to miss the next." ~Magesa George

"A breath of fresh air that has been so inspiring!"

Testimonies from our Online Participants

"I loved how open the instructor was to hearing other people's experiences while at the same time sharing her very experienced perspective. She gave ample time for varying perspectives but always gently yet firmly brought things back to the theme of the discussion." ~ (Preparing for Grade 6 Participant)

"The Instructor was energetic, confident, sure of her materials and ready for all of our questions and concerns. She was upbeat, positive, and honest - it was like having a real conversation in real time…I am so hopeful to return to meeting her and all the amazing instructors in person." ~ (Preparing for Grade Two Participant)

"This online renewal course is incredible. The instructors are so talented and inspiring, they bring joy and community as if we were all sitting in one room. All instructors contribute a wealth of support material, so I feel very well equipped to tackle my next grade! Thank you!" ~ Susanne Hoover

"While I greatly miss the chance to travel to the beautiful place in the world, CfA Renewal calls home in Wilton, NH, I feel that the faculty has done an amazing job of bringing the enriching experiences of renewal as fully as possible to this online format. In this way, renewal is now accessible to so many more of us bringing diversity and great conversation to our renewal classrooms. This week is invaluable to me, my teaching and my students. Thank you so much to everyone for all their work to make this amazing week possible!"

"This course provided a wonderful shift in perspective in how to approach challenging topics with a truthful, broad perspective, while staying in line with the intention of Waldorf education. I am really looking forward to the coming year."

"Great experience, even for seasoned teachers. It is always refreshing to connect with others who are doing this work."

"Renewal Course is such a wonderful opportunity to deepen my work in Waldorf Education. I greatly appreciate the amazing faculty that make it possible. This year I am incredibly grateful for the experiences with Robyn Brown who brought a depth and richness that healed a part of my heart and moved my work in the world to another level. Thank you for all of your efforts and pray for many more to come! "~ Amber Melody

"I am walking out of this week with a deeper sense of where I am going and where I need to be."

"Highly inspiring! Enough enthusiasm to go back to the world."

Housing options on campus are now full.
Lodging is available at Franklin Peirce University nearby.

Other Notes

  • Financial Aid – Limited scholarships available, please contact program director using the contact form below.
  • Cancellations – Requests received at least 30 days before the registration deadline will result in a full 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. 
  • Financial Aid – Limited scholarships available, please contact program director using the contact form above.
  • Cancellations – Requests received at least 30 days before the registration deadline will result in a full 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.