Week 1 — In Person
June 28 - Friday, July 3, 2026
Wilton, NH
Teaching Special Subjects Classes in Waldorf Education
In-Person with Jason Child
This Renewal Course is designed for teachers of special subjects seeking deeper alignment with Waldorf pedagogy across all grades. Whether your focus is music, handwork, movement, world languages, gardening, woodworking, or other specialty areas, this course supports you in understanding how your subject integrates with the broader arc of child development and the class teacher’s work.
Participants will explore developmental themes from grades 1–12 and investigate how your teaching can consciously support academic learning, social development, and the emotional life of the child. Through practical pedagogical study, you will examine how rhythm, repetition, artistic process, and age-appropriate challenge can be woven into your lessons with intention and clarity.
The course emphasizes collaboration between special subject and class teachers, offering tools for meaningful communication, shared planning, and curriculum alignment. You will engage with lesson structure, classroom management, assessment, and differentiated instruction, all through a Waldorf lens that honors the diverse needs of mixed-ability classrooms.
Time will be devoted to translating principles into practice: developing lessons that are developmentally appropriate, pedagogically grounded, and adaptable to various school contexts. Participants will leave with renewed confidence in their role, a deeper understanding of how their work supports the whole child, and practical strategies to bring greater coherence, purpose, and inspiration to their teaching.
Jason Child has been teaching in schools ever since he completed his Master’s in Music Education in 1994. He was appointed as Music Director at the Emerson Waldorf School in Chapel Hill, NC in 2005, where he has taught 1st – 12th grade music, choruses, and bands. He has also served as the school’s College and Faculty Chair, as well as coordinator of multiple accreditations.
Jason, who served for ten years on the Leadership Council of the Association of Waldorf Schools of North America (AWSNA), is now mentor, evaluator, and consultant to Waldorf schools throughout North America. He began teaching in the AWSNA teacher training program in Cuernavaca, Mexico in 2017, was the keynote speaker for AWSNA’s Mexican schools seminar 2015-2017, and has presented numerous workshops within and outside of Waldorf circles. The father of four Waldorf students, Jason loves exploring Waldorf pedagogy with seasoned experts and newcomers alike.
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
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!