By Bev Boyer
CfA is about to launch the fourth cycle of its popular Explorations Online program, even as the present cohort is winding down its year of foundational studies. The current group, consisting of colleagues from across the country and from around the world, has been learning together since last spring. Led by an outstanding faculty, participants have examined important topics related to Waldorf education and contemporary issues through the lens of anthroposophy. They have also enjoyed working with various arts, as well as undertaking exercises for self-development. Each class session includes at least 30 minutes of artistic activity––speech, pastel drawing, eurythmy, or singing.
Designed for parents, administrators, new teachers in public and independent Waldorf schools, as well as those teaching children at home, Explorations Online offers a rich introduction to anthroposophy and Waldorf education. Successful completion of the program satisfies prerequisites for any additional Waldorf teacher training one may wish to pursue.
The new cycle, due to start in March of this year, will follow the pattern of previous years, with the addition of some extra “office hours” during which participants will have the opportunity to meet directly online with the directors and leading faculty of the program. So far, some 300 participants have taken this year-long program since its inauguration in 2020.
As in previous years, this new cycle includes the option to sign up for a supplementary series of seminars specifically on the Waldorf high school education, starting in the spring with six Saturday-afternoon sessions on the Waldorf approach to teaching science, math, arts, and humanities, and continuing in the fall with a wide range of subjects related to the unfolding of adolescence. Click here for details of this additional option.
Participants regularly share their reactions to this program via the Chat function of the Zoom platform used for the workshops. One member of the current cohort recently wrote: “Thank you so much for this inspiring, enriching experience! I never dared to hope it could be so effective via Zoom! I absolutely love the international exchange in the breakout rooms, and I appreciate listening to presenters who I might never be able to meet in person!” (Miryam, Cohort of 2022-2023).
Others have sent us notes saying:
“I am over the moon inspired!”
“Wow! What a beautiful session! It really felt nourishing and made my day absolutely wonderful.”
“You assembled a class that was magnificent and transformative today!”
Registration is now open for the new cohort, with classes scheduled to begin on 11 March 2023. Class sessions meet for two hours on Saturday and Sunday (four hours per weekend) twice a month. Tuition for the entire program is $780, plus $185 for those electing to add the supplementary series of high school seminars. Those taking just the high school seminars pay $295 for the year-long series. For a description of this new round of Explorations, including topics and dates, click here.
We shall not cease from exploration
And the end of all our exploring
Will be to arrive where we started
And know the place for the first time.
~ T.S. Eliot, Four Quartets
