Transformational Teaching: Waldorf-Inspired Methods in the Public School

by Mary Goral

We have the power to transform our public schools―not through government mandates or the newest “teacher-proof” text series, and not through what many educators call “best practices.” Our schools can be transformed by applying Waldorf-inspired practices into the public-school setting. This little-known, but well established form of education can be an invaluable source of ideas and strategies to teachers, administrators, and teacher educators. Rudolf Steiner had a special interest in the education of children and saw schooling as a way to achieve social renewal. He initiated Waldorf schools to counteract certain trends of his time, which continue to move toward an increasingly mechanistic, analytical, and intellectual educational environment. Waldorf students do not learn in a fragmentary ways, nor is the curriculum prepackaged. Their education is centered in creativity and social values, forming a solid foundation for learning the skills needed to integrate into the society and the workplace. Mary Goral explores ways that Waldorf principles can be applied in public schools to educate children for life rather than simply to meet the demands of rigid, one-size-fits-all programs such as “No Child Left Behind.” She points out ways that Waldorf methods require teachers and parents to engage more fully with students, to practice ways of self-development, and to build a greater sense of community. Using the concrete example of the “Waldorf-inspired Cadre”―a group of “public-school teachers who have agreed to go on such a journey, take risks, and learn new skills along with their students”―Dr. Goral shows how teachers can bring many of the benefits of Waldorf education into the public setting, with remarkable results. Transformational Teaching provides important and inspirational reading for those who wish to transform their local public schools into places of learning that truly focus on the educational and life needs of children and the communities in which they live.

Genres: Education, Teaching, Nonfiction

168 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Dnicebear · Rating 4 out of 5]

"I have become increasingly convinced that this recovery of community is at the heart of good teaching," said Parker Palmer, and this book tells the story of good teaching, Waldorf-inspired, taking hold in Louisville Public Schools. It's been a 15-year process so far with lots of teachers and administrators playing their parts in it, and why are we waiting to do this in Oakland? (Just this month the Oakland U. School District is denying a charter to a Waldorf-inspired school.) I'm thankful to read of a community that makes this possible, and I pray for more to pop up everywhere. We need education more in tune with the Spirit than with the mind.

[Christiane · Rating 3 out of 5]

It reads too much like she wants to promote herself and her wonderful discoveries.

[Sue Lyle · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very useful overview of Steiner and Waldorf schools.

[Sue Lyle · Rating 2 out of 5]

A good overview of the Waldorf methods.