Thank you for joining friends and colleagues for the 2024 Alliance Annual Conference, an event at which teachers, administrators, and board members from Public Waldorf schools, independent Waldorf schools, and new initiatives from across the nation gather together for renewal and unity. We will find colleagueship, connection, inspiration, new tools, and insights to take back into our work. Through a combination of seed presentations, themed workshops, and networking opportunities, we will explore aspects of our changing landscape, and how we are “navigating a new normal” in Public Waldorf Education.

Week #1: Fundamentals: Orientation and Introduction to The Essential Characteristics of Public Waldorf Education
Session One (July 10-12) offers an introduction and overview for educators who are new or fairly new to the Public Waldorf community. Designed for those who are newly working out of the Core Principles of Public Waldorf Education, these three days provide essential fundamentals including an overview of the history and global development of Waldorf education, the Core Principles of the Alliance for Public Waldorf Education, an introduction to child development and curriculum, and an examination of how Waldorf education meets the needs of the students of today. Week One will also provide a practical orientation to commonly used terms, structure of the school day, and school organization.
These sessions are prerequisites for all grades or early childhood teachers new to Public Waldorf who wish to enroll in Week #2. They are suitable for teachers, classroom assistants, Board members, and parent leaders.

Week#2: Tracks for preparation for Early Childhood, Grades 1-8, and Leadership
Session Two (July 15-19) is designed for teachers and leaders in schools working out of the Core Principles of Public Waldorf Education. It will emphasize the alignment of our Core Principles with the standards-based instruction required in public schools. The schedule is designed as a professional development experience to support and prepare teachers for the upcoming school year. Instructors are all experienced in Public Waldorf education; they will share their knowledge and experience and will invite engagement of participants. They will provide practical examples and suggest resources. Individual student support, inclusive approaches, and special education requirements will be emphasized and included. Through these workshops, cohorts specific to each grade/area form, providing an important source of support for educators. Please expect to participate in all the courses for your grade/area, as the instructors are working together to build up a complete picture. Through your work together, new friendships and networks of support will form, new insights and practical skills will be gained, and you will leave feeling refreshed and enthusiastic for a new school year. Week Two will include a cohort for school leadership and administration.
Week Two is suitable for anyone who will be teaching or providing leadership in a Public Waldorf school. Those who are new to Public Waldorf are asked to complete the Fundamentals course first.