Foundational Anthroposophy and Waldorf
Journey School is proud to offer a three-year Waldorf certification program. This program is built on the foundation of Rudolf Steiner’s Anthropological teaching and pedagogical view of child development through the grades with emphasis on foundational Waldorf teaching practices and implementation in the classroom. This program is open to all, with the primary focus for Waldorf-based charter school teachers.
3 Year Rotational Program
- 3 week-long summer sessions, 1 week each year of the program
- 6 half-day Saturday sessions throughout the school year
- Monthly study meetings
- Semester and /or year long themes
- Students can join at any time and continue until the rotation meets where they joined.
Emphasis in Year 1:
- Kingdom of Childhood – Large group guided book study
- 3- fold / 4-fold Human Being
- Curriculum Spiral through the grades K-8
- Fairytales to Biographies
- Biography Work
- Speech
- Form Drawing – Through the grades
- Artistic work – through the grades
- Handwork project -(Saturday Sessions)
- Movement
- Morning Lesson 3 day / 2 day rhythm
- Connecting with a mentor
- Observations through the grades
Emphasis in Year 2:
- Study of Man / Practical Advice – Large group book study
- History of Anthroposophy / Steiner
- Deepening of Year 1: 4-fold Human Being, and Biography work
- Temperaments
- Storytelling
- Speech
- Movement
- Music
- Festivals deepening understanding /purpose and diversity
- Chalkboard Drawing / pastels
- Small group Book Studies – options will be suggested
- Mentoring – individual and small grade alike groups
- Solidifying and responding to the needs of the children before us
- Curative work – movement
Emphasis in Year 3
- Study of Man / Practical Advice Continued and deepening
- Deepening understanding based upon group needs
- Action Research Projects
- Artistic work
- Movement / Dance
- Music
- Handwork project
- Mentoring
- Small Group Book studies
Facilitators Will Include:
Kelly Larson, Shelley Kelley, Lee Sturgeon Day, Gaylen Corbett, Joy Halverson, Jill Murphy, Lou Harvey Zahra, Patti Connolly, Janet Langley
Kelly Larson grew up in Riverside, California, riding her horse through orange groves, running through the fields with her younger brothers, and teaching younger children how to swim. Ms. Larson loves music, singing, bike riding, scuba diving, traveling, and theater. For t23 years, Ms. Larson lived in Minnesota experiencing seasons, performing at the Renaissance Festival, and growing as an educator.
Mrs. Larson has taught in a variety of schools for 25 years. Among her academic achievements are a BA from CSU San Bernardino, a BS in Elementary Education from University of Minnesota, a Middle School Teaching Certificate from Hamline University, a Masters of Education in Teaching and Learning from St. Mary’s University, a Waldorf Certification from Arcturis in Chicago, various Waldorf training and conferences, and level one training in Orton-Gillingham–a tutoring phonics program.
Mrs. Larson served as a public school teacher in California and Minnesota for 13 years, as an adjunct professor for St. Mary’s Master of Education program for 9 years, and for the past 12 years she taught at City of Lakes Waldorf School where she graduated two classes–the first class starting in 7th grade and the second class for an entire eight year journey. As Ms. Larson concluded her second year with her newest group of students, she made the difficult decision to say goodbye to her rising third graders and return to California to be closer to her family.
“Through the years, I have cultivated many beliefs about education. I believe each child is an individual to be recognized and cherished and that it is my responsibility to provide an educational setting which allows them to explore and grow their physical, creative, emotional, and intellectual selves. I strive to awaken feelings of responsibility, respect, humor, and reverence while providing a source of strong community. My strength as a teacher tends towards developing a healthy relaxed social environment that allows children to learn and grow.
“I am inspired by the possibilities a Waldorf education provides young people. I have found that the foundations of the Waldorf curriculum meet the growing child with creativity, imagination, and precision for what they are experiencing in the moment. Waldorf curriculum has the potential to develop–within each child– the skills and knowledge children need to become world citizens in the society of their future. It is a healthy, beautiful, educational journey; one I am proud to have the opportunity to share with you and your child.”
Shelley Kelley joined the Journey Faculty in 2011 and feels it is a great honor to lead as an Education Director. Before teaching at Journey School, Ms. Kelley was an educator for 12 years after completing undergraduate studies in philosophy at the University of Portland. She then went on to earn a Master’s Degree and Teaching Credential from Lewis and Clark. Ms. Kelley also possesses a Teacher Certification in Waldorf Education.
In 2014, Mrs. Kelley was honored by The Wyland Foundation, Toyota, and KCBS2/KCAL9 as an “Earth Month Hero.” She was one of only five Southern California teachers selected for inspiring students through environmental education.
