JOURNALS

Exercises and Suggestions to Support the Inner Life of the Teacher

Society demands so much of our teachers today. Schools are expected to deal with a host of social needs, often without adequate funding and support. Many politicians think the solution is to raise standards through additional testing, common core curriculum, and increased scrutiny of teacher performance. The external pressures on teachers and schools are increasing each year, yet few ask the teachers, “What do you need?”

Many studies have shown that the single most important factor in education is the teacher. In Waldorf schools, teachers are encouraged to grow professionally by cultivating inner resources. This booklet is intended to encourage teachers to take care of themselves, meditate, and become a source of inspiration for our students so that together we can address the urgent needs of our time.

Torin M. Finser, PhD, is currently Chair of the Education Department at Antioch University New England, having previously led the Waldorf Teacher Education Program for eighteen years. He also serves as General Secretary of the Anthroposophical Society in America and represents the USA in international gatherings in Switzerland. He has given presentations at conferences all over the world and is recognized as a leader in the Waldorf school movement.

Finding Your Self is his seventh book. School as a Journey has been translated into many languages, School Renewal is being translated into Spanish, and Organizational Integrity will soon join School as a Journey in Chinese. Many parents and teachers around the world have found their way to Waldorf education through his books.

Available in print from Waldorf  Publications