Alliance Professional Development Summer 2023

The Lake by Rick Tan, watercolor on paper

​This summer, the Alliance for Public Waldorf Education is offering a two-week professional development program for the public Waldorf community.  Syrendell co-founder Rick Tan will be teaching a four-day workshop called "Watercolor and Social Wellness".

Can watercolor in the classroom have a beneficial impact on student behavior and social development? Absolutely! Dr. Tan connects the milestones of child development through the grades with watercolor. "By attenuating the "5 C's" of watercolor painting - color, control, character, content, and connection, the class serves the growing child with learning values through the art of watercolor."

From the Alliance website:
Week 1: July 5-7 


Fundamentals: The Essential Characteristics of Public Waldorf Education


Week One of the Alliance’s Summer Professional Development is designed to provide an orientation and foundation for those new or fairly new to our work – teachers, school leaders, Board members, parent leaders, classroom assistants, and others. Over three days, we will provide essential information including an overview of the history and global development of Waldorf education, an explanation of 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. Participants will understand the importance of the role of the educator and the responsibilities that come with that, the principle of ongoing self-development, and the central role of the arts. Week One will also provide practical orientation to commonly used terms, structure of the school day, and school organization.  
Week One is a prerequisite for all grades or early childhood teachers new to Public Waldorf who wish to enroll in Week #2.


Week 2: July 10-14 


Early Childhood through 8th-Grade, Leadership and SPED/Student Support Tracks


Week Two is designed for teachers and leaders in schools working out of the Core Principles of Public Waldorf Education. 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 provide practical examples. 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. Our hope is that new friendships and networks of support will form, new insights and practical skills will be gained and that participants will leave feeling refreshed and enthusiastic for a new school year. Week Two will also include an emphasis on student support and school leadership and administration.
Week Two is suitable for anyone who will be teaching or providing leadership in a Public Waldorf school.