Getting Out of Their Way? Fostering Creativity, Imagination and Initiative in Today’s Adolescents

What does it mean to an adolescent to be creative? How can we, as teachers, make the space for and mood to foster creativity? What would allow our students to take initiative and bring to life ideas never before thought?

It is possible that now we are called to challenge the students, provide the materials they need—and then to stand aside as they discover the world for themselves. What would it look like in our classrooms if we were advisors, not evaluators; if our students acted as peer reviewers and “graded” each other? If failure were seen as just another possibility on the way to understanding? If teachers and students actively engaged the unknown—together?

Joan Caldarera and Jon McAlice will lead morning sessions exploring aspects of inner development, individuality and presence in adolescents. Afternoons will be focused on practices for increasing self-directed activity in the various disciplines.

Upper School Teachers are welcome and encouraged to attend!!!

The cost of the workshop, including food is $150, payable on registration for teachers from non-participating schools. If you teach at the San Francisco Waldorf School, the Waldorf School of the Penninsula or Summerfield, your school is contributing to cover your costs. Scholarships are available.