Alliance e-News

Dear Colleagues,

Summer is rapidly approaching - a number of schools have already finished their school year and many others finish this week or next (with a few going until mid-June). It has been a fast, action-packed year for most of us! If you are in the path of wild weather, we hope you and your school community have been and will remain safe.

For educators, summer typically offers a change of pace and, hopefully, more time and expansiveness for things that were put aside months ago! With that in mind, and with deep gratitude for all each one of you has done this year, we offer several suggestions for “things to do this summer”!

Above all other things, plan for self-care and rejuvenation. You have been putting out energy and care all year - it is time to refill the tanks. Take a little time before you dive into summer to consider what self-care means to you. Plan for it and schedule it in or it may not happen.
Get out in nature as often as possible and in whatever form feeds you. We know the benefits of nature and “green” for our students - make sure summer includes a good dose of “Vitamin N” (Richard Louv) for yourself. Seek out bodies of water. Water has a wonderful way of calming and encouraging reflection, and there is always so much to reflect on at the conclusion of a school year.
Take up an art practice. Maybe this is linked to your work for the upcoming year (form drawing, watercolor painting, drawing, etc.) or maybe for yourself alone. Consider a craft as well - a form of art for sure.
Spend time with friends and loved ones - and reconnect with those you haven’t had time or space for during the school year.
Consider working on one habit that you would like to change to make life easier (it takes about a month of regular practice to change a habit, so start now or soon!)
Enjoy summer’s bounty - berries, fresh corn, barbeques; which foods sing “summer” to you? Do they carry memories of your childhood?
Feed your mind: if you love novels, have them lined up and make time to get lost in them. If non-fiction suits you, do the same. Have a few titles ready to go. We would be remiss if we didn’t mention the importance of summer professional development, which can feed your mind, heart, and body. There are many offerings this summer - if you haven’t made your selection yet, you can view many of them in this edition of our E-news. We warmly encourage you to consider ours!

May the end of your school year be smooth and happy. May summer embrace you and bring rest, restoration, and renewal! Thank you for everything you have built this year.

Professional Development and Teacher Preparation

A listing by the Alliance is for information only and does not imply recommendation or endorsement. We encourage school leaders and teachers to fully research offerings before enrollment to ensure they align with their goals and needs. We recommend that you research familiarity with the unique needs and demands of Public Waldorf education. This is particularly important if public funds are used for professional development or teacher preparation.