Dear colleagues and friends of the Pedagogical Section,
As is well known, Rudolf Steiner was not a fan of definitions. He provided a multitude of descriptions and characterisations for what he wanted to say. This was also his often repeated advice to teachers: characterise, don't define!
The International Council for Steiner Waldorf Education (the Hague Circle) therefore regularly characterises Waldorf education. It does so every few years in order to keep up with the times. The latest version of the Essential Characteristics of/ Guidelines for Waldorf Pedagogywere adopted at the spring meeting of the Hague Circle in Budapest. In countries without a national Waldorf association, this text is used when Waldorf schools request to be included the Waldorf World List. Many national associations have also drawn inspiration from older versions of this text for their country-specific guidelines. This paper may be translated into respective national languages, or used as a basis for self-evaluation and discussions at faculty meetings.
In addition, this newsletter includes an article by Constanza Kaliks on Rudolf Steiner and the founding of the first Waldorf school, reports from the Hague Circle meeting, and conference announcements.
Warm greetings for the summer holidays in the northern hemisphere, and for the middle of the school year in the southern hemisphere.
The Pedagogical Section at the Goetheanum
Steiner Waldorf Education in the Context of the Current Situation
. From the meeting of the International Council for Steiner Waldorf Education (the Hague Circle), in Budapest, May 2025.
For the children As the longing and call for independent schools grew in many places, Rudolf Steiner responded to the question of a friend by founding the Waldorf School—an impulse for children all over the world.
