Liz Barrett, KWS High School English Teacher
What draws you to the Waldorf approach to education?
While I did not have the opportunity to spend my own formative years in a Waldorf school, when introduced to this unique educational setting as a parent I was immediately hooked. Now, as an English teacher in the high school, I continue to find the Waldorf approach particularly exciting. Our school’s emphasis on storytelling, creative writing, and oral language development aligns exactly with my understanding of how children best acquire literacy skills, which coincidentally corresponds with much of my graduate research into medieval and early modern didactic texts.
I appreciate how our curriculum integrates literature and writing across all subjects, fostering a love for language in the students that reaches well beyond academic exercises. Moreover, as both parent and educator I value the holistic approach that nurtures our children’s intellect while also encouraging creativity, social and emotional intelligence, and practical skills, all of which will prepare them for life outside the classroom. As a parent I value this for my own children, and as a teacher I strive to practice this in all of my interactions with yours.
In your opinion, what makes our school unique and special?
Whenever I come here to work, it is very reassuring to know the amount of care, attention, and specialization that happens here on campus. As a mom of two KWS students since 2018, I have had the opportunity to assist at Rosebud, help in the kitchen, volunteer at multiple events, work with my husband to print t-shirts for the Reading Olympics teams, craft ornaments for the Winter Fair, provide hatching chicken eggs for the Farm block, and most importantly, create close and caring friendships with other members of our community. The quality of our school cannot simply be measured in the range of subjects and diversity of experience the campus affords its students; its real value is in the reciprocity of dedication and gratitude between the faculty, staff, and parents.
What are you looking forward to most in your first year of teaching at KWS?
Teaching at the high school is a new role for me, but I have been in and around the school for years as a parent volunteer for the Reading Olympics. Now, as an instructor, I am able to delve more deeply into the literary canon with students. Drawing from my research experience as well as the Introduction to Waldorf training, I can infuse Rudolf Steiner’s philosophies and learning strategies in ways that complement my students’ developmental stages. I’m also looking forward to collaborating with other faculty members to explore how I can connect our English workshopping with their lessons in history, science, environmental studies, and creative arts. Lastly, there is something incredibly rewarding about reading student papers, providing individualized feedback, and then seeing it integrated into their future work—a process I get to experience each and every week as a teacher.
You have 2 children at KWS. In what ways has Kimberton and Waldorf education impacted them as students and/or as individuals?
To start, I should point out that each morning my kids are happy to come to school. As many parents know, this is a huge deal. I also know that every afternoon when I pick them up, they have spent their day growing and exploring in a nurturing and supportive environment. Here at KWS, my kids have connected with learning, nature, and lifelong friends. While this might be one of the best ways they have been positively impacted by the school, it is certainly only one of many.
