Meghan Allsopp is one of the amazing Waldorf teachers leading the Fifth Grade at the Waldorf School of Bend. After completing her undergraduate degree at the University of Vermont in Studio Art and Psychology, she took her love of the outdoors and gardening to Hawaii to teach at school gardens, farms, and a therapeutic horticultural program for adolescents and young adults. Bringing all her passions together led her to the Eugene Waldorf Teaching program where Miss Allsopp graduated with a certificate for Waldorf Grades teaching in 2015. We are thankful that she has chosen WSB as her home!
We recently chatted with her about the school. We hope you enjoy getting to know her a bit better!
Q: How long have you been a Waldorf Teacher?
A: I have been a Waldorf teacher for almost two years. I have so enjoyed the experience of teaching at WSB for those two years.
Q: What is it about the Waldorf education that made you choose it?
A: I enjoy the hands-on learning and the arts-based creative curriculum. A balance of rigor and a reverence for play and childhood are also great. Social learning is a huge part of Waldorf Schools. It is so nice to see middle school students interact with the younger students as buddies, role models and helpers. With the smaller classrooms, the freedom to adjust teaching styles to fit the needs of the student body is also fantastic. The kids also get to go on great field trips, and a be a part of a “community supported education.”
Q: What is your favorite part of the school day?
A: Story telling and those ah-ha moments of learning through discovery are fantastic. Also, the collaboration with other teachers here is incredible. I really enjoy chatting with colleagues at recess about festivals, lessons they are teaching, and all that our students show us. Seeing the completion of projects the kids make in handwork, woodwork, and culinary classes are always impressive.
Q: What would most people find surprising about a Waldorf education?
A: That we do not all wear flowy dresses! The curriculum is based around understanding humanity in a beautiful and empathetic way. Science starts with content that the students can observe and therefore discover for themselves. This roots the concepts in a firm foundation of observable truths. Foundations of Math and Reading are delivered in a careful and methodical manner throughout the lower grades.
Students see several teachers throughout the day even though they have one primary teacher from 1-6 grades. The subject teachers specialize in things like choir, foreign language, music, movement and more!
Q: What do you love about being in Bend, OR?
A: The access to outdoor recreation is incredible and this school.
Miss Allsopp will be the 6th Grade teacher for the 2017/18 school year. For questions regarding enrollment, or to meet with Miss Allsopp, schedule a tour with Sarah Rucker by calling 541-330-8841 or email her at srucker@bendwaldorf.com.
Our highest endeavor must be to develop free human beings who are able of themselves to impart purpose and direction to their lives. The need for imagination, a sense of truth, and a feeling of responsibility – these three forces are the very nerve of education.
-Rudolf Steiner
2150 NE STUDIO ROAD
BEND, OREGON 97701
(541) 330 – 8841