This is a lively, colorful, and absorbing account of a class teacher's journey with his class, from first grade through the eighth grade in a Waldorf school. Straightforward and humorous, School as a Journey provides an excellent introduction to the daily activities of a Waldorf school classroom. Torin Finser―who is now Director of Waldorf Teacher Training at Antioch New England Graduate School―wrote this book especially for parents, prospective parents, and educators who are new to Waldorf education. Filled with pedagogical gems, tips, and resources, School as a Journey will also prove an invaluable resource for those who are currently Waldorf class teachers. For those who wish to delve more deeply into this revolutionary form of education, the author has also included extensive documentation, with references to the works of Rudolf Steiner and of others experienced in Waldorf education. Highly recommended for anyone interested in this revolutionary form of education.

School as a Journey: The Eight-Year Odyssey of a Waldorf Teacher and His Class

Finser, Torin M.

Biographies & Memoirs

SteinerBooks

As a result of today's crisis in education, people are beginning to realize that schools involve far more than providing children with knowledge and skills. Schools are communities and, like all communities, may be healthy or unhealthy. School Renewal addresses the problems and challenges of a school community. Through the use of fairy tales, myths, and the personal experience of Waldorf education, Torin Finser describes how both teachers and parents can come to grips with common problems such as burnout, interpersonal conflicts, and the traps of routine. Most important, the author stresses that an educational community must come to terms with the many unseen dimensions of each individual. He shows how these little-understood aspects of the mind can be cultivated and nourished to keep the school and education alive. School Renewal does not offer formulas and slapdash solutions. Rather, it encourages a whole new way of thinking about education and personal growth - for children and for the adults who care about them. "...if one wish could be granted me on behalf of school renewal, I would ask for significant improvement in the quality of sleep afforded to parents and teachers. No other change has the potential to do more good than simply eliminating the state of chronic exhaustion found by the end of the week in most schools." “Torin Finser understands what it’s like to deeply care about the education of our children. His message will be a healing balm for those open to his wise and practical counsel. I want to rush out and buy a copy of this book for every teacher and parent I know.” ―Eric Utne, founder of Utne Reader “Extremely accessible, down to earth, and full of very important insights. I highly recommend this book.” ―Dave Alsop, Chairman, Association of Waldorf Schools of North America “Splendid ... not just teachers, but parents, students, and just plain stressed-out citizens would benefit from the wisdom, information, and insight Finser offers.” ―Joseph Chilton Pearce, author of Magical Child and Evolution’s End “Wise guidance for those of us who want to be good stewards of our children and the schools that serve them.” ― Parker J. Palmer, author of The Courage to Teach and Let Your Life Speak “An exciting and refreshing book for parents and teachers ... in his clear and concise writing, Torin has shown us how to bring common sense back to our schools.” ―Jim Grant, Executive Director, Staff Development for Educators “For Finser, school renewal is about self-development ... the suggestions offered here contribute to new ways of thinking about education and personal growth. Highly recommended for school administrators, teachers, community groups, and parents." ―Library Journal "Shows that a healthy school community is one that is able to recognize and work with the problems that can mar even the most liberal and creative educational systems: burnout, stress, and interpersonal conflict." ―NAPRA Review

School Renewal: A Spiritual Journey for Change

Education & Teaching

Schools & Teaching

Recently, a chasm has opened between many of our leaders and those who work for them. We have witnessed the sacrifices of airline workers and the unconscionable compensation of top executives; the ideals of Olympic Games and the conduct of certain committee members; the sacrament of religion and the priests who abused the sanctity of the human body; the needed services of United Way and their extravagant executive “perks”; and hopes for a democratically fair system versus the 2000 presidential election. The values of hard work, inalienable rights, fairness and public service held by most Americans is often lacking in our leaders. An ethical chasm has opened up in our midst, and unless we do something, our future will fall victim to our inadequacies. Our standing in the world in years to come will depend less on our military might, and more on our moral strength. We need to begin a united search for ethical leadership. As we take Torin’s journey of discovery with him, we see the roots of this loss of ethical leadership and begin to understand that there is a way out of this situation―by applying the spiritual principles of Rudolf Steiner’s spiritual science. In Search for Ethical Leadership is grounded with practical tools that offer us real hope for the future of ethical leadership. Contents: 
<ul>
<li> The Leadership Challenge </li>
<li> Children &amp; Ethical Leadership </li>
<li> Character Development </li>
<li> Historical Considerations </li>
<li> Practical Aspects </li>
<li> Inner Dimensions, or Ethics of the Heart &amp; Soul </li>
<li> Sun and Moon </li>
<li> The Templars </li>
<li> The Hidden Temple </li>
</ul>

In Search of Ethical Leadership: If not now, when?

Business & Money

Management & Leadership

All around us, we see living systems in plants, animals, and human beings. Our environment is alive, vibrant, and full of innate wisdom. Even the stars and planets speak in the language of ancient folklore to those who have ears to hear. Our very lives depend on this interdependence and on the myriad connections that surround us. Nonetheless, many people experience organizations as inert, bureaucratic, inflexible obstacles to innovation and human initiative. People have struggled for years under the weight of apathy in organizations such as large school systems, corporations, and government agencies such as FEMA. Organizational Integrity attempts to reclaim and reconcile organizational dynamics with living systems. The wisdom found in human organs, minerals, planets, and even sacred geometry is used to reinvent organizations. Organizations are supposed to serve, and their forms and structures should mirror the living systems of those who have come together with common purpose. We need to change our ideas of organizations and establish a new paradigm so that future organizations will be worthy of the people in them. Dr. Finser makes the case that we need a new ecology of organizations, and that now is time for a new revolution that creates dynamic, living organizations by the people and for the people. Moreover, he shows us how to achieve this seemingly impossible task by “organ-izing” organizations. Just as democracy has transformed much of the world, through the genius of the human body we can transform organizations into living systems that serve and protect human interests. Here is a truly unique approach to the age-old process of bringing people together in healthy, effective organizations to better the world we live in. Contents: 
<ul>
<li> Part I: Foundation Studies in Anthroposophy
</li> <li> The Complete Human Being</li> <li> Beyond Memories</li> <li> Vocation</li> <li> The Long Journey</li> <li> Part II: Organs and Organ-izations
</li> <li> Heart Knowledge</li> <li> The Kidney</li> <li> The Liver</li> <li> The Spleen</li> <li> The Lungs</li> <li> Dual Organs</li> <li> Corpus Callosum and Other Matters</li> <li> Part III: Other Aspects of Human Physiology
</li> <li> Is there a Skeleton in your Closet?</li> <li> Salt, Mercury, Sulfur</li> <li> Sense Perception: Eye and Ear</li> <li> Part IV: Leadership
</li> <li> Testing Our Metal as Leaders</li> <li> Planetary Influences</li> <li> The Geometry of Groups</li> <li> Systems Thinking</li> <li> Part V: Healthy Organ-izations
</li> <li> What is a Healthy Organ-ization?</li> <li> The Consultation Process</li> <li> The Lily and the Rose</li> <li> Appendices
</li> </ul>
 Cover image by Charles Andrade, Lazure Custom Wall Designs, www.lazure.com (email lazure@lazure.com). "Organizational Integrity will give you new ideas about organizations and leadership. It's original, fresh, useful, and full of compassion. The book demonstrates the human qualities that it recommends for organizations. It carried me off into new and helpful regions of experience." ―Thomas Moore, author of Care of the Soul and The Planets Within

Organizational Integrity: How to Apply the Wisdom of the Body to Develop Healthy Organizations

Business Culture

Processes & Infrastructure

Torin Finser takes on some of our contemporary challenges and proposes new solutions. Rather than simply “kicking the can down the road,” as often happens with issues such as sovereign debts, Middle East conflicts, and environmental issues, Finser calls for individual initiative. Drawing on a variety of rich cultural and spiritual traditions, he makes the case for social change that begins within. To do so, one must first access resources that support initiative and innovation. Key questions discussed in this book include: 
<ul>
<li> How is it possible to live a spiritual life in our materialistic age?</li> <li> Can an individual person still make a difference?</li> <li> How can we use a whole-systems approach to innovation?</li> <li> How can planetary wisdom help us find appropriate leadership styles?</li> <li> What are the inner conditions needed to work with the transcendent Self?</li> <li> In the swirl of multi-tasking, how can we find moments of solitude and reflection?</li> </ul> We need new, a ethical individualism that is fully transformative. As quoted from the Peace Pilgrim in chapter 2: This is the way of peace―overcome evil with good, and falsehood with truth, and hatred with love. Today's world needs people of initiative―those willing to become the change that is so desperately needed. This book offers a wakeup call for inspired leadership. CONTENTS: 
<ul>
<li> Introduction: “Hear me God, I can’t take it anymore...”</li> <li> Living a Spiritual Life in an Age of Materialism</li> <li> Freedom and Initiative</li> <li> Innovation</li> <li> Planetary Leadership</li> <li> Epilogue</li> <li> Appendices:</li> <ul>
<li> Meditations for the Days of the Week</li> <li> The Pentagram as a Tool for Self-development</li> <li> From the Anthroposophical Prison Outreach Program</li> </ul>
</ul>

Initiative: A Rosicrucian Path of Leadership

Research Reflections and Suggestions for Teachers For Creating a Community of Research in Waldorf Schools

AWSNA

"Finser's style is warm, knowledgeable and sometimes provocative. He freely weaves his personal experiences with those of others. It's a disarming style that invites you in, and like a true friend, asks you to think about what you're doing. Into this mix, he also weaves aspects of Anthroposophy that will appeal to teacher and parent. Whether it's about Family Constellations, Spiritual Streams or the Problem of Evil, Finser presents it in a down-to-earth and, at the same time, inspiring way. "Who would like this book or find it useful and inspiring? Highly recommended for any parent or teacher in a Waldorf school, as well as anyone interested in Waldorf education. It's a wonderful guide to accompany you and your friends on the road ahead." 
―David Kennedy, Waldorf Today
 What does a healthy, successful school look like? Is it all about measurable outcomes, test scores, and pass/fail grades set by the government? Can learning be quantified in short-term measurements or does real learning take years to manifest in a career or biography? All seem to agree that a healthy school is also a community and that community depends on the quality of relationships―chiefly the relationships among students, teachers, and parents. This book features a comprehensive examination of the parent–teacher relationship in all its dimensions, from parent evenings and conferences to communication, conflict, and the life-cycle of parent involvement in their school. In between the chapters on practical advice are sections that consider the issues from a deeper, spiritual dimension. This book is intended to stimulate conversation, self-reflection, and relational practices that awaken community life in and around our schools. “The world of parent–teacher relations has grown more complex over the years and at its worst can feel like a minefield. Torin de-mines and demystifies the experience with information, insights, stories, and warmth, creating a safe passage for teachers and parents.” ―Joan Almon, Waldorf educator and cofounder of Alliance for Childhood “Readers of my books will appreciate Torin’s approach to parent–teacher relations. He looks at the key issues through various lenses and gives both practical and spiritual advice to all who seek to build healthy relationships around our school-age children. I highly recommend this new book!” ―Thomas Moore, bestselling author of Care of the Soul “What Torin has so sensitively crafted here will give you greater simplicity and spaciousness in school community life. I highly recommend this book to all parents and teachers, but especially to those connected to Waldorf schools.” ―Kim John Payne, M.Ed., author of Simplicity Parenting and Beyond Winning “This book is a call for parents and teachers to work more effectively together on behalf of our children. Torin uses a variety of approaches to stimulate conversation and help us strengthen the communities around our schools. I highly recommend this provocative book!” ―David Sobel, author of Place-Based Education: Connecting Classrooms and Communities

A Second Classroom: Parent-Teacher Relationships in a Waldorf School

"First, one might ask: Why not just read the first three books? After all, Rudolf Steiner wrote them in such a way that the very act of reading them can awaken new faculties. Who could ever duplicate that? It might even seem presumptuous to select passages from books that were constructed by an initiate. To those who have these and other objections, I have the following response: My hope is that the pages in this book serve as an invitation, so that those who work with this material will then be motivated to go to the original texts and work with them more intensively." -Torin Finser This book guides the reader through foundational works of Rudolf Steiner, while asking questions along the way that provoke thought and insight. In part 1, Torin Finser focuses on three essential works: How to Know Higher Worlds: A Modern Path of Initiation (CW 10) Intuitive Thinking as a Spiritual Path: A Philosophy of Freedom (CW 4); and Theosophy: An Introduction to the Spiritual Processes in Human Life and in the Cosmos (CW 9). In addition, three lectures are included: "Overcoming Nervousness"; "The Four Temperaments"; and "Practical Training in Thought." These offer invaluable insight and guidance in helping the reader prepare inwardly to undertake effectively the exercises and practices outlined in the appendices. In part 2, the author outlines the essential worldview and approach of Spiritual Science. As he tells us, "Sometimes, we have questions that cannot be answered by conventional means, such as the news media or the internet. There are situations when a person can feel an inner stirring-a longing for real answers that go beyond ordinary, informational knowledge. Sometimes this search can intensify and become burning questions about human nature, the origin of the universe, or the basis of healthy relationships. When this occurs, Anthroposophy can provide a sound path of knowledge that connects the spiritual in the seeker with the spiritual in the universe, the individual with the multidimensional." The appendices provide an accessible and systematic guide to the all-important practical aspects of Anthroposophy. Steiner emphasized that Spiritual Science is not a doctrine or merely an intellectual exercise but a path of knowledge-ultimately, knowledge of the spiritual worlds. To this end, regular practice-including the "six exercises" and meditation-is absolutely essential. For those who are new to Anthroposophy, this book will be a helpful companion and guide to understanding the essentials of the spiritual-scientific worldview and path of inner development. For those who have been studying Anthroposophy for many years, Guided Self-Study serves to stimulate the "beginner's mind" that sees the world with fresh vision and enthusiasm.

Guided Self-study: Rudolf Steiner’s Path of Spiritual Development: A Spiritual-Scientific Workbook

Health, Fitness & Dieting

Alternative Medicine

“Leaders are needed to articulate a vision and help an organization galvanize the resources to create a preferred future, one that both inspires and motivates. Leaders bring the right people together to generate new resources, human and financial. New opportunities can then open up.” (from the book) A leader is like an orchestra conductor, setting the tempo but knowing that real music will arise only when each member is playing the appropriate instrument and the right part. This book is for leaders and administrators in Waldorf schools, Camphill communities, farms, clinics, and other not-for-profit initiatives. The themes are broad―personal, interpersonal, and organizational―and intended to stimulate discussion and awareness in a way that promotes self-reflection that leads to both inner and professional growth. In the end, we are servant–leaders, doing what needs to be done for the sake of real human beings in our care. We need the tools and insights vital to accomplishing our highest ideals. Leadership is not just a job but also a calling.

Leadership Development: Change from the Inside Out

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Finser, Torin M.. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Books by Finser, Torin M.

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Finser, Torin M.. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

School as a Journey: The Eight-Year Odyssey of a Waldorf Teacher and His Class

School Renewal: A Spiritual Journey for Change

In Search of Ethical Leadership: If not now, when?

Organizational Integrity: How to Apply the Wisdom of the Body to Develop Healthy Organizations

Organizational Integrity: How to Apply the Wisdom of the Body to Develop Healthy Organizations

Initiative: A Rosicrucian Path of Leadership

Research Reflections and Suggestions for Teachers For Creating a Community of Research in Waldorf Schools

A Second Classroom: Parent-Teacher Relationships in a Waldorf School

Guided Self-study: Rudolf Steiner’s Path of Spiritual Development: A Spiritual-Scientific Workbook

Leadership Development: Change from the Inside Out