Governance Structure
“Therefore we will structure the school not governmentally, but administratively, and manage it in a republican manner. In a true teachers’ republic, we will not be able to lean back and rest on the directives of a headmaster; we will have to bring to bear what gives each of us the possibility to take full responsibility for what we have to do. Each must be fully responsible. The role of the headmaster will be replaced by this preparatory seminar in which we will work to acquire the spirit that will unite the school. If we work hard, this seminar will engender in us our spirit of unity.” — Rudolf Steiner
View full list of Leadership here
The All-School Director
The All-School Director is an experienced teacher with both the insight into the educational life of a Waldorf school, and proven skills in business management and organizational development. The All- School Director is responsible for overseeing, coordinating, and finalizing decisions in all matters concerning the day-to-day administrative and and educational life of the school. In addition, the All-School Director has been requested to take a proactive stance on all matters concerning the short-, middle, and long-term development of the school.
This interim position of a single administrator was created in 2023 and differs from our historical model of a Governance Council (GC), a group of teachers and administrators, The Board and the College of Teachers are still dedicated to the ideal of being a faculty-led school, and together we have been working with the faculty and staff on a cohesive vision for a governance of renewed vitality and community-building that will best support our school going into the future.
The College of Teachers
The College of Teachers is a body of faculty and staff who study the philosophical underpinnings of Waldorf pedagogy based on the work of Rudolf Steiner. The College is charged with the oversight and teacher development of the pedagogy of the whole school. Collegial support and development is also the purview of the College. The College serves as a consultative body to the School Director and Board of Directors. New College members are invited by standing College members and consensus agreement. The College meets weekly throughout the school year.
The Three School Sections
Each section of the school (Early Childhood Education, Lower School and High School) is overseen by experienced faculty members who manage the day-to-day administrative activities, social gatherings, field trips, and fundraising of that section along with communications with parents for each grade.
Class Advisors: typically two faculty members who are responsible for the overall well-being of a particular grade; lead parent meetings.
Section Core Groups: typically three faculty members who are responsible for the organizational structure of their Section.
Mentors: Teachers who are chosen by the students as a direct contact person for guidance with any school, life, or social issues.
Board of Trustees
The Board of Trustees is responsible for the legal and financial aspects of Summerfield Waldorf. Specifically, the Board focuses on long-range planning, strategic development, and fundraising. Day-to-day management of the school is mandated to the All-School Director and Section Core Groups. The Board meets the third Monday of each month, and meetings are public. There is an annual Corporation meeting in May. Visit the Parent Portal for a listing of Board Trustee Members.