Developing Capacities for Decolonizing
A Reframing and Reimagining of the Middle School Social Studies Curriculum in Waldorf Schools
June 26 - June 28, 2026
Course Overview
Instructor: Simone Shurney
Course Description
This three-day weekend intensive professional development workshop is designed for teachers, pedagogical leaders, curriculum coordinators, and all community members interested in exploring opportunities to decolonize and reimagine the social studies curriculum for grades 6-8. The workshop will begin on the evening of Friday, June 26th, 2026 and will run through Sunday morning, June 28th.
Course Outline
Session I: Friday, June 26th, 2026 - 5:30pm-7:30pm (CDT)
Major Themes & Content Areas: Establishing Shared Definitions and Common Language
This first day of the course will explore questions such as: What is Social Studies? How can we reimagine social studies instruction for the modern day? What does “decolonizing” mean in education? How do we define “eurocentrism”? Opening examination of Steiner’s curriculum indications & pedagogical principles
Session II: Saturday, June 27th, 2026 - 11:00am-2pm (CDT)
Major Themes & Content Areas: Deconstructing the Curriculum with a Vision Toward Reimaginging, Reframing, & Reconstructing
During this afternoon session will we examine and deconstruct Steiner’s curriculum indications for 6-8 grade curricula and common instructional strategies, with the intention to explore new possibilities and opportunities
Session III: Sunday, June 28th, 2026 - 10am-12pm (CDT)
Major Themes & Content Areas: Inner Work: Capacities for Decolonization & Reimagination
In our final session we will close with an in-depth look at personal development practices that will help to facilitate capacities for decolonization and reimagination. We will also examine decolonized workviews and ways of thinking, developmentally appropriate truth-telling and collective healing practices, and effective application and integration of innovations for long-lasting impact
Dates:
June 26 - June 28, 2026
Schedule:
Friday, June 26th, 2026 - 5:30pm-7:30pm (CDT)
Saturday, June 27th, 2026 - 11:00am-2pm (CDT)
Sunday, June 28th, 2026 - 10am-12pm (CDT)
Location:
ONLINE
Single Registration:
$350
Discounts
Volume: $25 off each registration for schools sending two or more participants
CAD: 25% off payments made with Canadian dollars
Course Instructors
Simone Shurney MSEd
Non-Discrimination Statement: Great Lakes Waldorf Institute, Inc., encourages broad public support and participation in its management and activities, and shall not discriminate in any manner whatsoever against any person on the basis of race, nationality, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, or mental or physical handicap or disability in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship programs, and any other programs. We are committed to reflecting the diversity of our society and creating space for historically excluded and underrepresented groups to participate in all aspects of the corporation's management and activities.