The Denver Waldorf School Podcast

What's up with Student Support?

"Real inclusion happens when there is an understanding that everybody needs something different to learn." That is the message from School Director Kelly Molinet in this week's episode, "What's up with Student Support?" For this conversation, Kelly is joined by the Director of Student Support, Andrea Weid, to explore DWS' commitment to removing barriers to ensure that all students -- including those who approach learning in a neurodiverse manner -- can engage in the curriculum with enthusiasm and joy. Together with a dedicated team of support specialists, Andrea and Kelly discuss how the school creates an inclusive on-ramp to learning.

What's up with AI - a Waldorf Perspective

What's up with artificial intelligence at the Denver Waldorf School?  On this week's episode, Charlie Orphanides (current 8th grade teacher) sits down with Talon Poole (IT Director and high school teacher) for a wide-ranging conversation about AI. Together, they explore the functions and limits of AI's ability to recognize patterns and draw conclusions, while also considering human responsibility, morality, and even consciousness. As Talon notes, being human can be a superpower in an increasingly AI-driven world. Listen to learn more about how our Waldorf approach sets up our students to excel in this ever-changing environment.

What's up with Being a Waldorf Teacher?

On this week's episode, School Director Kelly Molinet sits down with our interim education director, Betsy Doyle White, and current 8th grade class teacher, Charlie Orphanides. As many of you know, Charlie was our education director last year and transitioned to be the 8th grade teacher for the 2025-26 school year. As Charlie dives back into the role of Waldorf class teacher, we thought a discussion on "What's Up with Being a Waldorf Teacher" would be a natural opening for this new school year! Together, they share what it means to be a Waldorf teacher, what training is required, the freedom and responsibility in delivering our curriculum, and the inner and lifelong work they pursue for their own development. We like to say that our students are our curriculum -- and that is only made possible by teachers who view education as their true calling, who reflect deeply on how best to meet their students each and every day, and who embrace that elusive quality of "teacherness" to remain curious and connect meaningfully with their students.

What's up with the Next 50 Years at DWS?

What's up with Waldorf education at DWS over the next 50 years? That is the question that DWS school founder Ina Jaehnig addresses in this week's episode. Together with School Director Kelly Molinet and Education Director Charlie Orphanides, they start by discussing what makes or does not make Waldorf education what it is. As they then look to the future for what this education will hold, they look at the children of today. Where are they? In what world do they live? As they examine these questions together, they emphasize the necessity of an education grounded in the beauty of language, an embrace of artistic work that enlivens the imagination, and a deep commitment to love for humanity.

What's up with 50 Years at DWS?

In honor of our school's 50th anniversary, DWS Educational Director Charlie Orphanides sits down with long-time Waldorf educator and administrator Betsy Doyle White to discuss how relevant and vital Waldorf education is in today's times just as it was more than a century ago. Betsy shares her thirty-plus years' worth of experience to reflect on Waldorf education's founding principles and evolution through the years. Recognizing that education is an art form that teaches not just the intellect but the whole human, Charlie and Betsy explore how the DWS curriculum integrates foundational principles while innovating and expanding the curriculum to meet the needs of an ever-changing student body.