International Teachers Training Conference, May 2005, Järna, Sweden

At the end of May around 30 teachers from 15 different Teacher Training Colleges came together in Järna. It was the 9^th International Conference and it was a very special and inspiring experience working internationally with colleagues.

What makes this work so special? This year there were contributions from Switzerland, Germany, Great Britain, Netherlands, Sweden and Finland. Each participant contributed from their own perspective, their national characteristics, and personal interests. What a cultural richness! In the plenary meeting that followed there were even more points of view from other countries.

Another important aspect of the conference is the exchange of knowledge regarding the content and form of the different teacher training colleges. Is it an initial training or an

In-house training? Full-time, or part-time? Is it recognized by the state or is it an independent Waldorf Training? How are the courses structured? How many students do they attract, which problems do they encounter and how do they solve them. And regarding the curriculum; how do they balance theory and practice, or science and art?

Now, after several international conferences it is clear that these conversations are very fruitful. Through knowing one another and sharing information, all the Colleges benefit from each other’s expertise. One of the best examples of cooperation is the European Master Degree course, developed by Colleges of different countries. A lot of information was exchanged about this.

And yes, it was a very full program, but from experience we know it is possible to keep it engaging with enough balance between thinking and doing, listening and speaking, science and artistic work.

This year we devoted a lot of time to Goethean Study, but there was also room for singing and eurythmy. Short eurythmy presentations, both touching and hilarious! greatly enlightened the program. A choral concert (with poetry) in the beautiful little church in Järna and the students’ presentations made the whole program breathe.

The location was also very inspiring, the architecture of the buildings and landscape set in the beautiful Swedish spring made a deep impression.

This conference is held every year and I can highly recommend it. I would very much urge all teacher training colleges that are currently not participating to consider very seriously to take part in the future.

Rik ten Cate, Zeist, Netherlands