Harvesting the Spirit of Transcendentalism in Education Today

Library : Concord Free Public Library

Location : Goodwin Forum Main Library, 129 Main Street, Concord, MA, 01742

Start : Wednesday 2nd of April 2025 6:00 PM

End : Wednesday 2nd of April 2025 7:45 PM

Description :

Though I do not believe that a plant will spring up where no seed has been, I have great faith in a seed. Convince me that you have a seed there, and I am prepared to expect wonders. — Henry David Thoreau Transcendentalism emerged on the American scene in the 1830s and 40s, led primarily by women and men in Concord, Boston, and beyond: Ralph Waldo Emerson, Margaret Fuller, Henry David Thoreau, Elizabeth Palmer Peabody, Bronson Alcott, and others. This literary, philosophical, spiritual, and reform-minded movement challenged the materialism of the day and contributed to a range of radical reforms in religion, education, literature, science, and politics. Although they did not always agree with each other, the Transcendentalists shared a passion for learning. Their minds were curious, rigorous, and far-reaching. They wanted to grow spiritually and explore the world around them more deeply. There was a shared excitement and a drive to learn and grow. They also wanted that for others and had some ideas about how to reshape education towards that end. Our panel of modern-day educators will reflect on their teaching experiences within the broader context of Transcendentalism and this desire to reshape education. Can we find in our own schools some of the seeds they planted so long ago? Are Transcendentalist ideas on education still alive and well and growing today? Where can we locate their educational philosophies — innovation, active learning, experiential education, learning outdoors in nature, student-centered learning, new forms of adult education, learning by doing — in teachers' best practices today? Our panelists will examine these and other questions: Tracie Dunn - Interdisciplinary Art Educator in Rivers and Revolutions, Concord Carlisle High School. Elise Mott - Assistant Director of Secondary School Counseling, The Fenn School. Rev. Jenny M. Rankin -  Interim Minister, First Church in Salem. Former minister at First Parish in Concord. Betsy Siebert-  Early Childhood Educator,  Nashoba Brooks School, Concord Children’s Center. The event is co-sponsored by Concord Children's Center and The Transcendentalism Council of First Parish in Concord and is one of several events this year honoring Concord Children's Center's 50th anniversary. concordlibrary.assabetinteractive.com/calendar/harvesting-the-spirit-of-transcendentalism-in-education-today/