Cedarwood's New Head of School, Dr. Joseph Doucette

I am truly honored and thoroughly excited to serve as the new Head of Cedarwood Waldorf School. The incredible love and unwavering enthusiasm this community expresses for the school is exceptional. My wife, Adrienne, and I are thrilled to be part of the Cedarwood family!

After a 10-year sojourn in the public school system, I now realize my heart and passion for education is with the Waldorf movement. I believe, perhaps more now than ever, that authentic, student-centered, and culturally responsive Waldorf pedagogy is necessary for a socially just and sustainable world. I feel blessed to know the Cedarwood Waldorf School mission and vision align with my own core beliefs about the important role PK-12 education has in our world today.

I was drawn to teaching nearly 35 years ago and was fortunate to discover Waldorf Education. I felt deep resonance with the educational philosophy of Dr. Rudolf Steiner, especially for his image of the developing child and the manner in which a holistic, balanced education provided a healing force for the growing child. My career in education began as a high school biology teacher at the Eugene Waldorf School in Eugene, OR, and continued as a class teacher and regional leader at Whatcom Hills Waldorf School in Bellingham, WA, until leaving for the public sector in 2014. 

Time away from Waldorf helped me gain a fresh perspective and renewed appreciation for Waldorf’s approach to PK-12 teaching and learning, and to the benefits of independent education. For one, Waldorf Education is unmatched when it comes to aligning curricular standards, content, and teaching methods with students’ phases of development. Additionally, independent schools are mission-driven organizations that have the liberty to practice a pedagogical philosophy founded on a set of distinctive educational values. These shared values often yield strong, vibrant school communities such as Cedarwood.

I look forward to the coming school year and am grateful to be part of a community of people who value an education that weaves together the arts, academics, and meaningful physical movement with deep respect for the developing child. Founded on a history rich with initiative, perseverance, and innovation, the future of Cedarwood Waldorf School is bright and abundant! Together, we will continue on this path of cultivating a thriving independent school offering an outstanding Waldorf Education.

In Gratitude,

Dr. Joseph Doucette