WORDPLAY Adult Spelling Bee

I’ve known about Alabama Waldorf School forever.  Back when it was The Redmont School, my pals Dave and Samantha Hall were among the founding families. I have always delighted in how the AWS community prioritizes joy, hands-on learning, and the nurturing of children as whole human beings.

I have too many beautiful AWS memories to name a single favorite, but meeting former students Elijah and Asher Baay truly changed my life. And then there’s Lily Cushman, whom I call my grandstudent. Her parents, Lauren and Wil, were my students at Birmingham-Southern College. Now Lily is part of Alabama Waldorf School and my spouse gets to be her occasional teacher. This connection between our families is rare and dear.

About that spouse — Mr. Brad is usually on campus already when I come to visit. But last year I arrived with him for the all-school holiday sing-along. When the children on the playground saw Mr. Brad coming up the sidewalk, they burst into applause. For me that sweet scene epitomizes the AWS community.

I’m joining the Adult Spelling Bee because I love words and language, but also because I want to champion Waldorf education. It curdles my insides when someone says, “They don’t teach kids to read,” or, “It’s like Montessori but different.” The truth is that Waldorf education fosters a great capacity for joy in language— because it is taught with intention, care, and creativity.

Attending the event is a meaningful donation of your time, but every dollar we raise will be invested in classroom activities and supplies.

Please come cheer for me and my fellow spellers in person if you can. Or send some scratch and cheer us from afar!