Faculty Spotlight: Christina Beck, Administrative Director
As we celebrate Administrative Professionals across the country. Let's get to know our school's Administrative Director, Christina Beck. We are so fortunate for your service, vision and color palette!
What drew you to Waldorf Education?
When I was between my second and third years of college, I took some classes at the University of Florida's College of Education. At that time, I imagined I'd homeschool my future children and I designed a plan for what that might look like. Fast forward to 1987 when, after graduating from college with a BA in Creative Writing, I was looking for a teaching job. I applied at the Waldorf School of Gainesville where, upon walking in, I was met with the aesthetic, spiritual, academic and collegial school of my dreams. I rushed off to Maine for three weeks of intensive early childhood work and prepared myself to encounter Waldorf education and all its trimmings.
When did you first step foot into the Minnesota Waldorf School?
After a conference that my family and I attended in the Twin Cities sometime around 1994. That was at the Corpus Christi site on Fairview.
What impact has the Minnesota Waldorf School had on your life?
It's been immense. I carry a deep imprint of this school in my heart. There is still much to be discovered about the Minnesota Waldorf School and I am curious and open about those things. The students, faculty and families that I've known some of whom have passed away over the years, and the gifts and energy they've devoted to MWS feel very much alive in the halls. I would say I think of MWS as a constant companion and a place where I have grown.
What is your favorite Waldorf Festival?
Martinmas signals a great shift inward. I love watching new lanterns emerge and the reverent way in which the children guard their flames as they sing together on the darkened paths. The story of Saint Martin feels most relevant to me right now.
When you aren't at MWS what are some of your favorite things to enjoy?
I like taking classes and workshops in handwork, writing and healing justice, partaking in the broad array of cultural offerings our cities have to offer at museums, orchestra, opera and theater, sharing meals and inspiring conversation with a diverse circle of friends, traveling, and moving between regular visits with my mom and my granddaughter.
Christina Beck holds a B.A. from Hamilton College and an M.F.A. Vermont College. Since 1987, she has been immersed in Waldorf education and related fields as a teacher and administrator. Christina formerly served as the administrator at Minnesota Waldorf School from 2000-2002 during its transition to its first owned property and building at the current site.
Christina completed her Waldorf high school teacher training in 2000 and was one of the founders of Watershed High School, a Waldorf initiative. Since then, she has completed the Montessori Adolescent and International Baccalaureate trainings. Her broad experience spans from years of teaching preschool at the Waldorf School of Gainesville through adults at Itasca Community College. She has spent years as a Board member at various Waldorf schools, and currently as a mentor in the Minnesota Prison Writers’ Workshop.
In related experience, Ms. Beck served as Head of School at Great River School, a 1-12 Montessori/IB charter in St. Paul; development director at the Center for Biography & Social Art; executive director at Philadelphia Community Farm and, coordinator for racial equity and community health at Powderhorn Park Neighborhood Association.
A poet, mother of two MWS alums, and grandmother to a rising preschooler at MWS, she lives in the Powderhorn neighborhood of Minneapolis where she is active in the community.
Ms. Beck hosts coffee and tea each Monday in the Parent Corner, stop by and say hello or meet at MWS Parents!