In Search of Ethical Leadership

“...if one wish could be granted me on behalf of school renewal, I would ask for significant improvement in the quality of sleep afforded to parents and teachers. No other change has the potential to do more good than simply eliminating the state of chronic exhaustion found by the end of the week in most schools.... Torin Finser understands what it’s like to deeply care about the education of our children. His message will be a healing balm for those open to his wise and practical counsel. I want to rush out and buy a copy of this book for every teacher and parent I know.” —Eric Utne, founder of Utne Reader

“Extremely accessible, down to earth, and full of very important insights. I highly recommend this book.” —Dave Alsop, former chair of AWSNA

“Splendid...not just teachers, but parents, students, and just plain stressed-out citizens would benefit from the wisdom, information, and insight Finser offers.” —Joseph Chilton Pearce, author of Magical Child and Evolution’s End 

“Wise guidance for those of us who want to be good stewards of our children and the schools that serve them.” — Parker J. Palmer, author of The Courage to Teach and Let Your Life Speak 

“An exciting and refreshing book for parents and teachers...in his clear and concise writing, Torin has shown us how to bring common sense back to our schools.” —Jim Grant, Executive Director, Staff Development for Educators

“For Finser, school renewal is about self-development...the suggestions offered here contribute to new ways of thinking about education and personal growth. Highly recommended for school administrators, teachers, community groups, and parents.” —Library Journal

“Shows that a healthy school community is one that is able to recognize and work with the problems that can mar even the most liberal and creative educational systems: burnout, stress, and interpersonal conflict.” —NAPRA Review  

C O N T E N T S:

The Leadership Challenge
Children & Ethical Leadership
Character Development
Historical Considerations
Practical Aspects
Inner Dimensions, or Ethics of the Heart & Soul
Sun and Moon
The Templars
The Hidden Temple

Torin M. Finser

Torin M. Finser received his PhD in educational leadership from Union Graduate School, his MA in education from Adelphi University, and his BA from Bowdoin College. He taught at the Great Barrington Rudolf Steiner School, where he also served as faculty chairman. He has done extensive consulting with schools in organizational dynamics and leadership development and has been a keynote speaker at conferences around the world.

Dr. Finser is the author of numerous books, beginning with School as a Journey (1995), which has been translated into Mandarin, Farsi, Thai, Arabic, Korean, and Spanish. Torin has served as General Secretary of the Anthroposophical Society in America and Chair of the Education Department at Antioch University New England, and is currently Director of Waldorf Programs.

A founder of the Center for Anthroposophy, he has recently pioneered their new Building Bridges Program for practicing teachers in independent and charter schools and Explorations for Waldorf parents. Educational History PhD, Union Graduate School, 1994 Educational Leadership with emphasis on Teacher Stress/Renewal MA, Adelphi University, 1978 Education BA, Bowdoin College, 1977 Double major in history and German Literature. Graduated in three years, summa cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa. Waldorf, 1960–1974 Student at three Waldorf Schools: Rudolf Steiner School in NYC Green Meadow Waldorf School, NY, Freie Waldorf Schule in Krefeld, Germany.

Torin is married to Karine, has six children, and is also now a very happy grandfather!