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Leah Mrozinski Ed.D., is a 2025 graduate of the Ed.D. program in Educational and Professional Practice at Antioch University.

Dissertation Committee:

Gary Delanoeye, Ed.D., Committee Chair

Torin Finser, Ph.D., Committee Member

Melissa Nielsen, Ph.D. Committee Member

Keywords

Waldorf, educational support, special education, professional development, Anthroposophy

Document Type

Dissertation

Publication Date

2025

Abstract

In the past few years of immersion into the Waldorf world through both my work and my educational pursuits, I have recognized that there is an absence of basic special education knowledge in the practice of Waldorf education. My research sought to answer the question: What topics of educational support are most relevant and needed for Waldorf teachers and trainees today? My literature review explored best practices in special education and Waldorf education and connections with polyvagal theory. More specifically, it includes a basic review of special education law, best practices in special education, how a Waldorf education meets the needs of the dysregulated child, a synopsis of Waldorf education and the key tenets of Anthroposophy as they relate to the topic, as well as an outline of polyvagal theory. I used action research to identify specific areas of improvement for teachers. Through teacher questionnaires, I discovered the areas where teachers need support around learning differences. Following the teacher surveys, I utilized explanatory mixed methods and conducted expert interviews to offer perspective on the resulting data. My work directly initiates a solution to address ableism in the classroom and to create equality in access to the Waldorf model of education. This dissertation is available in open access at AURA (https://aura.antioch.edu) and OhioLINK ETD Center (https://etd.ohiolink.edu).

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ORCID No. 0009-0004-0825-5873

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