Introducing Cristina Shiffman
We are delighted to welcome Cristina Shiffman as the new High School Level Chair at the Chicago Waldorf School.
Cristina’s connection to the school stretches back nearly three decades. “I got my start in Waldorf education by enrolling in the Arcturus teacher training program at CWS almost 30 years ago,” she says. “Joining the faculty of the Chicago Waldorf High School is a glad and grateful homecoming.”
Her path to Waldorf education is uniquely personal and deeply rooted. “By the time I enrolled in Arcturus, I had long known about CWS through rising 8th grade teacher Carol Triggiano, whose brother is married to my sister,” Cristina explains. “When I decided to become a high school teacher, I found the books on Rudolf Steiner that had been donated to the University of Chicago library by Saul Bellow, one of my professors on the Committee on Social Thought. Education Towards Freedom by Frans Carlgren led me to sit in on classes at Arcturus, and the experience of singing with all the program participants at the start of that Friday evening was moving and decisive—I enrolled immediately.”
When asked what she loves most about working with high school students, Cristina’s answer is clear: “The discussions! Our curriculum is so rich, and high school students meet it all with energy and insight. I plan to sit in on a lot of classes.”
Cristina brings thoughtful structure and inspiration into her teaching. “I (over)plan ahead and use rubrics to establish expectations from the beginning so that students feel oriented and so that I can be responsive and flexible once the class sets sail,” she says. “Key insights from great teachers I've had inspire me. On encouraging classroom discussion, Stuart Tave, who wrote the best book ever on Jane Austen, advised, ‘Don’t rush to fill the silence yourself.’”
Looking ahead to the new school year, Cristina says, “I plan to help CWHS grow with strength toward our enrollment goals with everything and everybody we need in place. In practice that might include taking the lead on developing a high school handbook. Wish me luck!”
Outside the classroom, Cristina enjoys creative and contemplative hobbies: “Throwing and handbuilding pots, reading (and rereading) novels, and knitting take up most of my hobby time. I love to cook, and I'm looking forward to having a vegetable garden again. I play Wordle in hard mode every morning and always lead with HEART.”
We’re so glad to welcome Cristina Shiffman back to CWS in this leadership role. Please join us in wishing her an exciting year ahead!