Dr. Lea Fredrickson, an alum from The Waldorf School of Santa Barbara, received her PhD in Physics from UCLA studying the Biophysics of hearing. She now teaches at Waldorf School of the Peninsula where she has taken on various roles teaching physics, calculus, Spanish, dance, and even co-creating an interdisciplinary senior science elective.
Her early experiences in nature-based and interdisciplinary Waldorf education shaped her passion for inquiry-driven learning. After earning a Ph.D. in physics, she returned to Waldorf as a teacher, finding joy and purpose in guiding students through science, math, language, and even robotics.
She emphasizes discovery over rote memorization, believing this fosters resilience and adaptability. As a leader, she supports faculty and updates the computer science curriculum to meet the challenges of a tech-driven world. Dr. Fredrickson also encourages thoughtful engagement with emerging technologies like AI, seeing Waldorf students as uniquely prepared to use them ethically and creatively.
Read the article in School Renewal Magazine.
