Latest news with #Steiner
Time Business News
2 days ago
- General
- Time Business News
Waldorf School: Educating the Whole Child in a Modern World
Families worldwide are searching for learning environments that balance intellectual growth with emotional well-being, creativity, and practical skill. One approach that has quietly thrived for more than a century is the Waldorf School model. Founded on the insights of Austrian philosopher Rudolf Steiner, Waldorf education cultivates head, heart, and hands equally—helping students develop academic mastery, artistic expression, and moral purpose in harmony. Steiner proposed that childhood unfolds in distinct seven-year stages. Each stage calls for teaching methods and subject matter that resonate with a child's evolving inner life. In the early years, rich storytelling and imaginative play nurture wonder; in the middle grades, hands-on projects ground emerging logical thinking; and in adolescence, abstract reasoning, debate, and social projects meet the teenager's quest for truth and responsibility. Instead of teaching math, science, and literature in isolation, Waldorf educators weave them into cross-disciplinary 'main lesson' blocks. A study of ancient China, for instance, may blend calligraphy (art), the Pythagorean concept of harmony (math and music), silk-road geography (social studies), and Taoist poetry (language arts). Students experience knowledge as an interconnected whole rather than a set of disconnected facts. Each morning begins with a two-hour lesson focusing on a single subject for three to four weeks. Deep immersion allows students to experiment, revise, illustrate, and ultimately create their own hand-written, hand-drawn textbooks. Because they make the material their own, retention and personal investment soar. Painting, music, drama, and handwork are not electives; they are primary vehicles for learning. Geometry emerges through compass-drawn mandalas; neuroscience appears in clay modeling of the human brain; fractions come alive while cutting and baking bread. This artistic framing engages multiple senses, appealing to diverse learning styles and strengthening neural pathways. Research suggesting potential downsides of heavy digital exposure in early childhood has long informed Waldorf practice. Classes emphasize real-world interaction, outdoor exploration, and imaginative play. Devices arrive only in middle school, framed as creative tools—coding robots, editing documentaries, designing digital art—rather than passive entertainment. Robust Cognitive Skills By approaching abstract concepts through concrete, experiential steps, Waldorf students often display strong critical-thinking abilities and deep conceptual understanding once formal assessments begin in later grades. Creative Confidence Daily practice in visual and performing arts fosters divergent thinking—the capacity to generate original ideas and solutions—highly prized in business, science, and the arts alike. Emotional Intelligence Class groups typically stay with the same primary teacher for up to eight years, creating a secure community where children practice empathy, conflict resolution, and collaborative problem-solving. Practical Resilience Carpentry, gardening, sewing, and community service projects cultivate perseverance, patience, and a sense of real-world competence—qualities that support mental health and adaptability in adulthood. Myth Reality Waldorf is 'soft' on academics. Graduates consistently gain admission to competitive universities and excel once there, thanks to strong research and presentation skills. Technology avoidance leaves students behind. Delayed, purposeful tech use actually strengthens later digital literacy by grounding students first in logic, creativity, and self-discipline. Only artistic children thrive in Waldorf. The arts serve as learning pathways for every child; mathematically gifted students, for example, deepen understanding through geometric drawing and music theory. Seek schools recognized by reputable bodies such as the Association of Waldorf Schools of North America (AWSNA) or the International Waldorf Federation. Faculty should hold specialized certificates in Waldorf pedagogy, ensuring they are versed in child development, arts integration, and Steiner's educational philosophy. Nature is considered a co-teacher. Classrooms often feature natural wood furniture, soft lighting, and student artwork. Outdoor spaces—gardens, wooded play areas, and hand-built structures—support exploration and seasonal festivals. Parent involvement is integral. Festivals, class plays, and parent education evenings build a supportive network around each child. Before enrolling, attend an open house or fair to gauge whether the school's culture fits your family's rhythm and values. Establish Rhythms: Predictable bedtimes, shared meals, and screen-free evenings mirror classroom structure and provide emotional security. Encourage Open-Ended Play: Offer simple, natural toys—blocks, silks, clay—that ignite imagination without prescriptive rules. Celebrate Seasonal Traditions: Candle-lit lantern walks in autumn or spring garden days help children feel connected to natural cycles, reinforcing classroom themes. Model Lifelong Learning: Read widely, take up crafts, or learn an instrument alongside your child to demonstrate that growth never ends. Will my child struggle to adapt to mainstream schools later? Transitions generally proceed smoothly. Waldorf students have strong study habits, presentation skills, and intrinsic motivation, which translate well across educational systems. How does the school handle special educational needs? Many Waldorf schools collaborate with remedial educators and therapists, integrating supportive strategies—such as extra movement or speech work—directly into the student's day. Is Waldorf education religious? While it celebrates universal human values and seasonal festivals, Waldorf pedagogy is non-sectarian. Respect for diverse faiths and cultures is woven into stories and celebrations. In a rapidly shifting world that prizes innovation, empathy, and adaptability, Waldorf education offers a time-tested yet forward-looking path. By harmonizing rigorous academics with artistic practice and hands-on experience, the Waldorf School model cultivates learners who can think critically, feel deeply, and act purposefully. For families seeking an education that honors the full spectrum of human potential, Waldorf may well be the most compelling choice—an invitation to nurture not just a career-ready mind, but a whole, balanced human being. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Epoch Times
20-05-2025
- Business
- Epoch Times
Global Human Development Slows to 35-Year Low, UN Says
Human development has declined to a 35-year low, according to the latest report by the U.N. Development Programme (UNDP). The UNDP defines human development as a measurement of people's freedoms and opportunities and ability to improve their wellbeing. Every year, the UNDP calculates the Human Development Index (HDI) for each country using three key factors—life expectancy, years of education, and gross national income. This year, the report titled 'A Matter of Choice: People and Possibilities in the Age of Artificial Intelligence (AI),' noted that the small increase in global human development expected in 2025 is the lowest since 1990, when the measurement started. Since the series' inception in 1990 to 2023, the Asia-Pacific region has shown some of the fastest improvements in human development, with both East Asia and the Pacific and South Asia increasing their HDI values by over 50 percent. However, the latest HDI reveals a global trend: progress is slowing across every region, and, for the fourth year in a row, the gap between low and very high HDI countries has widened. Related Stories 5/9/2025 5/8/2025 'For decades, we have been on track to reach a very high human development world by 2030, but this deceleration signals a very real threat to global progress. If 2024's sluggish progress becomes 'the new normal,' that 2030 milestone could slip by decades—making our world less secure, more divided, and more vulnerable to economic and ecological shocks,' said Achim Steiner, UNDP administrator. Countries with the lowest HDI scores are facing challenges, driven by escalating trade tensions, a deepening debt crisis, and the rise of jobless industrialisation—factors that severely hinder their development prospects. UN Turns to AI The UNDP's survey shows that 50 percent of respondents worldwide assume that their jobs are at risk of being automated, while 60 percent believe that AI will create new jobs. On the other hand, 13 percent are worried about job losses due to AI. Meanwhile, 70 percent of those surveyed in countries with low to medium HDI think that AI will enhance their productivity. 'As AI continues its rapid advance across so many aspects of our lives, we should consider its potential for development. New capabilities are emerging almost daily, and while AI is no panacea, the choices we make hold the potential to reignite human development and open new pathways and possibilities,' said Steiner. Two thirds expect that it will be used in education, health, or work by next year, emphasising the need to close electricity and internet gaps. One in five survey participants said they are already using AI. 'The choices we make in the coming years will define the legacy of this technological transition for human development,' said Pedro Conceição, director of UNDP's Human Development Report Office. Moreover, the report underscores the need to modernise education and healthcare systems to meet the demands of the 21st century.
New York Post
14-05-2025
- Health
- New York Post
Here's how a bio implant stopped Long Island woman's ‘horrific' athritis in its tracks: ‘This is the future'
A Long Island speech pathologist said a pioneering bio implant stopped her 'horrific' rheumatoid arthritis in its tracks. Massapequa's Dawn Steiner, 58, said even a simple handshake would mean agony — and after 15 years she retreated into a reclusive lifestyle. 'My husband had to help me get dressed,' she told The Post. Advertisement 3 Massapequa speech pathologist Dawn Steiner, 58, said a bio implant stopped her 'horrific' rheumatoid arthritis. Northwell Health 'I could not wash my hair. I could barely take a shower by myself.' But her new state-of-the-art bio-implant has miraculously regulated the RA with minimal invasiveness — and just a minute of daily stimulation. It is linked to Steiner's vagus nerve, a crucial connector between the brain, major organs, and other bodily functions. Advertisement 'We discovered a reflex that slows down inflammation by sending signals to the immune system through the vagus nerve,' said Dr. Kevin Tracey, president and CEO of Northwell's Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research on Long Island. 'The vagus nerve carries the signals that turn off inflammation … It's like pushing on the brakes of your car.' The company he co-founded, SetPoint Medical, designed the smaller-than-a-quarter bio-implant 'sitting' atop the vagus nerve in the front of Steiner's neck with hardly a scar to show. 'My pain was at a seven or an eight out of ten, now it's at a one,' Steiner said of the life-changing device that uses AI techn and has been functioning for about a year. Advertisement 'I really believe that this is the future.' 3 Steiner received a state-of-the-art bio-implant that has miraculously regulated the condition with minimal invasiveness — and just a minute of daily stimulation. Dennis A. Clark/NY Post Touching a nerve The still-to-be FDA-approved approach began in a 2023 medical trial of 242 Americans that Steiner was open to because she believed she was out of other options. 'We're huge Mets fans and there were seasons I couldn't go to a single game,' she said. Advertisement 'I would come home from work and get right into bed. The whole weekend was spent in bed, or on the couch sleeping.' Before the implant, doctors started Steiner on methotrexate, 'which is a like a low-dose chemo,' she said. That led to trying eight different biologic medications that would take hours to infuse — plus 'the side effects can be cancer and death,' said Steiner. She experienced her entire face and other parts of her body go numb to the point that medical professionals tested her for multiple sclerosis. 'They would tell me it takes up to six months for it to kick in,' she said. 'All that time you're in horrific pain, and switching off took another few months.' Last year, after being involved in the trial, Steiner reached a breaking point and opted to have the surgery that took only an hour by Northwell's Dr. Ashesh Mehta. Advertisement 3 Northwell Health 'The unknowns weren't anything more unsettling than the medications I was already on.' 'Pioneering advance' Tracey explained that the high-tech device works with an antenna connecting to a doctor's tablet for two-way readings and modifications every six weeks. The implant itself needs to be swapped out every ten years. 'This will be a highly significant advance, a pioneering advance, as a new way to give therapy to people who seriously need it,' said Tracey, who just published a book on the vagus nerve titled 'The Great Nerve.' Advertisement Steiner said she only feels an occasional buzz like a cell phone from the device during its daily minute of activity — she has it timed for 5 a.m. as a biological alarm clock — and hardly knows it is there otherwise. It's charged through a band that is lighter than a bar of soap, which Steiner wears for only 30 minutes weekly. 'I have it around my neck on Sunday mornings while I'm doing the dishes and other housework,' she said. Advertisement Now, Steiner is back at Citi Field rooting on her Mets, going to see her favorite band, The Foo Fighters, and going for walks on the beaches of the island. Seeing its early success, Tracey is optimistic that the FDA will move quickly to green light the implant for broader use. 'This could be as soon as the summer,' he said.
Epoch Times
13-05-2025
- Business
- Epoch Times
US Postal Service to Raise Shipping Charges by Over 6 Percent
The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) intends to increase shipping prices effective July 13 and has filed a notice with the Postal Regulatory Commission on the matter, the agency said in a 'The changes would raise domestic shipping services prices approximately 6.3 percent for Priority Mail service, 7.1 percent for USPS Ground Advantage, and 7.6 percent for Parcel Select. Prices are not changing for Priority Mail Express service,' the company said on May 9. Priority Mail is one of the fastest delivery services offered by USPS, with packages arriving at destinations in two to three business days. Ground Advantage delivers in around two to five days, while Parcel Select is a solution for high-volume shippers, with packages taking two to eight days for delivery. The rate increases were approved by the Board of Governors last week. 'The USPS governors believe these new rates will keep the Postal Service competitive while providing the agency with needed revenue.' The rate changes will support USPS's $40 billion investments and continue the improvement and modernization of its operations, the postal service said. Pricing changes have been implemented as part of the Delivering for America initiative, a 10-year plan introduced in 2021 that aims to Related Stories 4/10/2025 5/9/2025 USPS revealed its Q2 financial 'As we mark 250 years of service to the nation, our organization continues to face economic headwinds. We are working diligently to control costs, increase revenues, and transform and modernize our infrastructure,' said acting Postmaster General Douglas Tulino. 'At the same time, we are seeing strong market acceptance of shipping products like USPS Ground Advantage and adopting an increasingly competitive posture across our product portfolio.' In fiscal year 2024, USPS reported a net loss of $9.5 billion, up by $3 billion compared to the previous fiscal year. USPS has initiated several cost-cutting measures to improve its financial position. On March 13, former Postmaster General Louis DeJoy said USPS had Leadership Change USPS is currently changing leadership. Following DeJoy's resignation in March, the USPS Board of Governors elected David Steiner as Postmaster General and CEO, the agency said in a May 9 Steiner serves on the board of USPS competitor FedEx and other companies. He is expected to leave the FedEx board before joining USPS, the service said. 'We anticipate Steiner will formally join the organization in July, assuming his successful completion of the ethics and security clearance vetting processes.' The National Association of Letter Carriers, a union representing 295,000 active and retired letter carriers, had Appointing Steiner to lead USPS is a 'clear conflict of interest,' it said. 'His selection isn't just a conflict of interest—it's an aggressive step toward handing America's mail system over to corporate interests.' 'Private shippers have been waiting to get USPS out of parcel delivery for years. Steiner's selection is an open invitation to do just that.' Nonprofit advocacy Keep US Posted, dedicated to the long-term health of USPS, supported the appointment of Steiner in a May 7 Kevin Yoder, Keep US Posted executive director, said the group aims to work with Steiner to make sure the postal service prioritizes its long-term sustainability and ensures affordable access to mail for Americans. 'This is a pivotal moment for the Postal Service, as self-inflicted service failures, ever escalating costs, and volume-killing rate increases by Louis DeJoy under the Delivering for America plan have pushed USPS to the brink of failure,' he said. 'We are optimistic that Steiner's leadership will strengthen the institution's mission of delivering reliable, affordable mail services to every American, every day.'
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
USPS Appoints David Steiner as Postmaster General
The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) has found its next Postmaster General to lead the national courier as it steers through an uncertain future under the Trump administration. The USPS Board of Governors said Friday it selected FedEx board member and David Steiner for the gig. Pending a background check, he is expected to formally assume the position in July. More from Sourcing Journal Strike or Lockout on Horizon? Businesses Prepare for Canada Post Labor Dispute West Coast Port Union Slams Trump's 'Reckless, Shortsighted' Tariff Policy Shuffle Board: Woolmark Winner Now Jean Paul Gautier's First Successor Steiner will succeed former Postmaster General Louis DeJoy, who resigned in March, as well as Doug Tulino, the current acting Postmaster General. Tulino will return to his permanent position as deputy postmaster general and chief human resources officer at USPS. The appointment of Steiner comes as the USPS incurrent another massive net loss of $3.3 billion in its second quarter, with controllable losses totaling $848 million. The USPS is now in year four of a 10-year turnaround attempt, known as the Delivering for America plan, which Steiner will be tasked to carry out. Implementation of that reform, including a network consolidation that began last year, has been shaky as the agency sought to streamline mail processing and cut transportation costs. This resulted in delays across major metropolitan areas like Atlanta and Houston as well as rural zones, leading to multiple Senate committee hearings that grilled DeJoy on the state of the service changes. Beyond its performance, USPS is operating under the possible shroud of future privatization. President Donald Trump has long been a proponent of privatizing the government organization, and said recently he would consider merging the USPS with the Commerce Department. Privatization of the USPS would require congressional approval. In his first administration, Trump sought to privatize the postal service, but the movement didn't gain traction. For now, Steiner's statement suggests the agency would remain under government control. 'I deeply admire the public service and business mission of this amazing institution, and I believe strongly in maintaining its role as an independent establishment of the executive branch,' said Steiner. Steiner's biggest battle may come from USPS workers, with 10,000 recently cut through a voluntary early retirement program. USPS has 634,500 employees as of March 31, with over 90 percent being unionized, making it the largest union employer in the U.S. Leaders of two of the biggest USPS unions, the American Postal Workers Union (APWU) and the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC), both spoke out against the appointment. APWU president Mark Dimondstein cited news reports claiming that the board would only consider a Postmaster General that had the approval of President Trump. 'No president, past, present or future, should have any say in who leads the independent Postal Service,' Dimondstein said. Dimondstein expressed his concern that Steiner was on the FedEx board, which he will leave upon taking his post at USPS. 'FedEx is not only a major competitor of the Postal Service in the package market, but are part of the chorus of billionaires, profit-driven corporations and Wall Street that advocate for major privatization of postal services,' Dimondstein said. 'By cowering to this administration, the BOG has likely chosen a 'fox to guard the hen house.'' FedEx also was the primary air cargo provider for USPS until that relationship ended in 2024, with competitor UPS filling the new role. For the NACL, they called the move a 'clear conflict of interest' for Steiner. 'It's an aggressive step toward handing America's mail system over to corporate interests,' said NALC president Brian Renfroe. 'Private shippers have been waiting to get USPS out of parcel delivery for years. Steiner's selection is an open invitation to do just that.' The union head also criticized Steiner's time as CEO of Waste Management, saying he 'built his brand on union-busting, slashing jobs, and replacing workers with machines.' Steiner led a turnaround at the company during his 12-year tenure, expanding it into America's largest waste services provider A third union, the National Postal Mail Handlers Union, made a largely neutral statement on the appointment. President Paul Hogrogian acknowledged the labor group was 'anxious' to see how Steiner would negotiate with the union on pay, benefits and safety, and fight threats of privatization. 'I look forward to engaging with the unions and management associations to ensure that together we create a world-class employment experience,' said Steiner in his statement. With Steiner set to usher in a new era at USPS, the agency is proposing new shipping rates set to take effect July 13. The Board of Governors approved the adjustments last week. According to a filing submitted to the Postal Regulatory Commission on Friday, the proposed changes include a 6.3 percent domestic price increase for Priority Mail; a 7.1 percent hike for USPS Ground Advantage; and a 7.6 percent jump for Parcel Select. Prices for Priority Mail Express, international services and other extra services will remain unchanged, USPS said. This would be the second time the cost to use the shipping services increased this year, with the first changes taking effect in January. The commission will review the changes before they are scheduled to take effect. If approved, the price of a First-Class Mail Forever stamp would increase from 73 cents to 78 cents. This will be the first of five stamp price increases through 2027. USPS delivered about 82 percent of First-Class Mail on time this quarter—down from 84 percent during the same period last year. On average, First-Class Mail arrived within three days. Price increases for USPS mailing services are based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI). Shipping services prices are primarily adjusted according to market conditions, says to the courier. 'The USPS governors believe these new rates will keep the Postal Service competitive while providing the agency with needed revenue,' the delivery firm said in a release.
