Waldorf Education in the Age of AI: Why Being Human Matters More Than Ever — A Waldorf Journey Podcast

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There’s plenty of anxiety about artificial intelligence and what it might mean for education, creativity, work, and our relationships with one another. But the more I’ve actually used AI—and the more I’ve watched the culture around it change—the less worried I’ve become about whether it can replace the things that make us human.

In fact, I’m beginning to wonder if AI is making those things more valuable.

In this episode, I’m sharing some observations from my own experience with AI—not as an expert or researcher, but as an educator, writer, creator, and parent. I’ve been noticing a growing return to analog experiences: knitting, journaling, drawing, gardening, reading physical books, making things by hand, and spending time together in the real world. Even online, content seems to be becoming more casual, imperfect, and unmistakably human.

And, of course, all of this brings me back to Waldorf education.

Waldorf education is deeply rooted in relationship. Yes, the curriculum is remarkable—but the curriculum is also the medium through which children learn to listen, collaborate, navigate differences, exercise judgment, imagine, create, and build relationships with other human beings.

As AI becomes more capable and synthetic content becomes more plentiful, those human capacities are becoming more important than ever.

The “creativity comeback” and renewed interest in analog experiences
Why using AI has actually made me less afraid of it
The shift toward imperfect, obviously human-made content
Why I've been podcasting more
What I'm noticing about technology and my own Gen Z children
Why human relationship is central to Waldorf education
The difference between the Waldorf curriculum and what we're ultimately developing through it
Why judgment, imagination, collaboration, and authentic connection may become even more valuable in an AI-shaped world

I'd love to hear what you're noticing. Are you feeling more drawn toward analog experiences or human-made content? If you're a teacher or parent, has the rise of AI changed the way you think about what children need from us?

I'll be continuing this conversation in my companion article on Substack, and that's a great place to share your thoughts and join the discussion.

You can also connect with me on Instagram or email me at Meredith@awaldorfjourney.com.

And if you're a Waldorf teacher looking for curriculum resources, you'll find those at A Waldorf Journey.

Thanks for listening!