Sean Paul Goddard
5th Grade Class Teacher
As the 5th Grade Class Teacher at Otto Specht School, Sean Paul Goddard has been guiding his students since they first began together in 2021. His path to teaching grew out of his work in home care with adults with developmental disabilities, where he began to wonder how life might unfold differently if those adults had received a Waldorf education as children. With experience in both preschool and end-of-life care, he brings a deep appreciation for the full journey of human life into his classroom. Sean Paul holds a Waldorf Teacher Training Certification from the Bay Area Center for Waldorf Teacher Training, is a Nurturing the Roots graduate, and is pursuing a Master’s in Waldorf Education at Antioch University as well as Art Therapy certification at the Kairos Institute. He strives to see and support the unique expression of each child through the lens of Waldorf education. Outside of school, he enjoys studying Anthroposophy, making art, cooking, hiking, and spending time with his fiancée, teacher and Eurythmist Yohanna Finser.
Staff Q&A:
Current Title/Role at Otto Specht:
5th Grade Class Teacher
When did you start working at OSS?
9/7/2021
What is your educational background?
Waldorf Teacher Training Certification from the Bay Area Center for Waldorf Teacher Training (BACWTT)
Nurturing The Roots Graduate Class of 2024
Currently enrolled at Antioch University for Master in Waldorf Education- Transdisciplinary Studies in Healing Education
Currently enrolled at Kairos Institute for Art Therapy Certification
What roles or life experiences brought you to education or to Otto Specht? Include any previous work, career changes, or personal callings.
My work in home-care with adults with developmental disabilities awoke in me the question of "What if these adults had Waldorf Education as children?". I have worked as a preschool teacher and also doing end of life care. These bookends of life of the young child and the elder have helped me to see the journey of life. Working in the field of special education has allowed me to see the unique expressions of human life and expand my perception of being human.
What have you taught or led here? Any specific grades, subjects, or programs? Any key milestones or contributions?
I began in 2021 in the 1st grade and have continued on with students from that original class. Now we are working in 5th grade and making our way up the grades!
What do you enjoy outside of school? Any hobbies, languages, family details, or connections to the Chestnut Ridge/Waldorf community you’d like to share?
During my free time I enjoy studying Anthroposophy, listening to music, spending time in the kitchen cooking, making art and hiking.
Is there anything you’d like us to include that hasn’t been covered above?
I am marrying an incredible teacher and Eurythmist~Yohanna Finser!