Waldorf/Steiner teacher

Weaving story, movement, and the arts into academic lessons, Malisa Garlieb's been a teacher for nearly thirty years. She's taught everything from the alphabet to algebra in grades 1-8. Now teaching online classes for Lotus & Ivy, she also tutors students one-on-one.

Malisa’s involvement in Waldorf education began in 1999, when she landed at the Urban Waldorf School as a substitute teacher. She was immediately struck by the beauty, vibrancy, and sense of community there. Malisa soon enrolled at Antioch University to learn the philosophy behind her felt experience, obtaining a master’s degree in Waldorf Education. Her thesis was on the teaching of reading in Waldorf schools, and literacy education became a specialization over her career. Malisa feels the many stories she’s told over her years of teaching live strongly in her soul life.

During her fourteen years at the Lake Champlain Waldorf School she served as class teacher for two classes. She loved planning engaging lessons and adapting those lessons to meet what the children in front of her needed in the moment. Multi-sensory methods, learning through movement, and a strong interest in social justice guide her approach.

Additionally, Malisa holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and home schooled her son through his middle school years. She is grateful to every child she’s ever taught.