School sets up for continued growth with new director of administration.
The Waldorf School of Bend’s main campus is relocating to
Waldorf School of Bend (WSB) will also be maintaining the current location on
The WSB relocation and expansion is a “grassroots” endeavor created and primarily supported by a very dedicated group of parents and educators. Many have volunteered their time and energy, working to grow the school and bring the vision for the school’s future into reality. With this evolution, WSB will be bringing on Darren Hansen as director of administration.
“We believe this move and shift in administration will allow our school to grow and continue to fill a much-needed space in our community for an alternative education for our children,” says Hansen. “I am excited to be a part of this expansion and look forward to a strong future of serving our children and our community with the best education possible.”
Hansen is recently retired from the U.S. Air Force after 26 years of service as a leader, mentor and manager in aviation and education. He has a strong background in strategic planning, policy formulation, curriculum refinement and program compliance, as well as recruitment and admissions. He describes his leadership and management philosophy as based on “creating environments which are professional, collaborative, inclusive and enjoyable.” He thrives on working with and developing teams of individuals that are competent, embody sound values and want to reach their highest potential.
“Growing-up and serving in the military has ingrained in me that no organization is successful without embracing the varied experiences and knowledge of all stakeholders. Equity, opportunity, sense of community and common purpose are vital to healthy organizations and any worthwhile endeavor,” says Hansen.
ABOUT THE
At the Waldorf School of Bend, education is a powerful vehicle for social change. Thus, core academic subjects are taught to ignite the imagination of students and teachers in order to help foster pragmatic and inspired solutions to the ever-growing challenges of our time. The rigorous academic curriculum allows graduates to move forward with a sense of strong social consciousness, strong academic skills and a vibrant individuality to create their own futures. A strong reverence for nature and the desire to nurture the earth are primary foundations on which school practices are based.
Waldorf Schools are communities characterized by parents and teachers united together on behalf of their children—with each person contributing their time, energy, creativity and resources to meet the needs of the entire community (AWSNA). Founded in 1996, the Waldorf School of Bend is a K-9th grade school with an Early Childhood Program (preschool) and is a 501c3 nonprofit organization. WSB is a member of the Association of Waldorf schools of
ABOUT DARREN HANSEN, Director of Administration
Darren Hansen is retired from the U.S. Air Force after 26 years of service as a leader, mentor and manager in aviation and education, mostly recently as Commander of the U.S. Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps’ Northwest Region. In this executive leadership capacity he oversaw the recruitment, admissions, administration, scholarship management and retention of 3,000 university students, as well as strategic planning, policy formulation, curriculum refinement and program compliance of various university Aerospace Studies Departments throughout the
During his tenure in the Air Force he garnered extensive leadership, administrative, managerial, budgetary and facilities management experience in numerous organizations of all sizes; several focused specifically on education. His advanced education includes an MA in National Security and Strategic Studies from the
Darren is married to the former Erin Greene who is very active as a WSB board member and parent, and he and Erin have two sons attending WSB: Eric (3rd grade) and Cole (1st grade). He takes this position in reflection of his family’s commitment to the Waldorf educational philosophy, to the growth and success of WSB and in a desire to integrate into and enrich our community.
