Head Teacher Transition
As Steve Hagen announced last April, Bev Forsman will become head teacher at Dharma Field June 1. Steve will continue to teach and practice at Dharma Field, but the duties and responsibilities of head teacher will be fully taken up by Bev.
Though the transition to a new head teacher is a first for our community, it is simply reflective of the fluid nature of Dharma Field, which has changed throughout its history to provide the best setting for practice and learning. Steve and Bev will make themselves available in the months ahead to discuss aspects of the transition, as well as to address questions or concerns that might arise. Please join the conversation and help keep Dharma Field the vibrant community it has been since its founding.
 
You may listen to talk #1552, in which Steve Hagen announces his semi-retirement and introduces the change ahead.
 
Look to this page for periodic updates and a sampling of FAQs.
JANUARY 20
Bev and Steve will be available in the classroom on Sundays after the public talk. Please feel free to ask a question or listen in on conversations about the transition.
FEBRUARY 2

From Bev to long-distance practitioners —
I'd like to use this space to periodically mention some of what I hope to offer as head teacher. Today's "tweet" is for members afar who cannot travel to Dharma Field for dokusan. If you would like to have a private conversation about practice or the teachings, please send me an email to request an appointment for online dokusan. I am able to use Skype, iChat, Google+, or Facetime.
FEBRUARY 4

From Bev to local practitioners —
There will be number of tasks and responsibilities that I will be leaving behind as I move into the head teacher role—many are administrative. Much of what I’d like to pass along requires a variety of skills including technology, web, and graphic design. Please let me know if you have any of these skills and would like to support Dharma Field in this way. Please look for specific postings of these tasks as they are determined.
         —Thank you.
FEBRUARY 14

Transition is always with us. We can look to how this transition in head teachers is unfolding and find no particular beginning or end.

The curriculum for 12–13 is in place with significant changes to what constitutes the foundation classes. These adjustments were made by our curriculum committee—Steve, Norm, Bev, and Lee—who have been setting the curriculum for a number of years. You can count on this collaborative effort to continue, and you can count on continual change.
MAY 7

Two very simple events will mark the head teacher transition:

— PART I —

... TRANSITION RECOGNITION ...
Thursday, May 31, 7 pm
meditation hall

7:00 zazen
7:15 brief talk by Bev Forsman
Q&A
seat transition
formal exit

— PART II —

.... GRATITUDE SOCIAL ...
Sunday, June 3, 11 am
classroom & garden

recognize founding teacher Steve Hagen
some Dharma Field history
chocolate cake & savory snacks