EduCon 2.6

Through my professional development work, classes at Naropa University's Contemplative Education Master's program, and my own practice, I am working with a Professor of Education and the Director of Counseling from Bowdoin College, my school's Dean of Students, and the President of Chewonki, to create a 4-day institute for educators next summer. This institute is geared toward building mindfulness skills, enhanced self-awareness and the development of collegial support as pathways to a more balanced and sustainable commitment to working in education. I would like to bring some of the program work to educon via a mini “retreat-style” conversation.

As teachers, we often feel guilty or unprofessional when we experience strong emotions in the classroom, and often feel we have to hide or ignore our worries. This results in a high turnover rate in education. However, these stresses and emotions can be seen not as something to avoid but as tools to help us become more aware of ourselves and therefore more present for our students. Using hands-on techniques like meditation and mindful awareness, in conjunction with brain research on stress, this workshop is designed to give teachers tangible tools to manage the myriad emotions that can come with teaching.

It is imperative that teachers have a community to reinforce this work. Time will be devoted to discussing ways teachers can bring these practices to their schools. I will share how I’ve created a “mindful morning” before school program for faculty and a “yoga-tation” activity for middle schoolers, combining yoga and meditation.