Becoming Better

Educators

SHIFT happens. Empower the Extraordinary Educator in YOU. K-12 Professional Learning Workshops, Keynotes, On-line Courses, and Coaching.

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BECOMING BETTER EDUCATORS

“How do you change the world? One room at a time. Which room? The one you’re in.”

– Peter Block

Are you a leader trying to rally your troops and pump up your peeps? Looking for ways to re-engage and empower your staff so that they can’t wait to get to work every day?
Are you a new educator who feels overwhelmed and unequipped to face the daily challenges?
Are you still going strong, but want to find ways to grow personally and professionally?
Have you been at it for so many years that you just need a spark to ignite that passion you had when you first entered the field of education?

It’s hard, we get it!

That’s why we are offering you relatable, relevant, and “put into practice today” strategies to impact successful change for you and your students. Collectively, between the three of us, we have extensive experience equipping youth with the tools they need to be more successful. We have personally experienced what it feels like to be disconnected from purpose, belonging or connection either at work or at home. AND, we have also experienced what it feels like to thrive– to grow vigorously, bloom, succeed!

Our life changing Becoming Better Educators courses, coaching, and keynotes are not focused on something more to do… they are about a different way of BEing. Pulling from research-based practices and strategies from areas of Mindfulness, Positive Psychology, Emotional Intelligence, and Social Psychology, the aim of our Becoming Better Educators courses is to share what we have learned about the process of transformation. We all deserve to live a full and flourishing life. Let’s work together to boost your WELL-being and your WHOLE-being.

Courses:

The ABC’s of Social, Emotional, and Academic Learning to Strengthen Achievement, Behavior, and Climate

The ABCs of S.E.A.L.: How S.E.A.L. (Social, Emotional, and Academic Learning) Strengthens Achievement, Behavior, and Climate

This informative, interactive and highly-engaging full-day session explores the research that supports the importance of S.E.A.L. practices in educators’ personal and professional development. Staff will learn how to implement S.E.A.L. strategies and build skills in classrooms and school sites to actively engage students and prepare them to be successful in school, college, career, and life. Tools such as Neuroscience, Mindfulness & Mindset in Education, Science of Belonging, and Cultivating Kindness, Empathy, and Compassion will be reviewed. Emphasis will be placed on how they play a critical role in building social, emotional, and academic skills while also enhancing school climate and culture.

S.E.A.L Team 2.0: Cultivating A Community of Internal Champions

Seal Team 2.0: Cultivating a Community of Internal Champions (7 full-day sessions)

Research makes a compelling case that social and emotional factors have the strongest impact on academic learning, affecting motivation and commitment, behavior, and performance. Explicitly addressing these components of learning can change how much and how well students thrive and achieve. The research also shows that district-wide SEL implementation is the most effective and sustainable when it starts with the adults first. Teachers with stronger SEL competencies have more positive relationships with students, manage their classrooms more effectively, have lower stress and increased job satisfaction, and implement SEL programs for students with greater fidelity.

Understanding the research supporting teacher engagement and collective efficacy, this course is designed to be a highly engaging, hands-on, seven-session journey that is unlike any other educational training. Participants will focus on strengthening their own SEL competencies: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and decision-making so that they can more effectively model and teach others. The Professional Learning/Coaching model encourages communication between participants and facilitator in-between sessions via email and our on-line Professional Network community (made up of 500+ educators) and promotes the continuous sharing of best practices to build community and collective efficacy. Because it is a continuous series, building on prior knowledge, participants should plan on attending all seven sessions.

This year-long course is designed for teachers, counselors, and administrators who are committed to championing SEAL and leading trainings at their sites and within the district. Throughout the year, they will have the opportunity to implement strategies learned, share best practices, and lead trainings at their site. We highly recommend that participants attend in groups of three or more with an administrator.

Each session of the course will contain elements of:

5 SEL competencies
10 Teaching Practices That Strengthen SEAL
Mindfulness
Mindset
Cultural Intelligence
Neuroscience
Infusing SEAL into Instruction and Content
Classroom Community Building
Cultivating Climate on Campus
Best Practices in SEAL

Additionally, each session will have a theme to be explored more deeply. These include:

Building Belonging: Creating Community with Classroom Circles
Igniting the Sparks: Promoting Passion, Meaning, and Purpose in the Classroom
Nourish to Flourish: Raising Resiliency Through Optimism & Strengths Practice
Mind Matters: The Neuroscience of Motivation, Mindfulness, Metacognition, & Mindset
Cultivating Climate: Connecting Kindness, Empathy, and Compassion to Learning
Understanding B.I.A.S.—Beliefs, Identity, Assumptions, and Stereotypes
Relishing, Repairing, & Restoring: The Power of Gratitude, Forgiveness, and Restorative Practices

ONLINE COURSE: ABC’s of Social, Emotional, and Academic Learning

ONLINE COURSE: ABC’s of SEAL: How S.E.A.L. (Social, Emotional, and Academic Learning) Strengthens Achievement, Behavior, and Climate

In this 12-module online course, educators will learn the foundations of Social, Emotional, and Academic Teaching and Learning. Each module incorporates video lecture sessions with Dr. Hood, supplemental reading, and links to outside resources. The modules in this course take an average of about 2-4 hours to complete and is available for both secondary, elementary, AND classified levels.

Looking to earn credit?

Thriving YOUniverstiy is affiliated with Brandman University. Email Janeen@thrivingyouniversity for further information or visit www. brandman.edu/ThrivingU (course EDDU9611) The self-paced online modules explore the following topics:

Module 1: Foundations and Frameworks of S.E.A.L.
Module 2: Stress, Well-being, and Emotional Contagion
Module 3: The Biology of Belonging and Cultivating Connection
Module 4: Space & Structures for S.E.A.L./10 Teaching Practices
Module 5: Cultivating Connection with Circles
Module 6: Purpose and Engagement: Know Your Why
Module 7: Mindful Adults: Cultivating Presence and Resilience
Module 8: Mindful Students: Practices to Boost Focus, Self-Mgmt. & Resilience
Module 9: Mindset Matters: The Adult Mindset
Module 10: Mindset Matters: Empowering Student Mindset
Module 11: Integrating the Science of Kindness, Appreciation, & Gratitude into School Culture
Module 12: The Transformative Power of Empathy

Learn More

Emotions, Engagement, Empowerment: The Science of Learning

There has been an explosive insurgence of research on how to ignite and cultivate optimum environments for learning. We know that social and emotional factors are NOT separate from academic learning. We know that many neuroscientific studiesare giving us easy and approachable ways to help ourselves and our students access and retain information and connect it to deeper learning… and yet, many educators are still using outdated strategies and aren’t familiar with the ones that
work.

Utilizing these science-based strategies can enhance teaching practices, lessons, student engagement, and student learning and achievement. Yet, as Goethe reminds us, “Knowing is not enough. We must do.” Staff and students must continuously explore and utilize these “brain rules” so that we can become more effective learners, educators, and leaders.

In this enlightening, engaging, and empowering session, the facilitator will review the research and explore powerful practices connected to how our brains best absorb and retain information. Participants will walk away with activities, interventions, and structures that they can use immediately in their classrooms to engage, empower, and enhance student growth and make learning stick.

What I Wish My Teacher Knew: Creating A Trauma-Responsive Classroom

What I Wish My Teacher Knew: A Strengths-Based Approach To Creating A Trauma-Responsive Classroom

Currently in the United States, more than 60% of children under the age of 16 have reported experiencing at least one adverse childhood experience. As educators, we see the impact of trauma every day on students’ behavior, engagement, and academic readiness in our classrooms and on our sites. This informative, engaging, and experiential session guides participants to seek solutions, build relationships and cultivate environments that empower all students to thrive. In the last year, we’ve all experienced collective trauma in dealing with the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic that has been complicated by social isolation, uncertainty, and schools looking for new ways to reach and teach students.

In this learning session, facilitators connect the dots between initiatives such as SEL, Restorative Practices, MTSS, Equity, and Trauma-Informed Schools and help participants to understand how to integrate these important priority areas of focus together when planning their lessons and engaging with students. Participants will walk away with a deeper understanding of the impact of trauma on student learning and behavior, as well as research-based practices and strategies that they can begin to implement in their classroom immediately as part of a trauma-informed approach.

By participating in this transformational session, participants will:

Increase awareness of the various types of adverse childhood experiences and their prevalence
Understand the impact of trauma on the developing brain and learning
Identify behaviors and learning challenges that may come as a result of trauma
Learn strategies to build strong relationships and safe environments thatsupport student learning
Create a culture of inclusion and compassion
Address frustration and overwhelm by cultivating sustainable self-care practices that allow educators and students to flourish

Alphabet of the Heart: Inspiring Compassion, Dignity, Equanimity, Forgiveness, Gratitude, Humility, Integrity, Justice, Kindness and Love to Influence a Change in School Climate and Culture - A Curriculum for Grades 6-12

We are experiencing a time of unprecedented uncertainty and change, and in response, Thriving YOUniversity has created a year-long curriculum of strategies, practices, and activities which explore key components of human resilience and how we can cultivate a transformational culture in which all students and staff can thrive. Additionally, this curriculum helps to strengthen a shared focus on stakeholder well-being and creates a common language for educators to use with their students, parents, and staff.

This engaging and meaningful curriculum is based on the research and writings of Dr. James Doty — Neurosurgeon, Director of the Center for Compassion and Altruism Research (CCARE) at Stanford University, Keynote Speaker, and Author of Into the Magic Shop ; A Neurosurgeon’s Quest to Discover the Mysteries of the Brain and The Secrets of the Heart. In Thriving YOUniversity’s partnership with Dr. Doty, we have designed Alphabet of the Heart to provide educators with the research, tools, and inspiration to ignite a school culture that prioritizes student and staff well-being and social emotional competencies.

Alphabet of the Heart focuses on 10 key values that have been shown to literally change the pathways of the brain. These are: compassion, dignity, equanimity, forgiveness, gratitude, humility, integrity, justice, kindness and love. The curriculum, which educators will access through an online portal, is designed to highlight one value each month beginning with the letter C: Compassion. Each month, the educator will receive lesson objectives, conversation starters, downloadable printouts to customize in the classroom, videos that help define and demonstrate the power of the featured value, as well as interactive activities to build belonging, cultivate connection and empower engagement among students. The strategies and practices can be done in order (alphabetically) or modules can be implemented in any order the educator chooses.

Stress among students, teachers, and educational leaders is rocketing. If we really want to reach and teach students, it is time for us to prioritize well-being for all stakeholders and provide strategies and practices to strengthen resilience. Alphabet of the Heart provides a powerful pathway to build these foundational skills.

Building Belonging & Cultivating Connection with Classroom Circles

All humans are hardwired to connect. Just as we need food, shelter, and clothing, human beings also need strong and meaningful relationships to thrive. Strengthening relationships between individuals, whether adult-adult, adult-student, or student-student is an integral part to the success of a positive climate. By creating social connection within our community, we can decrease teacher absenteeism, increase studentconnectedness, improve classroom management, increase engagement with staff and students, decrease suspensions… we BUILD RELATIONSHIPS.

So, How do we strengthen relationships? One way is to allow proactive circles to be part of your daily routine- not just in the classroom but also in staff meetings and parent meetings. Circles create equality and equity and provide safety and trust and can restore broken relationships as well.

In this highly energetic workshop, participants will learn about different types of circles, why it’s important that individuals understand their “why” of doing circle practice, how to build norms, and strategies they can use immediately to engage in positive relationship building.

MIND MATTERS: Mindfulness and Mindset to Boost Well-being and Job Performance

This full-day, highly engaging and interactive session will provide participants with the opportunity to learn about the research supporting the importance ofmindfulness, mindset, and emotional intelligence in the workplace and in life. They will engage in experiential learning to garner a deeper understanding and strengthening of their own mindfulness and mindset in order to learn how to incorporate these powerful practices and strategies into their lives. Participants will strengthen emotional intelligence, mindfulness, and mindset skills and learn mindfulness strategies that have been shown to enhance focus as well as decrease stress and improve well-being.

Restorative Practices

Useful Restorative Practices to Encourage Voice, Community, and Improved Climate

The fundamental premise of Restorative Practices is that people are happier, more cooperative, more productive, and more likely to make positive changes when those in authority do things WITH them, rather than TO them or FOR them. In schools, the use of restorative practices has been shown to reliably reduce misbehavior, bullying, violence and crime among students and improve the overall climate for learning. Everyone who finds themselves in positions of authority—from parents, teachers and police to administrators and government officials —can benefit from learning about restorative practices. In this informative and engaging workshop series, participants will learn about the Foundations of Restorative Practices, Using Circles Effectively, and Restorative Conferencing. They will put their learning into action, and will be able to practice these processes hands-on with the guidance of the trained facilitator. Participants will go back to their sites with a clear understanding of what Restorative Practices are and ideas for implementing them at their school site or district.

Taking Time to B.R.E.A.T.H.E.

Taking Time to B.R.E.A.T.H.E – Resilience and Well-being for Teachers

Research has shown that mindfulness has a positive impact on physical and emotional well-being. When students and staff experience chronic stress, it negatively impacts their motivation, performance, and wellbeing, Participants will walk away with simple research-based practices from the fields of Mindfulness AND Positive Psychology, that they can utilize with themselves, their teams and students to reduce stress and anxiety, improve attention and performance, and strengthen overall physical and psychological well-being.

In this inspirational, experiential, and highly engaging session, “Taking Time to B.R.E.A.T.H.E” participants will learn strategies that have been shown to strengthen efficacy, performance, the ability to focus attention, and overall physical and psychological well-being.

B=Build Belonging & Cultivate Connection

R=Reflect on Purpose

E=Engage in Self-Compassion

A=Amplify Attention, Awareness and Awe

T=Tap Into Thankfulness And Appreciation

H=Harness Your Thoughts

E=Empower Empathy.

Strategies for a Successful Year

Strategies for a Successful Year: Using Applied Educational Neuroscience to Support Students and Staff

Life is full of change and uncertainty right now, which has led to an increase in stress for all of us. One way we can support ourselves and our students in navigating this difficult time is to strengthen Social, Emotional, and Academic Learning (SEAL) using applied educational neuroscience. There couldn’t be a more important time to focus on strengthening our own well-being and resilience than right now. With physical distancing measures in place, it is critical that social connection and sense of belonging be prioritized. As challenging as this time is, there is hope. We can strengthen students’ sense of connection and their resilience in virtual settings as well as in-person.

This informative, engaging, and experiential session will use our framework of

Belonging and RelationshipS
Adult Brain State
Brain-Based Learning
Intentional Environment
Explicit Instruction and Modeling

to provide practical strategies that can be applied immediately for meeting staff and students’ needs, strengthening relationships, and enhancing our own Emotional Intelligence and well-being as educators. Participants will explore applied educational neuroscience and learn how to: embed SEL across core subjects, leverage free technology tools that keep students engaged and build belonging, integrate focused attention and brain interval practices that explicitly grow students’ resilience and build their capacity to engage in learning.