Professional Development Courses: Schedule

This course has been developed for the classroom teacher. It combines theory and practical application. Participants will be challenged to share their gifts and talents with the class and also examine areas they feel they need to improve. Teaching the children of today, in the classrooms of today, within the culture of today, demands a retooling of the concept of the teacher. Teaching factual information is easy. The true question is – are the students actively learning what is being taught? In order to bridge the gap between teaching and learning it is critical that teachers possess effective classroom management strategies and techniques. “Essential Strategies…..” explores every aspect of managing a classroom from kindergarten through grade twelve. We start with the basics and using a variety of teaching and learning strategies we allow participants to develop the necessary skills to be a more effective teachers.

Artificial Intelligence: Tools for Educators is an introductory course that equips educators with the knowledge and skills to effectively leverage Artifical Intelligence in education. Participants will explore terminology, implement AI applications for idea creation and creativity, understand AI concerns and regulations, integrate AI-enabled assessment tools, and design standards-based lessons with ease. They will also learn to evaluate their curriculum using AI generative feedback, ensuring they can enhance their teaching practices using cutting-edge technology.

Mindfulness is defined by Jon Kabat­Zinn as “...awareness that arises through paying attention, on purpose, in a present moment, non­judgmentally.” Mindfulness is a form of attention and awareness training that helps people relate more effectively to their experiences. It involves paying attention to thoughts, feelings, and body sensations in a way that increases awareness, acceptance, and self­compassion to help manage difficult experiences and create space to make healthy choices. 

This course will take you through personal mindfulness meditation practices to enhance your awareness of emotions, behaviors, and thoughts. Students will practice formal and informal meditation practices and learn how to incorporate them into their lives. Practices will include sitting and walking meditation, loving ­kindness meditation, body awareness, methods for integrating awareness into ordinary activities and exploring emerging research on the beneficial effects of mindfulness for mental health.

The second half of the class will explore how to integrate mindful awareness practices into the classroom environment. We will examine how mindfulness affects the brain in students, core mindfulness skills, mindful movement activities, and guided relaxation practices. We will explore current mindfulness programs in education and practice implementing activities during our class time together. The topics covered will support students in building empathy, awareness, compassion, attention skills, impulse control, and emotional regulation.

This experiential course is designed for beginners, which means that no prior experience with meditation is necessary, but the course is also suitable for those with meditation experience who want to refine their skills and implementation practices in the classroom.