Location: | Hazen Union School |
Dates and Times: | September 27, 2021 - June 3, 2022 |
Credits: | 3 graduate |
Tuition: | $975 |
“Dare To Be Me” (DTBM) aims to turn traditional education on its head and
explore what can happen in a classroom and school environment that fosters “aliveness.” In this course, teachers embark on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment so they can help promote a collaborative school culture that is thoroughly trauma-responsive and centered on holistic wellbeing. Participants will spend active time in Nature, learn a variety of mindfulness activities, engage in quiet introspection, and discuss how their own and their students' mental,
physical and emotional well-being impacts classroom culture and academic achievement. Through different forms of reflective journaling, they will form a vision of who they want to be as a teacher and colleague. The course will be held at Hazen Union School and on the Hardwick Trails. Most of the time will be spent outside, even in the winter. Weather appropriate clothing is therefore absolutely necessary. Participants will also be asked to sign a liability waiver on the first day of the class.
Audience: All Educators. Administrators and Guidance Counselors encouraged. (Limited to 10
participants.)
Course Objectives:
●I can attune to my own and other people’s physical, mental and emotional needs.
●I can create a classroom and school environment that builds the foundation for wellbeing
through awareness of self and others, deep listening, caring, and respect.
●I can synthesize deep connection to the natural world, contemplative and mindfulness
practice, identity exploration, adventure and movement into activities that are thoroughly
trauma-responsive.
●I can cultivate an “I can” attitude within my classroom and within our school community.
●I can develop strong relationships with students and colleagues.
Primary Methods of Instruction: Participants will examine what “holistic wellbeing” means to
them as human beings and as educators. They will spend active time in Nature, learn a variety of mindfulness activities, engage in quiet introspection, and discuss how their own and their
students' mental, physical and emotional well-being impacts school culture and academic
achievement. Through different forms of reflective journaling, they will form a vision of who
they want to be as a teacher and colleague.
“The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma” by Bessel van der Kolk
“Troublemakers: Lessons in Freedom from Young Children at School” by Carla Shalaby
“Switch: How to Change Things When Change is Hard” by Chip Heath, Dan Heath
Assignments:
●Participants will keep a weekly journal in which they reflect on the concepts of the course and
how they apply to their daily work with students.
●Participants will lead group discussions on specific topics related to the readings.
●Participants will design and facilitate group activities that address specific course objectives.
802-681-3662
Bethany Sprague
(802) 468-1325