Course Number: | EDU 5515 C49 (graduate) |
Instructor: | Anja Pfeffer, M.A.Ed. |
Location: | Hazen Union School, 126 Hazen Union Drive, Hardwick, VT |
Dates and Times: |
August 8 - August 14, 2022 9:00-3:30 daily |
Credits: | 3 Graduate Credits |
Tuition: | $1,195 |
“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 trauma-transformative 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.
This course will be held at Hazen Union School and on the Hardwick Trails. Most of the time will be spent outside. Weather appropriate clothing is therefore absolutely necessary. Participants will 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:
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.
Short Readings, Articles, Poetry (provided by the instructor)
Other Suggested Readings/Texts:
“The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma” by Bessel van der Kolk
"Equity-Centered Trauma-Informed Education?" by Alex Shevrin-Venet
“Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead” by Brené Brown
“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
“The Extended Mind: The Power of Thinking Outside the Brain” by Annie Murphy Paul
Anja Pfeffer
(802) 681-3662
(802) 468-1325