WELLNESS FOR EDUCATORS, FROM EDUCATORS
"Yesterday, I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today, I am wise, so I am changing myself." --Rumi
"Yesterday, I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today, I am wise, so I am changing myself." --Rumi
Educators are in charge of a multitude of people and personalities every day. Add in being a spouse, partner, parent, friend, sibling—not to mention the national conversation about public education — and being an educator can rapidly become overwhelming without tools to navigate the demands of the job. The Class IV provides workshops that will walk participants through the current state of educator wellbeing, identify that there ARE resources that can provide meaningful strategies for better mental and emotional wellbeing, and open doorways for to take back energy and life.
Melissa Thompson
Melissa is an art educator and artist, teaching Drawing and Art for Wellbeing at Boise High School since 2016. Art for Wellbeing is an art class that blends meditation, self-reflection, and art practices based in the foundations of art therapy: creativity, repetition and tactile practices. Melissa has used these practices to manage her own anxiety and mental health challenges. Both in the classroom or studio, her work intends to use art as a tool for connection, expression, and overall improved wellbeing.
Dr. (Friar) RT Duke
RT has taught English and research at Boise High School since 2022. He has taught middle school, overseas, and served as a custodian and substitute teacher. RT has also been a principal and a curriculum supervisor at the district office. RT's dedication to educator wellbeing began as he faced burnout and what Thoreau described as a life of "quiet desperation" before turning to mindfulness, meditation, neuroscience, philosophy, poetry, and yes, even quantum physics to find paths to a more meaningful life. RT provides insights to educators in all positions, along with accessible resources to help participants discover their own process of self-care. RT is also a non-denominational Friar because his friends needed a minister...thus Friar Duke was born.
We work with your school or district to tailor our sessions that meet your needs. We understand that educators do not have endless hours of professional development or personal time to spare. We offer sessions as short as an hour or up to two days, spread out in whatever format works best for you and your organization. We want to work with teachers, support staff, counselors, administrators, and district officials to help all educators find pathways to an improved quality of life because healthy adults have a better chance of impacting the students and communities they serve.
"This is a great start for me to really start work on myself. Thank you so much! I want more of your classes please. Don’t stop!"
"A great workshop and one that should be shared with all staff in every building across the district. You’re on to something that needs to be shared for the health of all educators."
"Working on my emotional/mental health is already a daily practice. I was unsure of what I would gain from this, however it far surpassed my expectations. I appreciate your insight, energy, and willingness to be vulnerable. Thank you so much!"
"Like I said before, I love that you are doing this. It is so necessary right now and is great that it is coming from a non mental health worker. I feel like it gives the message more teeth for people who are skeptical to the mental health profession. Thank you- keep doing this work!!! It is of such value and importance in the lives of others."
"Thanks RT!!!!FANTASTIC job! You are a natural and engaging speaker. Great sense of humor!! I loved all the personal examples you shared and how down to earth and relatable you are."
"There is a huge need and you do a fantastic job providing the space for people to learn and grow. Thank you!!"
"Thanks for acknowledging and being the spec in the tornado. So much of what you shared resonates with me. I appreciate your time and knowledge. "
"The thing that stuck with me the most is that we don’t have to make these huge life altering changes in our lives to improve our mental well-being. It’s small seeds being planted over a long period of time that makes the biggest changes."
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