Center for Educational Improvement

Happy Holidays from all of us at The Center for Educational Improvement (CEI) team. To learn more about opportunities at CEI, visit https://buff.ly/3vJpCFS

As we approach the holiday season, it's a wonderful opportunity to express gratitude, cherish joy, and reflect on the upcoming year. This month, we have a few practical strategies to help you start your school day positively, bring joy back to the classroom, and incorporate mindfulness and yoga into your school curriculum.

In the previous month, Christine Mason and Ali Sumski continued their series on assisting students to start their day with a positive mindset, focusing on students with more intensive needs. This month, Amanda Berg expands on this theme and shares how to support early childhood students in coping with various transitions. Alexis Richmond reviews positive psychology and encourages teachers to restore joy and infuse excitement and positive emotions into the classroom. Finally, Nicole Roxanne Benquechea and Hallie Williams summarize the key takeaways from Dr. Mason and Kahlil Kuykendall's virtual session "Embodying Compassion: Yoga for Impact," which provided practical ways to incorporate yoga into the school day.

The end of the year is a time for transitions, endings, and new beginnings. Christine Mason, the Founder and CEO of The Center for Educational Improvement, has announced her retirement in January 2024. We celebrate her work and legacy and are delighted that she will continue to advise and contribute to our mission as our Senior Scholar. We welcome Jill Flanders as our next Executive Director. Jillayne Flanders has worked closely with Dr. Mason as our Deputy Director for three years. She brings her practical experience as an Elementary Principal for 27 years, expertise in Early Childhood Education, leadership, and SEL to our work with mindfulness, Compassionate School Leadership, and trauma-informed practice. You will hear more about her goals for CEI in the coming months.

Congratulations to Dr. Mason, and we wish you all the best as you embark on a new journey in your personal and educational life! https://buff.ly/3xOsW2B

Please save the date! We are thrilled to announce the virtual conference on transformative SEL for teacher educators on March 2, 2024. The Center for Educational Improvement is a silver partner looking forward to supporting the SEL4MA 2023-2024 events. We will be providing more information soon! If you want to attend more events, please use this link: https://buff.ly/2L7eXNM. Don't miss this exciting opportunity to learn and connect with other educators!

Join Yale researchers, Dr. Maria O’Connell and Dr. Martha Staeheli, Jill Flanders (Deputy Director of CEI), and Laura O’Connell (CSLA Site Coordinator) on Wednesday, December 13th at 12:00pm EST. They will be discussing ways you can collaborate with the Compassionate School Leadership Academy (CSLA) in 2024.

The first step towards collaboration is taking the S-CCATE. During this session, you will learn more about S-CCATE, its development, and its Action Guides, designed to help your staff make crucial decisions for today's schools. You can also learn about the opportunities available for school principals and other school leaders and participate in our informal Q&A. This brief 40-minute session will provide you with an opportunity to hear from the CSLA leadership team and plan for your involvement in 2024. To learn more and register, please visit https://buff.ly/486IaC6.

To understand how childhood trauma can impact a student's well-being, cognition, and academic performance, you should check out the Cultivating Resilience Podcast. Our podcast features expert guests who are leaders in their respective fields, covering various topics such as mindfulness and education. Listen to the show on Apple Podcasts at https://buff.ly/3Hkz2gv.

Join us for a virtual "Embodying Compassion: Yoga for Impact" event on November 18th to learn about caring for yourself and the world. Dr. Christine Mason and Kahlil Kuykendall will present on "Balancing Head and Heart: Yoga in Schools" from 9:00am to 11:00am Mountain Time. They will discuss the importance of supporting children and teachers in facing the pressures of life and finding a way to get through school. This is especially important in today's world. For more information and to register, please visit https://buff.ly/3MIt5yd. Don't miss this opportunity to learn about yoga, mental wellbeing, and meditation in schools!

Would you like to learn about building protective factors and furthering resilience through compassionate practices in schools? In a previous article, Dr. Christine Mason and Ali Sumski explained how teachers can help all students start their school day on the right foot. This month, we focus on the first 12 minutes of class for struggling students and provide strategies to promote student interests and safety, with input from Victoria Romero. Additionally, Nicole Benquechea shares insights on the school, parental, and community supports available to students facing mental health challenges. Finally, Hallie Williams highlights the importance of cultural identity as a protective factor, especially for Indigenous students, and provides strategies for teachers to help reduce the impact of trauma and boost students' self-esteem. For more information, please visit the provided link for our HeartMind e-News. https://buff.ly/3xOsW2B

As a society that values education, how can we ensure the well-being of both students and staff? Check out the "Cultivating Resilience" podcast featuring Dr. Kelvin Butts, Superintendent of Benton Harbor area schools and a lifelong educator. To promote equity, inclusivity, and justice in education, we must prioritize students' and school staff's mental health and overall well-being. The podcast series delves into innovative strategies that aim to alleviate the anxiety and stress prevalent in today's educational settings.
https://buff.ly/49ptNu5

42: A Servant Leader Approach to Enhancing Well-being in Schools — Quetico Coaching Dr. Kelvin Butts is the Superintendent of Benton Harbor, MI, area schools. In this episode, we discuss his approach to leadership – transparency, vulnerability, a learning organization, community partnerships – to enhance the well-being of the school community.

Join us on November 16th at 12 pm EST for our upcoming webinar: A Servant Leader Approach. In today's world, transformational leadership is crucial to supporting educators and students. This webinar will give you the necessary guidance to improve your school's well-being. We will be joined by Dr. Kelvin Butts, the Superintendent of Benton Harbor, MI, area schools and a lifelong educator, who will delve into leadership philosophy. Dr. Butts will examine the need to focus on equity and address the barriers that prevent students and educators from achieving good mental health and well-being. We invite you to join us on this insightful journey toward wellness in an educational setting. Register now for more information about the webinar at https://buff.ly/3spWGFF. Don't miss out on this opportunity to enhance your knowledge on educational leadership and wellness!

Are you interested in creating a successful school community that fosters resilient, versatile, and flourishing students? If so, we welcome you to become a part of our HeartMind Community, where you can enjoy discounted rates on our publications and workshops, connect with other educators, and access exclusive virtual consultations and additional resources offered by the Center for Educational Improvement. You can find the link to join at the end of this message, after the announcements. https://buff.ly/3jFblIm

Are you ready to make a positive impact on those who need it the most? In a world where well-being is paramount, our upcoming webinar on November 2nd at 12 pm EST is your compass for creating conditions for healing for students and staff. Join us for the "How a School Leader Creates the Conditions for Healing" Webinar, where Anitra Gallegos will discuss how she is creating a culturally responsive and trauma-informed environment in her school through her three “Is”: integrity, instruction, and inspiration. Anitra Gallegos, the Principal of the Panorama Middle School in Colorado Springs, CO, is committed to addressing trauma and creating a culturally responsive and trauma-informed environment in her school. She believes that all students can learn and succeed, and she is always looking for ways to improve their education. Please consider registering for the webinar through this link. https://buff.ly/462jBos

📣 Come and join us on a journey towards holistic wellness in your educational setting on Thu, Nov 2, 2023, at 12:00 PM. Anitra Gallegos, the Principal of Panorama Middle School in Colorado Springs, CO, is dedicated to addressing trauma and creating a culturally responsive and trauma-informed environment in her school. She firmly believes that all students can learn and succeed and is constantly searching for ways to improve their education. 🏫

Don't miss out on this invaluable opportunity to make a lasting, positive impact on the lives of those we serve.
https://buff.ly/46XUzaM

📣 Join Anitra Gallegos, Principal of Panorama Middle School in Colorado Springs, for the "How a School Leader Creates the Conditions for Healing" webinar. The event will take place on October 24th at 4 pm EST. 📚

In the webinar, Anitra will discuss creating a culturally responsive and trauma-informed environment in her school through her three "Is": integrity, instruction, and inspiration. Anitra is a passionate and dedicated principal who strongly advocates for her students and faculty. She believes that all students can learn and succeed and is always looking for ways to improve their education. Anitra is committed to addressing trauma and promoting wellness in her school community. She believes her faculty should be remembered for making a difference in education rather than just teaching content.

If you are interested in attending the webinar, please consider registering through this link: https://buff.ly/46RpDZJ.

Are you interested in promoting a more inclusive and nurturing school environment? The US Department of Education's Supporting Effective Educator Development (SEED) grant program aims to increase the number of highly effective educators by supporting evidence-based practices that prepare, develop, or enhance the skills of educators.

One of the SEED grant program projects is the Compassionate School Leadership Academy (CSLA), developed by the Center for Educational Improvement and Yale University's Department of Psychiatry Program. The project aims to equip school administrators in underprivileged districts with the skills necessary to implement trauma-informed practices in the classroom, helping to address the mental health needs of American children.

If you require additional assistance or information, please feel free to contact Dr. Christine Mason ([email protected]), the Executive Director of the Center for Educational Improvement. Let's collaborate to establish more equitable and empathetic school practices!

Dear school leaders and educators,

We have some exciting news to share with you from the Center for Educational Improvement. We are pleased to offer a Cultivating Resilience Podcast and webinar series that aims to support your students. Join Michelle Trujillo, M.Ed, on October 11th at 4 pm EST as she hosts the Nurturing Student and Educator Well-Being Webinar. This is an excellent opportunity to learn practical strategies for improving teacher morale and effectiveness. Additionally, on October 24th at 4 pm EST, Anitra Gallegos will discuss how she creates a culturally responsive and trauma-informed environment in her school through her three "Is": integrity, instruction, and inspiration. She will share her insights during the How a School Leader Creates the Conditions for Healing Webinar. For more information and to register for the webinar, please visit https://buff.ly/48HBuv5.

Best regards,
The Center for Educational Improvement

As a society that places high importance on education, it's essential to ensure that students and staff are well taken care of. To gain valuable insights on this topic, you're invited to join Jeff Ikler, Dr. Christine Mason, and Jesse Kohler for a discussion with educational thought leader Michelle Trujillo, M.Ed, on October 11th at 4 pm EST. In addition, Michelle Trujillo's podcast episode offers helpful strategies for school leaders. You can find the podcast at https://buff.ly/3Cntoq1.

If you want to improve teachers' morale and effectiveness, Michelle Trujillo's M.Ed's Nurturing Student and Educator Well-Being Webinar provides practical strategies to achieve this goal. With her background as a former teacher and principal, Michelle addresses the challenges and well-being of educators, highlighting the importance of educational leaders in supporting their teachers' well-being to meet students' academic and emotional needs. For more information and to register, please visit https://buff.ly/45eYsa2.

If you're a school leader, administrator, or educator interested in promoting resilience and compassionate mental health practices for your students, The Center for Educational Improvement (CEI) is here to help. We strive to accelerate the adoption of evidence-based practices that address the holistic needs of students and staff. Our goal is to assist leaders in creating a culture and context that fosters lifelong learning for students. We invite you to join our HeartMind Community, where you can access discounts on publications and workshops, a free newsletter, podcast series, networking opportunities, and special virtual consultations and resource offers. For more information, please visit https://buff.ly/3vJpCFS.

Are you looking to empower your school community with resources for compassion and justice? The Center for Educational Improvement (CEI) is excited to offer a special 30% discount on a collection of books that can support your students, staff, and families. These valuable leadership and social-emotional learning resources could help create a positive and inclusive culture within your school or district. For more information, please visit https://buff.ly/41v6wmh.

Would you like to be part of a thriving school community that fosters healthy, resilient, and successful students? 📚 Join our HeartMind Community today to enjoy discounts on publications and workshops, networking opportunities, and special offers for virtual consultations and other resources from the Center for Educational Improvement. You can find the link at the end of the announcements. https://buff.ly/3jFblIm

Are you looking to explore the impact of childhood trauma on students' well-being, cognition, and academic performance? Look no further than the Cultivating Resilience Podcast! Featuring insightful guests who are leaders in their communities, our podcast covers various topics, including mindfulness, education, and more. Don't forget to like and subscribe to the podcast on Apple at https://buff.ly/3Hkz2gv.

In today's school classrooms, safety has become a major concern for both students and teachers alike. As a solution, the Supporting Effective Educator Development (SEED) grant program was launched by the U.S. Department of Education. To meet these challenges head-on, the Center for Educational Improvement has partnered with Yale University's Department of Psychiatry Program for Recovery and Community Health (PRCH) to create the Compassionate School Leadership Academy (CSLA) project. The team leading the project includes Christine Mason, Ph.D., Maria O'Connell, Ph.D., Martha Staeheli, Ph.D., and Janis Tondora, PsyD. The CSLA researchers will work with school leaders this year to create personalized action plans for each school based on their S-CCATE evaluation results. The CSLA is presently searching for middle schools interested in collaborating. For more information, kindly reach out to [email protected].

If you're curious about how childhood trauma affects students' well-being, cognition, and academic learning, check out the Cultivating Resilience Podcast. We have two upcoming episodes in the Cultivating Resilience Series featuring Michelle Trujillo, author and educator well-being advocate, on September 14th and Anitra Gallegos, principal of Panorama Middle School in Colorado Springs, on September 28th. You can also find us on Apple at https://buff.ly/3Hkz2gv.

Are you hoping to promote a more inclusive and compassionate school environment?
Get to know the Compassionate School Leadership Academy (CSLA)! The CSLA trains school leaders in high-need areas to apply trauma-informed practices in classrooms to address American children's pressing mental health needs. The S-CCATE, a custom assessment tool, supports the CSLA's efforts to assess and change school cultures to ensure more equitable and compassionate practices. Click here to learn more and complete the S-CCATE:
https://buff.ly/44DEndZ

Stay ahead of the game for the upcoming academic year by signing up for our complimentary HeartMind eNews. Discover insightful articles on encouraging student wellness and tackling trauma in the classroom. Explore Alexis Richmond's tips on nurturing a sense of community through physical space and routines, or learn from Chandni Lai's advice on integrating yoga into school life. Don't miss Kelly McGlothin's account of a summer science camp designed to promote student well-being in Anadarko, Oklahoma. https://buff.ly/3xOsW2B

Join us on Tuesday, August 15th at 9 am PDT for an event hosted by the National Indian Education Association (NIEA) to learn about the Whole Child Initiative. This event is open to everyone, including students, educators, parents, guardians, and community members. It's an excellent opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals, share ideas, and access valuable resources to support Native students' success. The panel features experts, educators, and community leaders who will share insights, experiences, and best practices. Admission is free. Please remember to add an event to your calendar as a reminder. https://buff.ly/3OLkCMa

The Education and Well-Being of Native Students Join Melanie Johnson and learn about the National Indian Education Association (NIEA) Whole Child Initiative.

How can we ensure the well-being of students and staff in education? Join Jeff Ikler, Dr. Christine Mason, and Victoria Romero for a session with Melanie Johnson, an educational thought leader, on August 15th at 12 pm EDT. We will discuss NIEA's Whole Child Initiative, Native education, and creating positive school cultures where everyone can thrive. The podcast episode with Melanie Johnson airs on August 17th. https://buff.ly/3Cntoq1

Trauma in Schools — Quetico Coaching Through the Compassionate School Leadership Academy (CSLA), schools have opportunities to participate in research to develop culturally responsive, trauma-conscious practices in classrooms. Funded by the U.S. Department of Education, under award Number S423A220092, the CSLA is a joint endeavor of th...

Are you passionate about making a difference in the education system for Native students? Join Melanie Johnson on Tuesday, August 15th at 9 am PDT to learn about the Whole Child Initiative by the National Indian Education Association (NIEA). This event is open to everyone, including students, educators, parents, guardians, and community members. You can connect with like-minded individuals, share ideas, and access valuable resources to support Native students' success. Admission is free, so make sure to mark your calendar!
https://buff.ly/3OLkCMa

The Education and Well-Being of Native Students Join Melanie Johnson and learn about the National Indian Education Association (NIEA) Whole Child Initiative.

Attention school leaders! If you want to cultivate a positive school culture that enhances student learning, Leading with Vitality and Hope is a valuable resource you should take advantage of. This book is packed with inspiring insights from educational leaders that you can easily apply in your school or community. Edimprove's research assistant, Hallie Williams, highly recommends this must-read for anyone interested in creating a positive school environment. Don't miss out! Check out the book at https://buff.ly/45b8NUR

As a school leader, how can you incorporate hope, vision, and student input into creating a positive school culture that enhances student learning? Leading with Vitality and Hope is a useful guide for educators who want to overcome current challenges in education. This book features inspiring ideas from educational leaders and practical tips you can implement in your school or community. One of our readers, Chandni Lal, is a research intern at Edimprove. https://buff.ly/3DrEdKX

The Center for Educational Improvement wishes to thank Paul Liabenow for his exceptional leadership as President from 2017 to 2023. We are thrilled to introduce Dr. Melissa Patschke as the incoming President, effective July 1, 2023. For more details from our advisory board, you can visit https://buff.ly/3KEASfB.

How can we overcome the chaotic situations that arise in schools? Leading with Vitality and Hope is a practical guide for educators who wish to move beyond the challenges that schools are currently facing. It offers inspirational ideas from an impressive group of educational leaders and practical suggestions that can be implemented in local schools and communities. https://buff.ly/3DrEdKX

Are you interested in fostering a more inclusive and nurturing school environment? The Compassionate School Leadership Academy (CSLA) is here to assist you! This program equips school administrators in underprivileged districts with the skills to implement trauma-informed practices in the classroom, addressing American children's pressing mental health needs. By joining the program, you can gain valuable insight into your school's culture. The CSLA provides a personalized tool called the School Compassionate Culture Analytical Tool for Educators (S-CCATE) to evaluate and improve your school culture. For more information and to complete the S-CCATE, please visit https://buff.ly/44DEndZ. If you need additional help, please contact Dr. Christine Mason ([email protected]), the Executive Director of the Center for Educational Improvement. Let's collaborate to establish more equitable and empathetic school practices!

Mindfulness is a proven technique to reduce anxiety and improve student outcomes. CEI's blog offers free resources for trauma-informed school practices. HeartMind e-News provides a research-based perspective to promote well-being in educators, students, and families. Click the link for more information. https://buff.ly/3vNCXw3

Fostering a compassionate and supportive learning environment is greatly influenced by addressing educators' social and emotional well-being. Afrika Afeni Mills, a renowned Education Consultant and Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, lends her expertise to the Center for Educational Improvement. In today's podcast episode, she shares her insights on the crucial role of inclusivity and racism in education. https://buff.ly/3Cntoq1

Trauma in Schools — Quetico Coaching Through the Compassionate School Leadership Academy (CSLA), schools have opportunities to participate in research to develop culturally responsive, trauma-conscious practices in classrooms. Funded by the U.S. Department of Education, under award Number S423A220092, the CSLA is a joint endeavor of th...

Are you interested in learning about Visioning and the Compassionate School Leadership Academy? Join Christine Mason, Missie Patschke, and Paul Liabenow, experienced and resilient educational leaders, at the NAESP Conference 2023 on Tuesday, July 11th at 3 pm. This conference allows education professionals to gain insights from industry experts and network with peers. For more information, click on the link provided. https://buff.ly/43KcMYe

Don't miss the chance to participate in an informative session with educational expert Afrika Afeni Mills on July 27th at 12 pm EDT. Join Jeff Ikler, Dr. Christine Mason, and Victoria Romero as we discuss creating a compassionate school environment that promotes student and staff success through cultural competence and antiracism. Register now at https://buff.ly/43aCtA9 for more information. Also, check out the podcast episode featuring Afrika Afeni Mills on July 13th. Find out more at https://buff.ly/3Cntoq1.

In today's world, trauma is a prevalent issue. Nonetheless, the Center for Educational Improvement (CEI) is committed to assisting schools and offering professional development programs. We invite you to listen to our recent podcast episodes on Apple Podcasts by visiting https://buff.ly/3Hkz2gv. We would appreciate it if you could subscribe, rate, and review our series. Our focus is on cultivating resilience and improving mental health.

‎Cultivating Resilience on Apple Podcasts ‎Education · 2023