Erin Tovey-Brown, former certified teacher and Heath Educator for the Office of Health Promotion at Gonzaga University, facilitated this seminar about what holistic wellness means, how the 8 Dimensions of Well-Being can guide your wellness journey, and when to use the dimensions in a classroom setting to enrich the student experience. 

This seminar provided tools for educators to work with students to help them calm their nervous systems when dealing with stressful situations, both in and out of the classroom. 

Self-care can be wonderful, and can encourage us to prioritize our own well being, but we shouldn't stop there. In this workshop participants explored the most effective kinds of self-care, and discovered why finding a supportive community is even more effective in preventing and healing from burn-out and empathy fatigue. The session centered on finding community and care with a focus on the specific needs of educators. 

Clear and effective classroom boundaries can be mutually supportive of both learners and educators. In this second workshop on self and community care, participants discussed the unique needs of educators in setting boundaries, and gave attendees the chance to develop their own for future use. 

As educators, understanding the pervasive effects of complex trauma on our learners—and even ourselves—is crucial. This session will introduce you to the fundamentals of complex trauma and polyvagal theory, offering insights into how trauma influences the nervous system and, consequently, learning and connection in the classroom. We’ll explore practical tactics to increase psychological safety and promote regulation, helping you create a classroom environment where all students can thrive. By integrating these trauma-informed strategies, you can enhance engagement, foster inclusivity, and better support the diverse needs of your students.

Psychological stress and burnout among educators has long been a topic of interest. The mental and physical wellbeing of academics continues to be of concern due to the rapid growth of online education and other time consuming demands. This session will provide a review of the existing research about educators' overall wellbeing. Additionally, we will engage in a discussion about the advantages of mindful rest and other specific strategies aimed at safeguarding brain health. Join us to enhance your own wellbeing through stress reduction and mindful rest tools curated with educators in mind.

In this session we will discuss the latest research on boosting online student persistence by reducing isolation, setting shared goals, and fostering inclusive, engaging online communities. Participants will gain insights into strategies that improve student retention and success, community-building techniques for partner institutions, and enhanced student engagement, leading to better retention rates.

Discover the seven types of rest—physical, mental, sensory, creative, emotional, social, and spiritual—that are crucial for preventing burnout. This session will delve into each type of rest, offering practical strategies to incorporate them into your daily routine. Session participants will learn how to identify the specific types of rest they need, replenish their energy, and enhance their overall well-being to be the best version of themselves. Join this session to gain insights on how to achieve a balanced, rested, and more fulfilling life.

Educators are faced with many challenges in the online learning environment. This session will help educators get to know the unique aspects of their work that cause stress, find ways to implement coping strategies for their overall wellbeing, and build skills to support emotion regulation and balance while teaching. Join us to learn strategies for maintaining focus on students, managing technology, and creating and delivering content, even when you are experiencing stress. Self care and compassion are key elements to a successful work life balance, and this session will give instructors the opportunity to find the skills that work best for them to improve their mental health and wellbeing.