Welcome!
In August 2017, we took a course together with Annie O'Shaughnessy all about the role of mindfulness and restorative practices in public education. This site is designed to be a resource page for anyone interested in learning more about mindfulness and restorative practices, and how they might be used to improve the educational experience. Whether you are a classroom teacher, an administrator, or a parent, this site will offer research, activities, explanations, and examples of how (and why!) to apply these principles in education.
Mindfulness is secular and not tied to any one religion. It is simply a way of being that has played an increasingly greater role in our personal and professional lives over the past few years. Because we have been able to cultivate more of a mindful existence in our personal lives, it has transformed our experiences in the classroom. It has helped us to become more curious, light-hearted, and connected teachers. It has helped us cultivate a deeper sense of joy in the classroom. Rather than adding one more thing to the curriculum, as is often the concern when trying to implement new practices into our classrooms, mindfulness can naturally integrate itself into our days, and it will allow for deeper learning and a greater sense of connection for everyone in our presence.
Restorative practices will also come more naturally to us as educators and parents, as we begin to look at ourselves and each other with curiosity, compassion, and a desire for authentic connection. Please explore this website and contact us with any questions or feedback about how to help you better understand mindfulness and restorative practices. Our e-mail addresses are tbergstrom@ewsd.org and asawyer@ewsd.org.
Timiny and Adam