Jon has a keen ability to manage his own emotions while understanding the emotions of those around him.
Teaching & Learning Conference
Date: 3/11/16 - 3/13/16
Organization: National Board for Professional Teaching Standards
The Teaching & Learning Conference was a dynamic gathering that brought together educators and thought leaders from across the nation. Attendees delved into innovative teaching methodologies, explored emerging trends in education, and engaged in meaningful discussions about enhancing the learning experience.
The conference featured a diverse range of workshops, presentations, and panel discussions, providing a platform for educators to share best practices and insights. Participants had the opportunity to network, exchange ideas, and collaborate on strategies to address contemporary challenges in teaching.
The photo is from a plenary session on integrating curriculum and school staff in order to increase the academic and social/emotional experiences for students of color.Â
Crossroads Training
Date: 5/9/22
Organization: ManKind Project
This ManKind Project training explores the role of resistance as a potential obstacle to positive intentions and learn effective strategies to overcome it.
This program offers a structured approach to evaluate choices, providing insights into their broader impacts. Participants gain a deeper understanding of how perceptions shape outcomes, fostering clarity in decision-making.
Confronting oneself at the Crossroads, participants engage in a guided journey of self-discovery and personal growth. Core Value Integration ensures alignment between actions and authentic values.
Introduction to Conflict Resolution
Date: 1/5/23
Organization: ManKind Project
At the Conflict Resolution Training, participants gained invaluable skills to navigate interpersonal challenges. The focus was on mastering the art of expressing discontent while maintaining connections, fostering open communication. Attendees honed their ability to listen actively and empathetically, promoting a deeper understanding of diverse perspectives. The training emphasized collaborative problem-solving, empowering individuals to seek solutions together, fostering a harmonious and productive environment.
In 2019, I had the honor of co-presenting a breakout session at the Virginia Educators Association Instructional and Professional Development Conference. Our focus aligned with the conference theme, "Connecting with Students Through Trauma-Informed Practices," and our specific topic addressed "Artistic Mindfulness for the Non-Artistic Teacher."
Conducting an interactive session, we initiated discussions on emotions arising in classroom scenarios, allowing educators to express preferences in characteristics they wished to assess more frequently. This guided the session, creating a collaborative atmosphere where participants' insights influenced the direction. The shared notes and stories served as reference points for subsequent exercises, fostering a culture where students take ownership of their learning goals in both independent and group settings.
Our training delved into methodology and techniques for integrating music into the classroom structure to support student emotional regulation. Recognizing the synergies between mindfulness, stress management, and musical practices, we offered a refreshing perspective during a particularly challenging period in education. Drawing from leading research in trauma-responsive educational practices, we identified overlaps between emotional regulation techniques and effective music education pedagogy.
Collaborating with mental health professionals, both within and beyond the school environment, we meticulously explored the strategic placement of these techniques within contemporary trends of trauma-responsive practices. The outcomes were systematically documented, culminating in a presentation that distilled the findings into simplified applications for educators.
The mindful culture cultivated in both my classroom and breakout sessions serves as a cornerstone for modeling and nurturing creativity and expressive communication. These initiatives are integral to fostering an environment where ideas, knowledge, and connections are conveyed through creative expression.