Heading 1NDMTSS Conference
Description
Teachers have always needed to know and practice protective strategies in their social emotional first aid kits to manage the daily stressors of working on the front lines of a human-service oriented profession. That need has never been greater given the massive increase in uncertainty and unpredictability in the teaching profession and in one's personal life due to COVID.
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In short, teaching is emotional labor-- the effort required to manage and metabolize strong emotions like anger, shame, guilt, anxiety, and overwhelm, as well as generate and stoke positive emotions like joy, hope, and compassion.
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Stress significantly diminishes a teacher's capacity to regulate their negative emotions and cultivate positive emotions. Ironically, teachers who leave the profession often cite their inability to cope with their own emotional reactions to loss of control, unpredictability, and lack of purpose in their teaching as the primary reason for burnout.
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There are many, many strategies and practices rooted in cognitive and affective neuroscience and social and behavioral sciences that teachers can learn, practice, and integrate into their personal and professional lives as teachers to metabolize stress, manage negative energy, protect themselves from the burnout cycle, and find joy in teaching the whole year through!
Learning Objectives
In this session, teachers will:
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Explore the core elements of the teacher burnout cycle and learn how to protect one's self from the 2 paths to burning out,
What educators are saying about
The Present Teacher Restoration ProjectTM
I will rewatch all of the lessons. I actually feel like a healed person. High School Teacher
This training was a life saver! Every week I was waiting for it, to practice meditation, remind me of my strengths, and manage my energy the best way possible to survive and find joy in the middle of the pandemic and distance learning. -THANK YOU!!! Elementary Teacher
Thanks for this, Jen. I was able to dip into the meditations and yoga and have a reset of the necessary skills of self care and compassion for others. I am still struggling daily with the whole distance learning model. I couldn't be doing it without the framework you have presented. Your presence and words bring peace - even virtually. Elementary Teacher
I loved going through the Present Teacher Restoration modules. I feel PTRP affirms everything we (caring and compassionate teachers) feel in a day, week, and a year.
PTRP gives practical wellness tools which helped (and still help me) with my stress levels. I loved the movement, meditation and breathing exercises. Anyone can do them at whatever fitness level they are at. PTRP also addresses one to be self-reflective and honest in one's teaching practice to bring about more inclusiveness and equity.
High SchoolTeacher
The trainings were eye opening to simple things we can incorporate into our daily lives, teaching practices, or parenting/family relationships. Who knew that taking a 30 second pause in your day to do a tree pose can help refocus, destress, and calm your body and mind.
Middle School Teacher
I have learned that my teacher stress is normal and manageable. I have learned that if I practice mindfulness/ meditation DAILY that I can be a calmer, more resilient teacher.
High School English Teacher
This training has helped me to realize that how I respond to everything is a choice. Situations can be stressful in the classroom, and how I choose to respond is up to me. I have learned to surround myself with positive, inspiring people and that my relationships with students, families, and colleagues is crucially important to me. Thank you! First year elementary school teacher
What educators and administrators are saying about
Present Teacher Trainings and Keynotes
Your presentation was fantastic; it was just what I needed. I honestly felt like you were talking specifically to me. I love your style of presenting; you are a lovely teacher- and human.
Elementary School Teacher
Thank you so much for your presentation this morning. It was one of the most energetic and empowering events I have ever experienced. Your energy and positivity were so much fun to watch and are so greatly appreciated.
Special Education Paraprofessional
Dr. Clifden has been amazing to work with! Her training is truly powerful. She is a captivating and enthusiastic speaker!
Her keynote was fun, informative, moving, and, as one participant described it, 'life changing'. Her authentic and calming personality is refreshing and motivating.
County Public Health Official
Thank you very much for the incredible workshop today. My staff were engaged, inspired, and felt a sense of healing and restoration. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!
Elementary School Administrator
Because of this training, I am more patient with myself and others. I notice more openly and frequently and feel more connected to myself than I have before. Special Education Paraprofessional
Present Teacher trainings helped me to recognize my own strengths and learn to draw on them during hectic or difficult times in my class. I feel more competent, more compassionate than I did before. Early Childhood Education Teacher
Before the Present Teacher Training, I often used to wonder if I had done enough to show all my kids that I care about them. After this training, I am finishing this year with a sense of being 'enough.' I gave my all, and I was engaged with my kids. I felt genuine presence with them.
I am enough. Elementary School Teacher