What about the whole teacher? In this Courage to Teach® two-part retreat series we invite all educators to gift themselves with this “planned pause”, an opportunity to slow down and hold time and space for relaxation, reflection and rejuvenation in the beautiful natural setting of the Hale Education campus, 1,250 acres of forests, ponds, and meadows in Westwood, MA.
As educators, we know we must understand, embrace and teach the whole child, but what of the whole teacher. No longer is it acceptable to ask students to leave parts of themselves outside of the classroom door. Yet, teachers are consistently asked to leave integral parts of themselves outside of the school doors, but at what expense?
Based on the work of Parker J. Palmer, Courage to Teach® is rooted in the belief that good teaching flows from the identity and integrity of the teacher. This professional development opportunity focuses not on the techniques of teaching but rather on renewing the inner lives and well-being of the teacher. This two-day gathering is for all educators who wish to pause and reflect upon their work while remaining true to themselves in the midst of challenging times and situations.
Together, in this Courage to Teach® retreat, we will create and hold space for the wholeness of all educators present. We invite educators to bring all of who they are to this experience. Through reflective journaling, art, poetry and mindful walks in nature, we will share a reflective experience exploring the connection between who you are and what you do, strengthening your capacity for, and commitment to, nurturing your own heart. You will have the opportunity to practice the art of giving yourself the luxury of doing just one thing as you prioritize your well-being.
This retreat is for any and all K-12 educators seeking an opportunity to:
- prioritize their own well-being
- pause and breathe deeply
- be deeply listened to and hold space for others to experience the same
- honor themselves with a self-reflective experience
- center their teacher joy
- discover/rediscover parts of themselves that may have been quieted by the busyness of their day-to-day
- be in community with other educators who understand today’s challenges in education
- engage in activities that invite wholeness and authenticity within a community of other educators
This Courage to Teach® retreat is grounded in the Courage and Renewal® approach. For more information on this approach, please visit www.couragerenewal.org.
The Center for Courage & Renewal and its facilitators do not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression, age, height, weight, physical or mental ability, veteran status, military obligations, and marital status.
