Establishing a Healthy Classroom: Strategies for Student Success and Teacher Well-being” is a focused course aimed at embedding health and wellness within educational settings. Central to this course is the Whole Child approach, emphasizing health, emotional well-being, student engagement, and creativity. Educators will explore practical strategies for integrating healthy lifestyles and active learning into their classrooms. Emphasis is placed on creating a learning environment that nurtures physical health, stimulates intellectual curiosity, and fosters emotional well-being. By the end of the course, participants will be equipped to transform their classrooms into spaces where every student is healthy, engaged, supported, and thrives, ensuring a balanced and inclusive educational experience.

Upon completion of this course, the participant will be able to:

• Describe the 8 Dimensions of Wellness and the ASCD Whole Child, Whole Educator Framework.  Discuss the significant role schools can have in nurturing the “whole child” as well as the “whole educator”.
• Explain Dr. Dan Siegel’s Window of Tolerance and integrate techniques for fostering self-regulation among students in the classroom.
• Explain the barriers to implementing health in the classroom and integrate resources to assist with school wellness.
• Explore the effects of screen time, sleep deficits, nutrition and physical activity on academic performance and develop strategies to help students optimize their health and learning
• Devise educational approaches that recognize the importance of creativity and diverse intelligence by creating an inclusive and stimulating learning environment for all students.

*Credit can not be awarded for both “Happy Teacher, Healthy Classroom” and “Establishing a Healthy Classroom: Strategies For Student Success And Teacher Wellness” due to overlap in content and objectives.

Each day provides us with 24 hours or 1,440 minutes, and infinite possibilities. The challenge lies in our ability to utilize this time to its fullest potential.  This course is designed to provide educators with the necessary skills and strategies to effectively manage their time in the classroom and beyond. Through a combination of lectures, readings, discussions, and practical exercises, participants will learn how to prioritize tasks, set goals, delegate responsibilities, and maintain a healthy work-life balance. 

Educators will use this knowledge to support their students’ time management and executive functioning skills. This course will help educators teach their students how to plan ahead, meet goals, minimize distractions, and manage their time effectively. The implementation of these critical life skills in the classroom will enhance student’s academic performance, boost their confidence, and prepare them for life beyond the classroom. 

Upon completion of this course, the participant will be able to:

• Describe the principles of time management and recognize its importance in the teaching profession and beyond.
• Analyze personal time management strategies and identify areas for improvement.
• Apply time management theories and principles to prioritize tasks effectively, focusing on key duties over less critical ones.
• Develop strategies for delegating tasks where necessary, ensuring a balanced and manageable workload.
• Recognize the influence of multitasking on stress levels, mental fatigue, and overall well-being, and understand how it can contribute to burnout and reduced performance
• Evaluate the effectiveness of implemented time management strategies, making adjustments as needed to improve efficiency and productivity.
• Formulate lesson plans that incorporate time management skills to enhance student success.

Social-emotional learning (SEL) helps students develop the skills they need to succeed in school and beyond. SEL involves teaching students to recognize and manage their emotions, build positive relationships, make responsible decisions, and communicate effectively. By incorporating SEL into daily instruction, teachers can create a safe and supportive learning environment that fosters social, emotional, and academic growth. SEL can also help students develop resilience, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being. By investing in SEL, teachers can help students develop the skills they need to succeed not only academically, but also build healthy relationships, and navigate challenges throughout their lives. 

This course is designed to equip educators with the knowledge, skills, and strategies to effectively promote social and emotional learning in their classrooms. Participants will gain a deep understanding of the core SEL competencies, explore evidence-based instructional techniques, and learn to create a safe and inclusive classroom environment. Additionally, educators will gain self-care strategies to support their own social and emotional well-being, enabling them to thrive personally and professionally. This course will empower educators to create a positive and transformative learning experience for themselves and their students.

Upon completion of this course, the participant will be able to:

• Evaluate the academic and mental health benefits of incorporating SEL into teaching practices and the classroom.
• Identify the five core competencies of Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) and describe the essential skills that support students’ social, emotional, and academic success.
• Develop strategies to integrate SEL practices into teaching practices to support students’ social and emotional growth.
• Analyze the importance of supporting adult SEL and its impact on professional performance and student learning outcomes.
• Design self-care practices to model social and emotional well being.