Mindful Strategic Planning for Arts Education and Mindful Classrooms
I have been a Strategic Planner for Arts Education in the state of California for the past 20+ years. Today I infuse all of my planning with a mindful approach- allowing both the heart and the mind to discover possibilities, innovate and implement creative solutions.
I offer professional learning series for educators to embrace mindfulness within the context of Arts and Social Emotional Learning for the classroom and their own self-care.
Contact me if you would like to bring Strategic Planning or professional learning around these topics to your District or County Office of Education.
Examples of Strategic Planning and Mindful Education
Mono County Office of Education
Strategic Plan completed 2018. The leadership of the Mono County Office of Education and the Mono Arts Council had the visionary idea to bring mindfulness and deep relaxation to their educators once a month in the time of COVID. I incorporate Yoga, Yoga Nidra, and mindful awareness practices of the senses.
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Magnolia
Public Schools
Los Angeles, CA
Strategic Plan completed 2016. Magnolia Public Schools have invited me to guide a regular mindful moment in their monthly staff meetings. The idea of doing mindful practices together sets a tone for the staff to work together in their planning and student support with an even deeper connection, which they can bring to the students.
Mindfulness, SEL and the Arts: Arts Schools Network, National Conference
I presented on Mindfulness, SEL and the Arts for the national conference of the Arts Schools Network. Creating school-wide Social Emotional Learning with mindfulness is a key ingredient to supporting the intensity of the artistic pursuit with grace and ease. I was gratified by the comments from educators and administrators about the value of building a mindful culture in and through the arts.
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Los Angeles County Office of Education: TEAL and TELA, Los Angeles, CA
The leadership of the Center for Distance and Online learning have invited me to bring mindful awareness practices into TEAL (Technology Enhanced Arts Learning) and TELA (Teaching English Learners through the Arts) professional development opportunities for teachers and administrators. This emphasis on transformative SEL, incorporating mindfulness, cultural relevance and arts integration, are bringing new and emerging practices into classrooms all across LA County for the benefit of teachers and students. The increased awareness of diversity, equity and inclusion drives all of the work.
Salinas City Elementary Schools, Monterey County, CA
The leadership of the Salinas City Schools recognized the need to bring mindfulness into the classroom, not just on a "once in awhile" basis, but on an ongoing, regular basis.
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With a kick-off professional development attended by EVERY educator in the district via zoom, mindful practices and principles for the classroom were unpacked and experienced.
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The monthly Professional Learning Community blends the practices of mindfulness with elements of the arts and social emotional learning to bring mindfulness to the classroom in a vibrant and creative way that will support both students and educators in the time of COVID uncertainty.
San Benito County Office of Education, Hollister, CA
Strategic Plan completed 2021. San Benito County Arts Collaborative is a monthly Professional Learning Community that grew out of the Strategic Planning Process for Arts Education in San Benito County. Each month topics of Social Emotional Learning, the Arts, mindfulness and support for English Learners is brought to the group for exploration, refinement and shared learning. Lesson plans are developed and piloted in classrooms to extend the learning for all.
Conejo Valley Unified School District
Strategic Plan completed 2022. In collaboration with TOArts at the Bank of America Performing Arts Center in Thousand Oaks, a new Ventura County-wide Professional Learning Series will be offered as a result of the Strategic Planning Process. Educators will be invited to participate in arts integrated strategies and lesson planning that support literacy, fluency and Social Emotional Learning. The series includes creative arts support for English Learners
Strategic Planning for Arts Education Partial Client List
Azusa Unified School District, Burbank Unified School District, Burton School District, Conejo Valley Unified School District, Duarte Unified School District, Hemet Unified School District, Hollister School District, Madera Unified School District, Magnolia Public Schools, Manteca Unified School District, Marin County Office of Education, Mariposa County Office of Education, Mono County Office of Education, Morgan Hill Unified School District, Moreno Valley Unified School District, Pasadena Unified School District, Pomona Unified School District, Riverside County Office of Education, Riverside Unified School District, San Benito County Office of Education, San Mateo County Office of Education, Santa Barbara County, Sonoma County/Creative Sonoma, Tulare County Office of Education, Val Verde Unified School District, Wiseburn School District.
SAMPLE PLANS AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST.