Three Examples of Support for Teacher Well-Being in Action

By Carol Pelletier Radford??

When I wrote Teaching With Light: Ten Lessons for Finding Wisdom, Balance, and Inspiration, I realized that teachers needed time and space to share and learn from each other. These three school districts are intentionally integrating teacher wisdom into their professional development and mentoring programs to support the well-being of their teachers. The programs create a safe space for teachers to engage in authentic conversations that reveal their wisdom, insights, and successful teaching practices. Then they encourage everyone to share their ideas with each other. The result? Positive energy and improved attitudes for teachers.??

Circles of Light?

Lisa Dix, Curriculum Director PK-5 in Bourne Massachusetts, organized a “Circle of Light” book study to encourage teachers to share their wisdom through teaching stories. Beginning and experienced teachers come together three times to share ideas and learn from each other. The book study offers the teachers district credit to honor their time. Lisa even designed a podcast to share with teachers who could not attend. Evaluations were so positive they plan to offer the course again!??

Create your own Circle of Light book study in your school??

Simply Sharing?

Megan Martins, Mentor Academy Leader, Volusia County Schools, Florida, created a “Simply Sharing” group after seeing the idea in the Teaching With Light book. She invited teachers to share one successful idea they used in their classroom. You can hear my story, Simply Sharing is Not So Simple in this podcast episode 5.2. This practical professional development has promoted teacher collaboration and has made an impact on teaching practices. Teachers leave the meetings with successful ideas and inspiration!?

Mindful Living Actions??

Kathryn Shrupe, New Teacher Support coordinator in Charlotte, North Carolina leads a new teacher academy where she supports 100 novice teachers to not only survive but to thrive in their first three years of teaching. As a yoga teacher, Kathryn knows that intentional practice matters. She uses Teaching With Light to keep herself inspired as a school leader. Then she uses what she has learned to support her beginning teachers to take intentional action to maintain their balance.??

Thank you, Lisa, Megan, and Kathryn, for “leading with light” as you create inspired professional learning experiences for the teachers in your districts. For more resources on how to “teach with light”, check out these videos.?