Originally published in TEACH Magazine, January/February 2018 Issue
There are many benefits to the practice of mindfulness. Some schools across Canada have already introduced mindfulness activities into classrooms with positive results in the lives of students. The first step to include mindfulness in schools is to provide training to teachers. Here are just some of the many mindfulness educator workshops offered in Canada.
The Centre for Mindfulness Studies
Various locations
The Centre for Mindfulness Studies offers various mindfulness programs. One program for beginners is a full-day immersive workshop that acts as a great starting point. Participants learn how to establish mindfulness practices, are taught about resources used to regulate stress, and also have open discussions about mindfulness and meditation practices. The Centre also offers intensive training on how to teach mindful self-compassion through a six-day program, located in Toronto. This is intended for those who wish to integrate mindfulness into their own professional activities. The Centre for Mindfulness Studies provides other personal programs as well, which can be found in different locations in Canada all year long. They offer mindful programs for self-compassion, stress, and anxiety, and even feature mindfulness in twenty-minute drop-in sessions.
Mindful Foundations
Barrie, ON
This four-week Mindful Foundations course was created with the intention of reaching out to people and encouraging them to live their lives to the fullest. Located in Barrie, Ontario, Mindful Foundations is an ideal course for individuals wanting to start a mindfulness practice, or for people who want to strengthen their foundation in mindfulness. This course, based on the work of Jon KabatZinn, combines stress management theory, interactive group discussions, mindfulness principles and practices, gentle stretches, and home practices.
Mindful Schools
Various locations
The Mindful Schools’ year-long certification program is designed for educators interested in deepening their personal practice and becoming leaders in their school communities. The objectives of the program focus on strengthening one’s own mindfulness practice in order to become a more skilful and embodied facilitator of mindfulness in youth-service oriented environments, and to join a large network of leaders integrating mindfulness in their work with young people around the globe. The program includes interactive online 10-month training, as well as a week-long retreat at the end of the program. Mindful Schools also offers group rates and benefits to support schools and organizations, and have instructors located in various locations across Canada.
Practical Wellbeing
Calgary, AB
Located in Calgary, Practical Wellbeing offers an eight-week program in which participants learn to understand and practice self-compassion. Mindful self-compassion is a skill that involves learning to respond to life’s difficulties and challenges with emotional strength and resilience. Workshop activities include experiential exercise, meditation, discussions, and home practices.
smartEducation
Kelowna, BC
smartEducation, a nine-session renewal program, is an evidence-based program designed to address the needs of K–12 educators and professional support staff. Originally developed in the U.S., it is now managed by smartUBC, a not-for-profit unit of the University of British Columbia, and coordinated through the Faculty of Education, UBC Okanagan campus. The training involves experiential activities in mindfulness that promote concentration, attention, awareness and understanding of emotions, empathy, compassion, and positive interpersonal communication. Weekly meetings include presentations and group discussions.
TEACH is the largest national education publication in Canada. We support good teachers and teaching and believe in innovation in education.
