Mindfulness, Teacher Educators, and the Cultivation of Healthy Habits of Mind

• In Event: 28.088 - Fairmont Royal York Roundtable Session Four
  In Roundtable Session: 28.088-8 - Mindfulness and Well-Being Among teachers

Abstract

This paper reports on a study that examines the perspectives and experiences of 5 teacher educators who introduce mindfulness to their teacher candidates within their preservice programs. Findings from this study show each of the participants is motivated to support the social-emotional learning of their students through mindfulness, in part, because they have their own dedicated practice and experience the benefits, themselves. They engage in a personal mindfulness practice as a way to cultivate healthy habits of mind and to meet the demands of their jobs. This study also reports on the details of how teacher educators incorporate mindfulness practices within their courses and some of the perceived outcomes and challenges. The implications for practice and research are considered.

Author

• Shelley Murphy, OISE/University of Toronto