Awakening of Awareness: Developing Educator Social and Emotional Learning Through Heart-Centered Connections

• In Event: Thursday Roundtable Session 2:30 pm
  In Roundtable Session: Research of Mindfulness in Schools (Table 13)

Abstract

This phenomenological study documents the experiences of a group of education professionals who engaged in a year-long social emotional learning (SEL) professional development. The training and research are founded in polyvagal theory and heart-centered connections. In order to truly be of service to others as helping professionals, we must first develop a relationship with our own nervous systems. Participants reported increased awareness and mental and physical changes as a result of mindful practices, as well as improved emotional health and well-being. Lastly, they reported that taking care of themselves allowed them to better care for those they serve. This study demonstrates the importance of educational professionals first learning about and then tending to their own emotional health.

Authors

• Niki Elliott, University of San Diego

• Sylvia Mac, University of San Diego