Inner Practices for Teachers

With Jackie Kaufman

August 6 - 12, 2010

The inner life of the one who teaches is an essential area of inquiry for those in the teaching profession. In order to offer authentic presence and caring to our students, teachers must first consistently offer that to ourselves. This 3-credit graduate class explores personal inner practices that bring a greater awareness of our inner lives and contribute to a pedagogy based on caring and compassion.

As one class participant noted: I am more energetic, spontaneous, and happy in the classroom than I have ever been. Students are asking deeper thinking questions, and are much more caring towards each other. As a result, true, deep learning is happening. As evidence of that, grades are going up." (Middle School Science Teacher)

This course combines aspects of western pedagogy with practices such as meditation, deep listening, and coming into greater presence through direct experience of our senses in a rural retreat setting. The educational practice of contemplative observation is introduced and practiced in the school setting.

Class size limited to 10.

3.0 Credits St. Michael's College Graduate Program in Education

To download a printable flyer, click here.

Program begins at 7 pm after dinner on Aug 6, end with lunch on the 12th.

Tuition: $755.00 Program fees include 3 meals per day served by the Karmê Chöling kitchen.

About Jackie Kaufman

Jacqueline Kaufman is a Vermont English teacher and a 14-year veteran of Alternative Education Programs. She currently practices at BFA St. Albans where her innovative coursework for teenagers emphasizes the redemptive power of writing and sharing their personal stories. She earned her Master's in Contemplative Education at Naropa University in 2007, writing a thesis about compassion as the basis for effective pedagogy. She became an Adjunct Professor at St. Michael's College Graduate Program in Education in 2008 when she wrote and began teaching this course, Inner Practices: Deepening Presence and Interconnection in Your Classroom.

Registration is closed for this program.