The first two cohorts of teachers in our state (one elementary, one secondary) to participate in the Whole Teacher program have been unqualified successes! Teachers have been going through the guidebook, addressing each of the 12 areas of life identified as crucial to overall wellness and learning strategies and tips to improve each. Lauren is an excellent facilitator and guide for the live (virtual) workshops and there has been nothing but positive feedback from the teachers!

First I truly enjoyed the cohort members. They were warm, accepting and they too shared personal stressors, things that were weighing them down and there was no judgement. I loved sharing strategies and stories and seeing how others have set goals, stuck to them and then we all were able to see how their lives changed as a result. It was inspirational but also life changing for each individual finding personal happiness once again. I also loved the connections between the unit topics, life and the classroom. Not everyone realizes that the stress carries over. They think that they compartmentalize and deal...but that's not always the case. When different strategies were presented that allowed you to breathe, take a different look at how others view things, the change was magnanimous because it allowed for those life changes to happen on all of the different plateau's of your being.

Our cohort has been the catalyst for several positive changes at our high school. Healthy teachers supporting and uplifting each other equals positive learning for students. It has also helped unify a fairly new, large, and disconnected faculty through connecting in this cohort. We have had culture and climate problems that trickle down from admin or parents over the past few years, and this program has been empowering in helping teachers regain control of the only thing we can control--ourselves.

Self care needs to be prioritized. Most teachers put themselves last. Learning even a couple of strategies can be a support for not just now but for life, and can make a difference. It was wonderful to connect with other educators from across the state and feel that I am not alone in my challenges at school. The sense of connection you will find is invaluable.

The Whole Teacher Cohort gave me the platform and tools to not only help myself become balanced, but to extend the opportunity to teachers in the building. It was such a powerful experience and I'd 100% using this program in any school to promote social emotional learning and wholeness! I became more mindful, and more aware of how I was feeling. Because of that mindful awareness I could incorporate the tools and practices of Whole Teacher Cohort to give me more balance and peace.

It was fun to have a little group of people who were trying to focus on mindfulness together. We had a little Google Chat that was helpful to celebrate wins and ask suggestions.

How I feel inside is much more content, less anxious, and more peaceful. I am also able to be much more productive (less exhausted and burnt out) and channel my creativity and passion in effective ways. I also began more interdepartmental friendships which has been unifying for our faculty as a whole.

I joined the cohort because I needed something that would help me take active steps in self-care and reclaim my life. I’m learning that I have so much more to give others when I’m taking the time to care for myself first. So, I’ve given myself permission to seek out healthy options—and healthy interactions with others. I look forward to getting better and better through this year.

I have been so stressed since the beginning of the school year. I was putting all of my energy into other areas and not taking care of myself. Now, I’m doing more self-care because of this program. I recognized when I’m not eating well and taking care of my own needs everything around me wasn’t working. Since I’ve started, the whole journey has helped me in all areas of my life.

Everyone needs someone. It's great to have a group where you are all focused on the same thing.

Even if you walk away with only one new strategy/perspective it will be a powerful one! I paid more attention to consistency in a number of small ways yet it made a big difference.

I feel as though it brought us together to talk about things that aren't talked about super often from a teaching perspective; the program allowed for vulnerability.