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“Springs of Hope: Excavating the Sacredness of Education has been a pivotal part of Montclair State University’s Urban Teacher Project since 2022 having served over 30 second and third year urban teachers.”
Courageous Schools, LLC is the umbrella for the innovative program Springs of Hope: Excavating the Sacredness of Education. This visionary initiative addresses the pressing needs of urban teachers. These educators often find themselves on the brink of leaving the profession they once cherished, struggling with the demands of their roles. Springs of Hope: Excavating the Sacredness of Education equips them with professional and personal practices, reigniting their love for teaching and providing the sustenance needed to endure and flourish over time.
In response to concerns raised by the Governor,the New Jersey Task Force on Public School Staff Shortages has identified teacher retention as a pressing issue. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated existing challenges, with educators experiencing heightened levels of stress, low pay, and decreased respect, prompting many to consider leaving the profession.
As part of its recommendations, the task force advocates for the expansion of mentorship and professional development programs, especially for early career educators. However, there’s a crucial need to address the retention of experienced BIPOC teachers, vital for fostering diversity within school environments.
In light of these challenges, we propose Springs of Hope: Excavating the Sacredness of Education, a holistic program on the cutting edge of transformation in education aimed at empowering educators with tools for both professional and personal growth.
This initiative is guided by bell hooks’ profound insight: “We know that we cannot sustain ourselves if we are physically exhausted, emotionally drained, and spiritually dead.”
Central to Springs of Hope: Excavating the Sacredness of Education is The 7 Sacred Pillars acronym B-R-E-A-T-H-E
Imagine a revitalized workforce of educators, equipped with the tools and mindset needed to thrive in both the classroom and their personal lives. Picture an educational landscape where turnover rates in urban districts consistently fall below national averages, and students excel academically and personally, equipped with essential skills for success. With Springs of Hope: Excavating the Sacredness of Education, we envision a sustainable and enriching educational environment that fosters long-term success and growth for both educators and students alike.
BOLDNESS: Encouraging educators to be bold in their pedagogical approaches and advocacy for themselves and their students.
RE-IMAGINATION: Fostering creativity and innovation in teaching methods.
EXPLORATION: Promoting continuous learning and the exploration of new ideas.
ANCESTORS: Recognizing and honoring the contributions of those who have come before us.
THE ARCHAEOLOGIST: Encouraging reflection and introspection for personal and professional growth.
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HONOR: Cultivating a culture of sacredness–honoring the sacredness in yourself; honoring the sacredness in life; honoring the sacredness in your students.
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EXCAVATION: Delving deep into personal and professional development.
Here is what to expect from the Springs of Hope: Excavating the Sacredness of Education program
Monthly Foundation Phase Sessions
This is the opportunity to create a like-minded community to share challenges, successes giving teachers a space to be heard and validated as they navigate The 7 Sacred Pillars.
Monthly Q&A via Zoom
Having questions and concerns answered, supports teachers in knowing they are not alone. Their colleagues may face some of the same challenges. Another layer of support.
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Recordings of all sessions and Access to PowerPoint
Stress and overwhelm is a leading cause for novice teachers to leave education; having the freedom to revisit the sessions at their leisure takes away the pressure of “I have to get it now”. Teachers have the opportunity to re-engage with the foundations of the program.
Individual folders to upload reflections, takeaways, questions
Taking the time to journal and connect with thoughts provides your teachers with a powerful tool to reflect on their best practices and the impact on their classrooms. It, also, is a place to receive valuable feedback.
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Unlimited email and text message access
Teachers have unlimited access to emails and text so that, if they need help, can’t find something, or just need a listening ear there’s always a way to get in touch.
Concierge coaching
Three individual 30 minute coaching calls so that each teacher has the opportunity to be listened to and guided, so that they can create a personal blueprint that enhances their professional and personal life, as they engage with the 7 Sacred Pillars.
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Mentoring with teachers who have completed the program
Experience the invaluable power of mentoring with fellow colleagues who have not only completed the program but have embraced its transformative 7 Sacred Pillars. With their supportive guidance, novice and veteran teachers gain firsthand insight into applying these pillars in real-world scenarios, fostering reflective practice and empowering them to innovate and redefine both their teaching and personal journey.”
Teacher Culminating Presentation
Let’s Celebrate! Thriving Teachers, Thriving Students – Embodying their boldness, their ability to re-imagine, to honor their ancestors, to explore and excavate the sacred, teachers share the impact of “Springs of Hope: Excavating the Sacredness of Education” has on their personal and professional lives. They are clear that they have the tools and the strategies that will sustain them for decades as an urban teacher.
CONTACT
Phone – 908-964-4953
smarcus@courageousschoolsllc.com
1510 Rose Terrace, Suite 500
Union, NJ 07083
Courageous Schools, LLC creates programs that honor the sacredness of teacher, students, parents/guardians, and communities.
We offer programs that give teachers a path to understand the source of their own creativity and the source of their inspiration. They reconnect with what really matters in terms of the sacredness and the wisdom that underlies true education.
Courageous Schools creates a safe space for teachers to dive deep into their “whys” of teaching and to re-imagine those “whys”. We support you in RE-imagining Your Teaching!
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