Upcoming PassageWorks Courses & Events
2010 Courses
The Foundation Course (Level I)
Experience renewal, reflection and practical strategies for your work with K-12 students at this institute for teachers, counselors, administrators and parents where we focus on building heart, spirit and community in the classroom. Based on the model developed by PassageWorks founder, Rachael Kessler, and featured in The Soul of Education (ASCD 2000), this course will explore:
· The theory of social and emotional learning (SEL);
· The integration of play, ritual, stillness, expressive arts and community building;
· How to develop your own reflectiveness and “teaching presence”;
· How to create a caring classroom environment in which students will increase focus and motivation to learn and develop empathy and compassion;
· Stages of group development and methods appropriate to each grade level; and
· Ways to integrate this work into your teaching.
Methods learned in this course can be integrated into your classroom and do not represent "something else" to teach, but a heartfelt way to breathe new life into what and how you teach.
Dates: October 16-17, 2010
Times: Saturday 9:00 am – 8:00 pm, Sunday 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Location: Westridge School, 324 Madeline Drive, Pasadena, CA 91105
Facilitators: Carrie Simpson and Cathy Fink
Fee: $450.00 ($400 for registrations received by September 10, 2010. Discounts available for groups of three or more).
Credit: One (1) graduate credit available through Colorado State University or 22 hours of continuing education credit.
Flyer: PassageWorks Oct 2010 Foundation Course – LA [PDF 150KB]
Registration Form: PassageWorks October 2010 FC Registration – LA [Word 87KB]
Teaching Presence (Level II)
We can have the best curricula available, train teachers in technique and theory, but our programs will not adequately address the core issues of young hearts and minds if we do not provide opportunities for teachers to further develop their own souls, hearts, and social and emotional intelligence. Beyond methodology and content, the most effective teaching includes a more elusive quality that profoundly affects the learning that is possible – what we have called “the teaching presence.” We celebrate those precious moments when we embody a “presence” that carries the class to a place where young learners are profoundly moved and genuine connections occur. Most teachers have experienced this powerful presence on certain occasions. But how can we cultivate and sustain this capacity? This course will explore:
· Teaching with an open heart and recognizing what closes our hearts;
· Exploring obstacles and opportunities for becoming present in the classroom;
· Holding respectful discipline — setting boundaries with compassion;
· Developing emotional range—growing comfort with a full range of emotions in ourselves and our students: joy, grief, anger, exuberance, fear, love, and vulnerability.
Dates: Next course TBA