The Institute

The PassageWorks Institute is a non-profit organization providing K-12 educators with innovative practices and principles that integrate social, emotional and academic learning and assist teachers to develop and sustain their own authentic and intentional teaching practice. For over two decades, teachers have used this practical, relationship-based approach to support students to increase focus and motivation, develop empathy and compassion, and experience a sense of deep connection, meaning and purpose in the classroom. PassageWorks practices and principles support the inner lives of teachers and students.  By “inner life” we refer to that essential aspect of human nature that yearns for deep connection, grapples with difficult questions about meaning, and seeks a sense of purpose and genuine self-expression. The Institute was founded in 2001 by Rachael Kessler and colleagues after the publication of Kessler's groundbreaking book  The Soul of Education (ASCD 2000). PassageWorks offers courses, on-site professional development, curricula, and publications and collaborates with educators and organizations around the country on field-building initiatives and programs.

Our Approach

• Intentional Teaching Practice: The Institute's Teaching Presence framework offers teachers a map for developing and sustaining an authentic, intentional teaching practice that engages students, supports learning outcomes, and improves their own experience of teaching.  The five dimensions of Teaching Presence are: engaging the self-observer, being present, practicing respectful discipline, expanding emotional range, and teaching with compassion.
• Practices and Principles for the Classroom: Practices and principles for the classroom foster learning readiness, improve communication skills, invite  symbolic and creative expression, assist students with stress and anger management, support students to navigate transitions, and  create more productive and meaningful learning environments.  This integrated approach supports K-12 teachers to include these methodologies into their teaching of any content area.
• Positive School Culture: Practices and principles foster positive and productive relationships between faculty members and support schools to develop and sustain meaningful vision statements, goals, and school improvement plans.