Restoring Resilience: A Teacher Renewal Program

1. Introduction

Overview: The Restoring Resilience program is a professional development initiative designed to support educators experiencing stress and burnout related to classroom management and student behavior.

Rationale: Teacher stress and burnout are critical issues impacting educator well-being and student learning. This program empowers teachers with practical strategies and fosters a supportive community to reduce stress, improve classroom management skills, and reignite their passion for teaching.

Intended Audience: This program is open to all teachers who wish to enhance classroom management skills, reduce stress, and revitalize their teaching practice. Participation is voluntary, but highly encouraged for teachers experiencing challenges with classroom management or feelings of burnout.

Program Structure: The program will consist of six bi-weekly sessions, each lasting 2 hours. Sessions will be a blend of interactive workshops, peer discussion groups, and individual reflection exercises.

Resources: The program requires a facilitator trained in classroom management strategies and stress reduction techniques. A dedicated space for the sessions and minimal materials like handouts and whiteboards will be needed.

Investment in Educators: Teacher well-being directly impacts student success. Investing in this program fosters a more positive and productive learning environment for both teachers and students. Reduced stress and improved classroom management techniques lead to increased teacher retention, benefiting the school in the long run.

2. Program Goals and Objectives

Goals:

• Equip teachers with effective classroom management strategies to create a positive and productive learning environment.
• Develop stress reduction techniques to promote teacher well-being and prevent burnout.
• Foster a supportive community of educators for knowledge sharing and peer support.

Objectives (Measurable Outcomes):

• Participants will demonstrate at least two new classroom management techniques in a role-playing exercise.
• Participants will develop a personal stress reduction plan incorporating at least three relaxation techniques.
• Teachers will report a decrease in stress levels through pre- and post-program surveys.
• Participants will engage actively in discussions and share experiences with colleagues during the program.

3. Research Resources

• Classroom Management:
  • Wong, H. K. (2020). The First Days of School: How to Be an Effective Teacher. Harry K. Wong Publications.
  • Canter, L., & Canter, M. (2016). Assertive Discipline: Positive Behavior Management for Today’s Classroom. Solution Tree Press.
• Stress Reduction:
  • American Psychological Association. (2020). Stress in America. https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2007/10/stress-tips
  • Greater Good Science Center at the University of California, Berkeley. https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/

4. Program Outline

Session 1: Introduction & Self-Care

• Concepts: Teacher stress and burnout, self-care strategies (mindfulness, relaxation techniques)
• Instructional Methods: Interactive presentation, group discussion, self-reflection activities
• Assignments: Develop a personal self-care plan

Session 2: Building Positive Classroom Culture

• Concepts: Classroom expectations, fostering student engagement, positive reinforcement strategies
• Instructional Methods: Case studies, role-playing, collaborative activity on building classroom rules
• Learning Activities: Participants create a positive classroom culture plan

Session 3: Proactive Classroom Management

• Concepts: Classroom routines and procedures, handling disruptions, de-escalation techniques
• Instructional Methods: Video demonstrations, modeling, small group practice of classroom management strategies
• Assignments: Identify and refine a current classroom management strategy

Session 4: Effective Communication & Conflict Resolution

• Concepts: Communication styles, active listening, conflict resolution strategies for teachers and students
• Instructional Methods: Scenarios, role-playing conflict resolution techniques, peer feedback
• Learning Activities: Participants practice communication and conflict resolution skills in pairs

Session 5: Fostering Collaboration & Support

• Concepts: Benefits of collaboration, building a professional learning community, peer coaching
• Instructional Methods: Presentations on successful collaboration models, group brainstorming activity
• Assignments: Identify a colleague for peer coaching or mentoring

Session 6: Maintaining Momentum & Program Review

• Concepts: Strategies for sustaining self-care and classroom management practices, program feedback
• Instructional Methods: Review and discussion of self-care and classroom management plans, group discussion on program impact
• Formative Assessment: Completion of program evaluation survey throughout the program

5. Program Assessment

• Formative Assessment: Participation in discussions, completion of assignments, role-playing activities will be monitored throughout the program.