Supporting Educator Wellness- Beyond Self-Care

This workshop will give an overview of the importance of solid adult SEL and well-being and its impact on students. The bulk of the session will be for administrators to consider school-wide SEL approaches that support educator well-being, beyond self-care gimmicks. Participants will explore the CASEL framework and will create a strategic plan for how to make adult wellness a part of the ins and outs of school life.

Participants will:

• Review research on social and emotional well-being on adults and impact on student achievement
• Assess their own school's areas of strength and areas of growth in creating a positive and healthy school climate
• Create a schoolwide plan to support educator wellness as an integral part of day to day operations

Presenter: Jessica Peterson, Newman Elementary School

PD Hours: 3 in Content Area Safe and Supportive Learning Environments

Fees: Member $150 / Non-Member $205

MSAA Contact: Ethel Kawesa, ekawesa@msaa.net

About the Presenter

Jessica Peterson | Newman Elementary School

View Jessica's blog/site     

As an educator in her 21st year, Jessica continues to reflect on the reason why she continues in this field, particularly in light of the last few years and the challenges presented to school leaders. Despite these “potholes” in the road, Jessica inevitably revisits her “why” and come back to her pursuit of educational equity–specifically, examining the structures, policies, and practices that promote access for all students and families within a school and district. Jessica’s experience and passion for leaning into educators’ expertise and building capacity to reach ALL learners brings her to this work.

Being a Principal is a lonely job–no one truly understands the burden of responsibility that lies within this role. Collaborating with other building Principals was always the most beneficial to Jessica’s practice (and to her sanity). As an educational consultant with first-hand classroom and administrator experience, she enjoys working with school leaders who are looking to shape their systems to ensure equity for all and who would like a thought partner along the way. Through a comprehensive review of the current systems, practices, and insight from school community stakeholders, Jessica partners with building leaders to develop a professional learning plan that meets the unique needs of their teachers and their students. For over a decade she had the great privilege of serving as the Principal of the Newman Elementary School in Needham, MA. Throughout her time in Needham, she found herself drawn to the work connected to curriculum and instruction and social and emotional learning–addressing areas of inequity to create a culture of anti-racist practices. Jessica is near completion of a Masters in Instructional Design with adult PD as a focus.