I believe that teaching is a remarkable profession. Every teacher has the responsibility to create a classroom environment that is conducive to their student population. Students indubitably emulate the temperament and energy that their teachers exude. If a teacher is lethargic, unmotivated, and dull, students will assume the same mindset. Conversely, if a teacher is energetic, encouraging, and passionate, students will respond positively, and so will have a greater incentive to do well. In my experience, this simple shift can transform a student’s desire to learn and improve feelings of self-worth.
As an American Sign Language (ASL) teacher, I strive to bring positive energy to my visual classroom. Being present, and setting aside any mental chatter before I enter the classroom has been transformative. Having dabbled in sundry workshops and trainings in mindfulness, I have had the privilege of learning several tools to help my classroom environment. Breathing techniques, acupressure, laughter training, stretching, and other relaxation techniques are some of the mindfulness tools that I use on a daily basis. Since implementing these techniques, I have noticed that my students radiate confidence, a calm mind, and improved academic performance.
My vision is to share these tools with the teaching community, a community that is constantly under scrutiny and pressure, thus inadvertently affecting their students with this unease. Through discussion and collaboration, we will share techniques that foster calmness, centeredness, and positively-minded dispositions. This website will offer specific tools for teachers (see: What is Mindful Education – Mindful Techniques for Educators), as well as a forum to exchange ideas and success stories (see: Blog) As an ASL teacher, I also offer tools to teachers of foreign languages, for which students have plenty of anxiety. Please feel free to browse the website at your own leisure.
Let’s create a student-centered teaching model that celebrates students’ successes, working compassionately to improve their areas of struggle. A to Z Mindful Education strives to create an all-encompassing platform to explore avenues of mindfulness to improve ourselves, and consequently, our students.
With gratitude and love,
Azadeh