Positive Feedback from BJE Positive Education Cohorts
BJE’s “Positive Education Next Steps Gathering” took place May 18th at the Annenberg Community Beach House. All members of Cohorts 1 and 2 were invited to the day-long program. They spent time thinking about their vision and goals for next year for implementing their Positive Education learning, addressed possible barriers, and worked collaboratively. The workshop was facilitated by Shelley Lawrence of Schoolhouse Collaborative, a coach and consultant who works with individuals and schools to engage in deep self-reflection and goal setting.
Members of Cohort 1 shared their experience of implementation during the current year. Members of Cohort 2, who have more recently completed their training, reflected on what they learned, and engaged in discussion about what they hope to implement in the coming school year.
Randee Bishoff, Director of Education at Temple Akiba, said, “We are slowly beginning to shift not just our way of learning but our school culture as well. I am proud to say that because of the benefits of positive education and the culture we’ve built this year, not a single teacher is leaving at the end of the year. Infusing Positive Education into our school culture has helped our staff to see that mistakes are simply learning opportunities, both for adults and children.” Her thoughts were echoed by one of her teachers, Mayanna Napchan, who added, “Since we introduced positive education this year, as a teacher I feel happy and supported physically as well as emotionally. I have learned and grown both personally and professionally and am excited to help our children build the resilience skills they need to be successful.”
One special element of BJE’s Positive Education program is that it brings together early childhood, day school, and part-time religious school educators for shared learning in the practice of Positive Education, the application of the science of wellbeing and principles of Positive Psychology, Neuroscience and Integrative Health. Through the Positive Education initiative, educators are empowered to bring their learning back to their individual schools to help enhance student, staff and community wellbeing. There are now 28 BJE-affiliated schools with at least one educator trained and certified in the principles and approach of Positive Education.
BJE’s positive education initiative is funded in great part through a generous Reimagine grant from the Jewish Community Foundation of Los Angeles. For more information about BJE’s Positive Education program, please contact David Lewis.
