Virtual Educator Support Circle Webinar

Key Notes:

• Moderated by Dr. Stephanie Gregson, Chief Deputy Superintendent of Public Instruction, this event began with opening remarks from State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Tony Thurmond. Thurmond commended educators for their resilience and acknowledged the challenges brought on during current times of distance learning. Thurmond shared his deep appreciation for the work of all California educators as they navigate distance learning.

• A panelist of educators shared their experiences, words of advice for wellness, and stories about the educators who have inspired them. Educator guests included the following:
  • Juan Garibay, an education support professional at Newhall Unified School District
  • Jose Alcala, an alternative high school history/social studies teacher at Moreno Valley Unified School District
  • Brannin Dorsey, a first-grade teacher at Fremont Unified School District
  • Sarah Robinson, a high school Spanish teacher at Redondo Beach Unified School District
  • Terri Jackson, an education policy consultant for the Educator Excellence and Equity Division at the California Department of Education (CDE)
  • Mandy Kelly, a sixth-grade teacher in the Saddleback Valley Unified School District and one of California’s 2020 Teachers of the Year
    
    
• Shanine Coats, Director of the Curriculum Frameworks and Instructional Resources Division of the CDE, shared wellness resources available to educators from professional associations. Coats also informed educators to consult their Human Resources department to access resources and services of the Employee Assistance Programs. Additional resources are available through the CDE. Resources shared:
  • California Teachers Association
    
  • National Education Association
    
  • California School Employees Association
    
  • California Federation of Teachers
    
  • CFIRD Distance Learning web page
    
  • CDE COVID-19 web page
    
  • CDE Coronavirus (COVID-19) webinars
    
    
• Mara Madrigal-Weiss is the Director of Student Wellness & Positive School Climate and Foster and Homeless Youth Education Programs with the San Diego County Office of Education. She shared the importance of prioritizing wellness and self-care. Madrigal-Weiss began by identifying and validating educators' emotions and feelings through research. She also shared strategies on self-wellness and how to have self-compassion. An activity was led to practice self-compassion breaks. She concluded her presentation by sharing resources from various websites and applications.

• Resource websites
  • Self-Compassion Break (Video; 3:09)
    
  • Self-Compassion.org
    
  • Greater Good Science Center
    
  • Pixel Thoughts
    
  • UC San Diego Center for Mindfulness
    

• Resource Apps for well-being
  • Calm App
    
  • Chill App
    
  • Happify App
    
  • Insight Timer App
    
  • Peak App