The Mindful School: Transforming School Culture Through Mindfulness and Compassion

Demonstrating the benefits of mindfulness for both educators and students in PreK-12, this book presents flexible models for implementing and sustaining schoolwide initiatives. Compelling case studies show how mindfulness practices can enhance students' academic and social-emotional functioning as well as teacher effectiveness. Chapters review the evidence base for available programs, reflect on lessons learned in real schools, and provide guidance for planning and decision making. The roles of school leaders, teachers, counselors, and parents in creating a more supportive and compassionate school climate are discussed. Also described are innovative approaches to professional development and preservice teacher training.

Patricia A. Jennings, PhD, is Professor of Education in the Curry School of Education and Human Development at the University of Virginia. She is an internationally recognized leader in the fields of social-emotional learning and mindfulness in education. Dr. Jennings received the Cathy Kerr Award for Courageous and Compassionate Science from the Mind and Life Institute and has been cited by Mindful magazine as one of ＂Ten Mindfulness Researchers You Should Know.＂ She has published on topics including mindfulness for teachers and compassionate teaching. She spent over 22 years as a teacher, school director, and teacher educator.

Anthony A. DeMauro, PhD, is Associate Director of Dalai Lama Fellows and Assistant Director of Student Initiatives at the Contemplative Sciences Center of the University of Virginia. In these roles, he works with young leaders around the world and university students to deepen connections to themselves and others through contemplation and holistic approaches to well-being. Dr. DeMauro’s scholarly work, emerging from years of experience in K-12 schools, focuses on how teachers’ personal mindfulness practices influence their teaching practices. He has taught courses in classroom management and mindfulness for preservice and inservice teachers. Additionally, Dr. DeMauro delivers professional development programs to educators through Cultivating Awareness and Resilience in Education and cofacilitates mindfulness retreats for teenagers with Inward Bound Mindfulness Education.

Polina P. Mischenko, EdM, is a doctoral candidate in the Curry School of Education and Human Development at the University of Virginia. She conducts research on the experiences of teachers delivering mindfulness-based curricula and on approaches to teaching mindfulness in elementary school settings. She also facilitates mindfulness-based programs and workshops for school faculty and students, and assists local organizations and school districts with their mindfulness-based initiatives. Ms. Mischenko has worked in school settings and education organizations in the United States, Russia, Spain, and Switzerland.