The practices of mindfulness, contemplative education, and Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) are being widely explored in schools throughout the United States and other countries. Extensive research has shown that mindfulness practices and SEL decrease stress, attention deficit issues, depression, anxiety, and hostility in children, while benefiting health, well-being, and social relationships. This year’s Mindfulness & Education Conference focuses on how mindfulness and contemplative practices can be powerful tools for social change, and not solely self-care.

As David Forbes writes, “Personal mindfulness can be step one, but mindful social action is step two. Ultimately, they are inseparable.”

This 12th annual gathering is offered in partnership with Transformative Educational Leadership (TEL), a racially and culturally diverse group of educational leaders across sectors that seeks to create systemic transformation based on a deep foundation of inner development. TEL is rooted in the transformative potential of leadership that integrates cutting-edge application of equity, SEL, and mindfulness in service of creating a culture of belonging in a more compassionate and equitable world.

We welcome leaders in the fields of leadership, equity, SEL, mindfulness, and systems transformation, as we all continue to play our roles in reckoning with the dual pandemics of COVID-19 and racism. Through inspiring keynote lectures, question-and-answer sessions, group exercises, and breakout discussions, we:

• Explore how our inner development can cultivate the values that instill compassionate and courageous action in our spheres of power and circles of influence
• Understand our personal connection to equity issues, and lead from a place where equity is a key decision-making principle in integrating a sense of belonging in schools, educational organizations, and the wider community in which they serve
• Identify next steps for leading racial and climate justice action in our schools and communities

Presenters are subject to change. 

Please note there is a special schedule for this course:

FRIDAY
July 23, 2021

8:00 p.m.–8:30 p.m.
Welcome & Honoring the Land
With Meena Srinivasan, Linda Lantieri, and Larry Ward

8:30 p.m.–9:15 p.m.
Virtual Keynote
With Larry Ward

9:15 p.m.–9:30 p.m.
Logistics

SATURDAY
July 24, 2021

9:00 a.m.–9:30 a.m.
Arriving, Centering & Welcoming

9:30 a.m.–10:15 a.m.
Caring for the Planet
With Tom Roderick

10:15 a.m.–10:30 a.m.
Break

10:30 a.m.–11:15 a.m.
Keynote
With Sherri Mitchell

11:15 a.m.–Noon
Nature-Based Practice
With Sherri Mitchell, Meena Srinivasan, and Linda Lantieri

2:00 p.m.–2:15 p.m.
Arriving, Centering & Welcoming
With Meena Srinivasan and Linda Lantieri

2:15 p.m.–4:15 p.m.
Forum
With Jeff Snipes and Meena Srinivasan

4:15 p.m.–5:00 p.m.
BREAK

7:30 p.m.–9:00 p.m.
Keynote
With Ram Bhagat

SUNDAY
July 25, 2021

9:00 a.m.–9:15 a.m.
Arriving & Centering
With Meena Srinivasan and Linda Lantieri

9:15 a.m.–10:15 a.m.
Transformative Education Panel
With Yvette Jackson, Deidre Farmbry, Hector Montenegro, Tom Roderick, and Janice E. Jackson

10:15 a.m.–10:30 a.m.
Break

10:30 a.m.–11:15 a.m.
Keynote
With Michelle Coghill Chatman

11:15 a.m.–Noon
Closing Ritual
With Michelle Coghill Chatman, Linda Lantieri, and Meena Srinivasan

The above schedule is subject to change at the discretion of the faculty.

See our Cancellation Policy.

Certificate of Attendance : $25