What is Courage to Teach
Courage to Teach® is a philosophy and program developed by Parker Palmer to support the personal and professional renewal of educators. The basic premise of this program is that good teaching cannot be reduced to instruction alone, but it requires self-knowledge that comes from the identity and integrity of the teacher. The Courage to Teach program/seasonal retreat series will soon to be available locally.
Retreat Description - Saturday, April 19, 2008
This new one-day program provides an opportunity to sample the principles and practices of the Courage to Teach program. Using large group, small group, and solitary settings, participants will explore their connection to vocation using stories, poetry, and other wisdom traditions. This retreat will draw on the metaphor of the spring season (the promise of new possibilities that emerge in spring) to explore important vocation and life questions. The Sampler Day is designed for teachers, administrators, counselors, social workers, and others interested in education.
Courage to Teach Objectives
- Renewing mind, body, and spirit through exploration of the inner landscape of a teacher’s life
- Reconnecting to one’s identity and integrity: identifying and honoring gifts and strengths, and acknowledging limits
- Creating a context for careful listening and deep connection that also honors diversity in person and profession
- Helping educators create safe spaces and trusting relationships in their work environments, with their students and colleagues, and within their communities
- Exploring the connections between attending to the inner dimension of teachers and teaching and the renewal of education.