Learn:Explore the power of individuality and how embracing diverse strengths enhances collaboration and innovation. Discuss the importance of recognizing and appreciating unique perspectives within teams and communities.
Engage:Through a reflective mirror exercise, identify one word that represents what makes you unique. Create a personalized “Strengths Wheel” to map out personal strengths such as creativity, problem-solving and empathy.
Apply: Reflect on how your unique strengths contribute to both your personal and professional life. Discuss actionable steps you can take to highlight your unique perspective in your work. Gain a renewed sense of self-awareness and strategies to uplift others’ strengths to foster an inclusive, innovative environment.
Objective: Empower participants to recognize and embrace their unique strengths and perspectives.
Learn:Discover the power of adopting a beginner's mindset—an approach rooted in curiosity, openness and a focus on learning without preconceived notions. Understand how this mindset can improve creativity, problem-solving and adaptability in both personal and professional settings.
Engage:Participate in an interactive exercise that helps you reconnect with the experience of being a beginner. Through pairing up with fellow educators, you'll revisit simple tasks with a fresh perspective, sharing reflections and insights on what it feels like to approach challenges without expertise. Apply: Reflect on how adopting a beginner's mindset can transform your approach to teaching, learning and collaboration. Use prompts to guide your thinking and leave with actionable strategies to cultivate curiosity in your work and personal life. Challenge yourself to practice this mindset by trying something new in the coming week!
Objective: Encourage participants to adopt curiosity, openness, and a willingness to learn as if they were beginners in their field or craft.
Learn:Discover how perfectionism can hinder your ability to be present and enjoy the process. Explore the benefits of focusing on the present moment and how releasing the stress of striving for perfection can enhance your overall well-being and effectiveness.
Engage: Participate in grounding exercises to reset your senses and connect with the present. In the main activity, you’ll engage in an "Imperfect Art Practice"—creating a drawing without worrying about perfection, followed by adding color or details using your non-dominant hand. This creative exercise will challenge you to focus on the journey, not the outcome.
Apply: Reflect on how letting go of perfection can alter your approach to tasks. Consider how you can apply this mindset in your professional and personal life to reduce stress, increase creativity and cultivate more mindful, enjoyable experiences. Gain practical strategies for embracing imperfection and staying present in the moment.
Objective: Help participants focus on the present moment through practical, engaging exercises while releasing the stress of striving for perfection.
John Converse is a restorative practitioner who brings 19 years of educational experience to life in his interactions with others. He has a set of skills that foster belonging and connection through the art of restorative practices. He is a certified trainer with the International... Read More →
Sunday February 23, 2025 7:40pm - 8:30pm CST
Salon 3Marriott St. Louis Airport
Learn: Explore the importance of balancing passion for your work with humor and lightheartedness. Understand how this balance can prevent burnout, reduce stress and foster a more positive, resilient mindset. Engage: Participate in interactive and fun activities such as "Would You Rather" and role-playing exercises where you'll exaggerate your professional roles for a good laugh. This playful experience will help break down barriers and demonstrate the value of incorporating humor into daily work life.
Apply:Reflect on how taking yourself less seriously can improve your well-being and effectiveness in the workplace. Use the prompts to identify areas where humor could enhance your routine and challenge yourself to create or find one humorous moment each day. Gain actionable strategies to infuse more joy into your professional journey. Objective: Help participants balance passion for their work with humor and lightheartedness to avoid burnout and stress.
Erin serves EdPlus member districts by developing tailored learning opportunities and professional development programs. Erin has 20 years of education experience in a variety of roles including 6th-grade teacher, district technology coach and Director of Professional and Program... Read More →
Sunday February 23, 2025 7:40pm - 8:30pm CST
Salon 2Marriott St. Louis Airport
