Science of Gratitude for Schools & Solutions to Hawai'i Teacher Shortages

98-535 Kaonohi Street,Aiea HI 96701

23 February, 2023

Description

Session Title: The Science of Gratitude and Its Impact on School Wellbeing All humans crave connection. We all want to feel like we belong—like we are seen and valued for who we are. When we feel appreciated—and when we share our appreciation with others in return—we create positive connections, positive relationships, and positive communities. Our approach integrates seamlessly into existing routines and practices that strengthen staff and student well-being and social-emotional skills through gratitude. Students and staff use research-backed practices to nurture mental health and improve academic success. Our unique "low-lift high-impact" process creates positive relationships and inclusive school communities where all students and educators feel safe, valued, and connected. Developed for and with students in low-income, high-trauma communities, we asked students these key questions: what do you need to feel safe? What do you need to feel like you belong? Built off students’ feedback, our three-pronged approach—a digital platform, curriculum, and professional development—facilitates positive, peer-to-peer engagement. Unlike social media platforms, where everyone can see who is being included, excluded, and bullied on the digital playground, our private one-on-one messages allow students to build community through confidential notes of appreciation. While both students and teachers participate, the teacher dashboard monitors student engagement and connection and provides an ability to coach students to improve classroom culture and inclusivity. Name of Session Presenter(s): Michael Fauteux Brief Bio for Presenter(s): Michael Fauteux, Ed.M., is the Executive Director and co-founder of the nonprofit GiveThx, a digital tool, and curriculum that builds school culture and belonging using gratitude. Mike is an 18-year educator committed to increasing equity in education. He is the current innovator in residence at Leadership Public Schools, where he formerly worked as the director of innovation, managing personalized learning innovations and partnership development. His past innovation work includes co-creating ExitTicket, a real-time student response system, and co-creating Gooru’s Learning Navigator, a personalized learning companion. A former academic dean and master mathematics teacher, Mr. Fauteux holds a B.A. in History from Brown University and an Ed.M. from Harvard’s Graduate School of Education. Session Title: Solving your Teacher Shortages Brief Description: Teacher vacancies are an increasingly common problem across Hawaii. More than 60,000 keiki are not taught by a Hawaii Qualified Teacher (HQT) each year. Since 2012, the number of teachers leaving Hawaii has increased by more than 70 percent. During the 2021–22 school year, Hawaii classrooms had more than 1,000 emergency hires and long-term substitutes to cover vacancies because our teacher shortage is so severe. Use our HR Backup Plan to ensure that when you can’t find a teacher in a subject you need, Hawaii Educational Resource Experts and Proximity Learning will have your back. When schools can’t find qualified teachers to fill job openings, they can come to us and have a highly qualified, state-certified teacher instructing the subjects they need. Through our Enriched Live Instruction Model, our teachers are trained to not just teach but to truly make an impact through the expert use of digital techniques and tools. Name of Session Presenter(s): Dr. Michael Robinson Brief Bio for Presenter(s): Dr. Michael Robinson, VP of School Partnerships, has over 30 years of experience as an educational professional with strong expertise in education software, and is committed to meeting and exceeding the goals and objectives of his school partnerships. He achieved a steadfast progression through a series of management roles in public education; for which he has a strong passion. He believes in forming long-lasting partnerships with school districts and educational professionals in order to meet all students’ individual needs, thus the continuous promotion of differentiated learning. He is extremely knowledgeable in developing and managing the complex implementation of software and services in small, medium, and large school districts.