Course curriculum

    1. Preface: Origin of A School of Belonging

    2. How to use this course

    3. Intention Setting

    4. Before we begin

    1. Introduction | Focus: An entry to connecting with others

    2. Course Objectives, Outcomes, Core Practices, and SEL Competencies

    3. Reflection Assignment: An Inability to Focus

    1. Listen: Focus & Intention

    2. Reflection Assignment: Setting an Intention

    3. A talk about mindfulness and "co-regulation" by Amy Burke

    4. Teaching mindfulness to 8th graders in PS/MS 20 Bronx, NY

    5. Applying what you have learned

    1. Read: Focus in Practice

    2. Inner Focus: Practices

    3. Inner focus through the singing bowl

    4. Watch: Ritualizing Focus with the Singing Bowl

    5. Outer Focus Practices

    6. Other Focus: Practices

    1. Review | Focus: An entry to connecting with others

    2. Feedback: Focus: An entry to connecting with others

    3. More resources for you

About this course

  • 21 lessons
  • 100% Online
  • 2 PD Hours: $64.95
  • Asynchronous

The School of Belonging Companion Badge Program in Partnership with Lesley University

Self-paced courses designed for educational professionals & graduate students

The School of Belonging Badge Program in Partnership with Lesley University Graduate School has been designed for educational professionals and graduate students who are passionate about developing a culture of caring and compassion in their schools and classrooms. The School of Belonging process creates the conditions, skills and practices for empathy, inclusion, and self-expression for all members of the school community.
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Course Creator

David Levine

Senior Instructor and Designer

David is an educator, author, songwriter, and documentary film maker whose expression is grounded in creating caring and compassionate school cultures where emotional safety and emotional intelligence are foundational belonging and relationship-building practices. After working with school districts across the country as a teacher, trainer, facilitator, designer, and coach, for 32 years, David created Teaching Empathy Institute (TEI) in 2016. He saw the need for a different way of engaging students and adults in the work of empathy development. So, he developed a set of tools and practices to introduce and cultivate belonging and inclusion in schools. The overarching goal for all TEI’s work is to help individuals, schools, and entire communities transform through dialogue, storytelling, and the celebration of human connection.