What Our Current Participants Say About The Program

"Courage to Teach has helped me to be mindful of my teaching. I’m learning the importance of listening to myself, my students, my school. By listening I’m able to be more mindful of the needs of my community. It is too easy to get caught up in the hubbub of schools these days and not take the time or care that is needed to do the job. I’m taking time to see the child as a whole person. Involving their families and futures has always been important to me. However, Courage to Teach reminds me of the importance of this. I’m learning that being positive is much more effective in the long run than being negative. It is very refreshing to have colleagues, families, friends, neighbors, etc. back home commenting to me that I’m a good listener. Before Courage to Teach, I was never told that. I seem to have been successful in taking many of these skills back home. Without even being aware of doing it, I have become a better listener."

"Courage to Teach brings to education a process of reflection that acknowledges the human spirit as an essential and legitimate part of the essence of learning. CTT retreats have helped me work to further my understanding and work more effectively to promote a nurturing environment for students that honors their human spirit."

"More than anything I feel that I am changing in the way that I am “being” in my life. It feels like a whole new “way of being” in the world with others but also with myself. It has manifested itself in the pace of my living – in how I listen to others -- and in providing myself a space to be silent and still. Also, the whole of idea of community has changed somewhat for me. I think I am more intentional about everyone being a part and having contributions – trying hard to be present in whatever community I am a part of."

"Courage to Teach has given me an appreciation for silence and an understanding of what I can gain from listening with intention. CTT has helped me to recognize challenges I face that keep me from finding my true self. I am thankful that CTT is a two-year program. I am realizing that, like some of the young children in my class, it takes me a while to develop relationships. Feeling a sense of community and arriving at trust and respect are so key to the work we are doing."

"I am reaping a community of personal and professional voices. The feelings of validation give me the courage to speak my heart to my students and hope that they will begin to see themselves as a community of learners, as human beings – big word! – sharing life experiences, helping them recognize and determine values, ethics, and meaning making. I am recognizing my own set of values, and they are now ever-present – not latent, tucked away behind curriculum and other non-flexible demands."

"I am enjoying teaching more. I have returned to the heart of teaching. My priorities have changed, and I am very aware of how my students need to feel my caring and acceptance to do their best work. I am learning to be 100% present wherever I am and whomever I am with. I feel nurtured, valued, even treasured."