Erin Thorkilsen
Educator, Teacher Professional Development
Description
Erin Thorkilsen is an educator of children and adults, presenter, and founder of Heart in Education, LLC. She is an adjunct professor of education at the University of Rhode Island and a recognized leader and teacher in the well-being and mindfulness fields. She has been invited to present at the NAIS Annual Conference, the CAIS Learning Series, the Reflective Teacher Podcast, the WellBeing Network Podcast, Explain it to Me Like a Ten Year Old, and the Mindfulness in Education Conference in 2017 and 2018. Her foundation is 20 years as a classroom teacher and teacher and parent educator, including being awarded the “Goldenheim Award for Excellence in Teaching” at Greens Farms Academy. Erin is also a 20 year yoga and mindfulness instructor, leading yoga teacher trainings, workshops, and international retreats for adults.
Workshops
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Presence Over Productivity: Tools for Renewal and Inspiration That aren’t Another “Add”
Many teachers report having more “to-do” than ever before with greater ranges of student needs. Being able to multitask and think ahead are critical, but being present with students and exuding our best is even more important. In this workshop, we will redefine self-care. Instead of learning mindfulness practices, that while helpful, can feel like another thing to do, teachers will explore fresh ways to think about renewal and learn restorative practices that benefit teacher and student, and can occur in the classroom, in the moment—no extra "to-dos" needed!
Cost: Cost dependent on group size and location
Duration:
Target Audience: PreK - 12
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Tools to Help Our Students (and Ourselves) Unhook from Reactivity and Move from Conflict to Connection
Many teachers report increasing emotional needs and challenges in students since COVID. In this workshop, participants will learn how to help students unhook from reactivity and take more accountability for themselves and their experiences. Beginning by first exploring how to develop these skills in ourselves as adults, teachers will reflect on a personal experience in which they have felt reactive and apply this moment to a framework. Take-aways include tools to de-escalate any moment. Time will be saved to partner with others working with the same developmental level to brainstorm how to use workshop take-aways with their age group.
Cost: Cost dependent on group size and location
Duration:
Target Audience: PreK - 12
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A Fresh (Post COVID) Approach to Classroom Management and Daily Transitions
What's one of the most common challenges teachers share post COVID? An increase in student behaviors and needs and more tools required to meet these needs. In this workshop, participants will explore ways to partner with students (conceptually and practically) as a means to solve common daily challenges. Teachers will learn about the "same team" approach in theory and practice, and what language to use with students to inspire their optimal behavior and engagement. We will consider when we can enter the students' world during the day, refining our practices (especially with transitions) to be more creative, calming and effective. One takeaway includes a handout of over 20 different ways to help students transition to specials, dismissal, etc.
Cost: Cost dependent on group size and location
Duration:
Target Audience: PreK and Lower School
Topics
- Teacher well-being; student well-being; classroom management; connecting with students; understanding students; student behaviors and needs
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