The Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) Technical Assistance System Network’s (TASN) School Mental Health Initiative is hosting an e-learning course and e-coaching series. 

Mindfulness and School-Based Yoga: Tools for the Classroom E-Learning Course has been developed for professionals seeking to lean and implement evidence-based, trauma-responsive practices that support student well-being and are practical to implement in the classroom. In this self-paced course, participants will learn why mindfulness and school-based yoga practices are needed to improve social-emotional growth outcomes; learn how to identify five elements of mindfulness and school-based yoga to foster whole child/youth development; and how to implement a mindfulness and school-based yoga practice within a classroom or similar setting. 

The course completion timeline, including submission requirements, is Aug. 21, 2023, through Jan. 31, 2024. An informational webinar will take place from 1-1:45 p.m. Aug. 9 to learn about the course, assignments and intended outcomes. Those interested in the course can register for the informational webinar here. 

Participants may receive professional development points/continuing education credits for completion of the course. Final credit hour information will be available prior to the course launch. 

The KSDE TASN SMHI team also is offering a Neuroscience in Education e-Coaching Series provided by Dr. Lori Desautels, assistant professor at Butler University. 

By independently completing four short e-learning modules with follow-up e-coaching sessions over the course of four months, participants will identify practices to support application of the four pillars of Dr. Desautels’ Applied Educational Neuroscience Framework to effectively support children/youth, staff members and caregivers. The four pillars are: 

1. Educator Brain and Body States. 
2. Co-regulation. 
3. Touch Points. 
4. Teaching Neuroanatomy. 

Additionally, participants will develop a plan to implement an Applied Educational Neuroscience Framework in their role. 

There are two series available – one for administrators and another one for teachers and support staff members. 

During this four-month hybrid learning series (September through December), participants will engage in online learning via Moodle and virtual coaching via Zoom to transfer learning to practice.  

Social workers can receive one continuing education credit for each e-coaching session. 

To register for the administrator series, click here. 

To register for the educator series, click here. 

For more information on any of the above courses, contact Laura Hattrup, a KSDE TASN SMHI state trainer, at laurah@tasnsmhi.org.