To help members cope during these challenging times, NYSUT’s Education & Learning Trust is offering a series of free virtual wellness seminars to help members learn about the importance of self-care and tips to help students succeed emotionally and academically.
Registration is now open for the first two seminars: “The Airplane Oxygen Mask Principle” (S1) and “Developing Virtual SEL Environments for Youth” (S2).
NYSUT Executive Vice President Jolene DiBrango, who oversees ELT, said the union is proud to offer this important programming for our members.
“The Airplane Oxygen Mask Principle” seminar emphasizes the importance of taking care of yourself before you can effectively take care of others, DiBrango said. While she’s heartened by all the inspiring stories of our members going above and beyond to connect with students and help the community, it’s important for members to manage their own well-being amidst the anxiety, preoccupation and uncertainty of the COVID-19 virus.
“If you’ve ever flown on a plane, you’ve heard the flight attendant explain that if the oxygen mask drops, you should always put your own oxygen mask on first, prior to assisting others,” DiBrango said. “This concept does not just apply to flying: It’s also an analogy for what’s happening right now.”
“Developing Virtual SEL Environments for Youth” will use social and emotional learning techniques and skills to help your students navigate their learning while developing resilience during this pandemic crisis.
The two 45-minute seminars will be held 1-1:45 p.m. and 2:30-3:15 on Friday, March 27 and Monday, March 30. The seminars are free of charge, thanks to a grant from the National Education Association.
Please note: the registration site will say the cost is $75, but members just need to hit the promo code for the free training.
If members need registration help, please email ELT@nysut.org.
Sessions 1 and 2 will also include a 15-minute wellness check-in component that will be scheduled by individual instructors to see how participants are doing.
“The Juggle,” a time management seminar addressing the challenges of working from home is scheduled for April 1; “Help! I’m not Tech Savvy” will be offered soon.