In a move that's more downward dog than dog-eat-dog, Austin Independent School District (AISD) is bringing the calming practice of yoga into classrooms with the aim of soothing stressed students and overworked teachers. The new program, called Breath For Change, has been implemented to tackle behavioral issues, burnout, and community disengagement head-on.
According to KVUE, AISD's healthcare provider, Aetna, is footing the bill for this wellness initiative. At the moment, the count of certified teachers in the program is modest, but those who are qualified have noted substantial benefits. Among them is Mrs. Deon Whipple, whose 4th-grade class at Cowan Elementary now commences their academic day amidst the tranquility of yoga poses and centered breathing.
Whipple, having earned her certification last July, claims that yoga has been especially helpful for students with behavioral difficulties and for creating a serene space for special education students dealing with intense emotions. "My hope would be that first, it helps teachers because teachers can't be effective if they're dysregulated with their emotions," Whipple told KVUE. "It's such a stressful job. And we're constantly taking care of others."
The undertaking has had a positive reception so far, prompting AISD to expand the program, armed with an insurance-provider-covered fund for more teacher certifications. "Teaching is a stressful job. They work tirelessly. They are selfless. They really take care of themselves. Last. And so we've got to find ways to embed these opportunities for them to take care of themselves so that they can take care of students," said Amie Ortiz, talent engagement executive director. The district now boasts at least 30 teachers going through the certification process, ready to roll out the program in their classrooms this fall, according to KVUE.
This wellness crusade isn't just about enhancing student behavior; AISD is also eyeing it as a strategy to keep teachers from jumping ship. A video segment provided by YouTube covers how the program's rollout in select schools has focused on not only instructing kids in emotional processing but also inspiring teacher retention.
The program champions practices characteristic of yoga, including deep breathing and movement exercises. The objective, as asserted by Breathe For Change co-founder Kelly Sanders, is to foster an environment where teachers feel valued and supported, essential in a profession facing high turnovers due to stress and burnout. "The teachers have got to feel that they're being invested back into," Sanders explained. With the inaugural class of AISD yoga-trained teachers set to complete the program by June, there is palpable anticipation for this sense of zen to permeate Austin schools.
