Realizing and Applying Agreements for Self-Care

Concurrent Session 1
Leadership

Brief Abstract

The capacity to construct a caring learning environment begins with educator well-being. The educational climate continues to be one of uncertainty – with educators at the center – meeting the needs of students, institutions, and non-professional responsibilities. How are educators (and developers) caring for themselves? This session provides a framework, based on the Toltec’s Four-Agreements, through which educators can evaluate problematic educational narratives that foster negative feelings (joy stealers), and reaffirm what makes them joyful professionals. Participants will learn pedagogical techniques that center trust, and establish a personal-care-plan anchored in mindfulness, to recapture what brings them joyfulness as educators. 

Presenters

Lead Presenter: Brett Christie, Alchemy

Brett (he/him/his) has worked in higher education for over 25 years, with extensive experience leading teaching effectiveness and student success initiatives involving a myriad of stakeholders at campus, system, and national levels. Many of these efforts have included curricular redesign for more innovative and effective uses of technology, including quality online-blended course design and delivery. In his role at Alchemy, Brett has led the development and implementation of our Purposeful Learning Framework, which enables the creation of student-centric learning experiences that are humanized, inclusive, and engaging. Since earning his doctorate in Curriculum & Instruction in 1997, he has applied his knowledge and passion to become an established teacher, researcher, and thought leader on many topics in contemporary education. These range from sound fundamentals of effective course design and delivery to more innovative practices and uses of technology to provide greater access, engagement, and real-world application. In particular, Brett is known as an expert in applying Universal Design for Learning in post-secondary education as a means for greater equity, accessibility, and inclusivity. He has led many faculty and institutional efforts to apply the principles of UDL in ways to enable success by the greatest number and diversity of students possible. As a first generation college student himself, Brett is particularly invested in closing equity gaps that exist in postsecondary education. He works and resides in Olympia, Washington, on the ancestral lands of the Medicine Creek Treaty tribes. As a resident of the Pacific Northwest, Brett enjoys all the scenic beauty and recreation the area has to offer and spends a great deal of time on regional trail and water pursuits.

Co-presenter: Kimberly Vincent-Layton, Cal Poly Humboldt

Dr. Kimberly Vincent-Layton is currently an educational developer/designer in the Center for Teaching and Learning (and Academic Technology), and a lecturer in the School of Education at California Polytechnic State University, Humboldt. She has over 25 years in education with a background that spreads across the intersection of teaching, professional development, instructional design, educational technology, and most of all, student learning success. Kimberly enjoys discovering and crafting learning experiences that create inclusive community opportunities across modalities. She is passionate about engaging in a variety of collaborative projects that work to improve/enhance the student and educator experience. One of her most incredible experiences has been partnering with amazing colleagues across California as part of Humanizing Online STEM (HumanizeOL.org). When she is not working, you will find her on her road bike, running in the forest, backpacking, swimming, and/or hiking in the outdoors with her three best friends/daughters.

Co-presenter: Megan Eberhardt-Alstot, California State University - Channel Islands

Extended Abstract