I teach at a special public school just for girls who are pregnant or parenting. 100% of our population is economically disadvantaged. In addition to the challenges surrounding parenthood, some deal with homelessness, moving between foster homes, issues surrounding addiction, domestic violence, and just about any other hardship you can imagine.
There's a story behind every instance of misbehavior, work refusal, defiance, or falling asleep, and 9 times out of ten, the story won't make you angry--it will break your heart.
Our girls have often been exposed to an amount of trauma that is difficult for many people to comprehend. And still, despite everything that says they shouldn't, they find the hope to keep going--and they rise.
My Project
I have been awarded a $1000 scholarship to Chicago's inaugural cohort of Breathe for Change, a community-focused, 16-day training specifically designed to support educators in transforming themselves, their relationships, and their communities. We will study powerful mind-body wellness practices like yoga, mindfulness, and breathwork, and learn strategies for self-care, social-emotional learning, and community building that positively impact our lives, classrooms, schools, and communities.
Upon completion of the program I will be certified as a Yoga Alliance Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT-200) and a B4C Wellness Champion, which will qualify me to lead wellness programs for my entire school and community.
These programs could be full-staff introductory workshops, on-site weekly wellness classes, and/or implementation of a holistic wellness practice and age-appropriate classroom integration for students. Any funds raised over my goal will support me in bringing mindfulness workshops to community organizations. I am committed to providing equity in education and equipping my students and community with the tools they need to heal.
Mindfulness can and does change lives--I know because it changed mine. Thank you for supporting me in bringing this powerful practice to kids who need it most. Your investment in me supports critical work; thank you for believing in them and in me.
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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Ms. Walendzinski and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.