Based on the work of Parker J. Palmer, we offer Courage & Renewal,® Courage to Lead®, Courage to Teach® and Circle of Trust® Workshops and Retreats designed to help educators, organizations and teams renew vocational vitality and deepen professional practices, promoting personal and workplace transformation. These programs offer educators and others an opportunity in a safe and supportive environment to reflect on dimensions of good teaching and leading to sustain and renew passion and commitment.
These workshops and retreats are custom tailored for any school, organization or team and are offered as a one-day workshop/retreat, quarterly series of retreats, or offered for in-service professional development days. We welcome inquiries, and we are available to build a retreat or workshop to suit your needs.
Courage & Renewal® for Schools: Smart Schools, Outstanding School Leaders
A one-day workshop introducing school leaders and educators to personal and professional practices that encourage mindfulness and reflective inquiry into the classroom, building a leadership style that creates trust, clear vision and guides performance.
Courage to Lead® for School Leaders: Smart School Leaders Achieve Excellence in Schools
This workshop supports school leaders (heads of school, principals, assistant principals, instructional leaders, central office staff) to improve communication and relational skills to create a school environment focused on excellence.
Courage to Teach®: The Heart of Smart Schools
This workshop, designed to renew, sustain and inspire, offers support for teachers to reclaim their enthusiasm for teaching and learning, addressing burnout and attrition.
Journey Toward an Undivided Life: Introductory Courage & Renewal® Retreats
Also based on the work of Parker J. Palmer, this retreat offers schools, organizations and teams the opportunity to explore professional and personal integrity. Participants report a deepened sense of purpose and meaning, expanded capacity to listen and be present, improved ability to build trustworthy relationships, more courage to live authentically, renewed passion for work and a deeper commitment to serving others.
Call today to register for a retreat or workshop!
“I came here simply seeking a sense of calm. Valerie’s manner and leadership helped me to develop trust , openness and safety among participants. The experience was very special.”
—Journey Toward an Undivided Life Retreat Participant
“Valerie’s leadership in particular has a richness and depth that feels priceless.”
—Journey Toward an Undivided Life Retreat Series Participant
“In session one and two, I appreciated so much Valerie’s skill in preparing, guiding, and facilitating. Today, what I’ve come to appreciate is the way that Valerie nurtured an environment in which the wisdom of the group has bloomed. Valerie balanced encouraging and leading with times of bringing us back from the places of stuckness…amazing to watch.”
—Journey Toward an Undivided Life Retreat Series Participant
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