Readings in Resilience
Maine Resilience Program For Educators
Maine Resilience (MR) has developed a program designed for educators to learn and to teach resilience strategies to peers, students, and parents. The format for presenting this basic information is in alignment with Maine State Learning Results and curriculum requirements. MR is a wonderful approach to dealing with the stress and fears of the 21st century. Educators may want to incorporate the seminar and full program into an individual re-certification plan, which will contribute to personal growth and enhance professional development.
MR conducts seminars to small groups of 25-30 administrators and teachers interested in learning and being trained in these skills and attitudes. This train-the-trainer program is tailored to introduce the concept of resilience and is customized to assist educators in developing a plan for building their own resilience, as well as, integrating the approach into the classroom. The participants will learn how to establish resilience skills, which are specific, measureable, attainable, realistic and time oriented. The seminar consists of 6 hours of training, which provides an overview and discussion of the skills and attitudes of resilience. The core of the program is the use of storytelling as a means for promoting and encouraging resilience. Examples regarding the development of lesson plans centered on resilience are discussed. Participants are given time to develop and share their own ideas in small groups.
Those who choose to use the full program for recertification will read the novel, Reaching Home, by Ron Breazeale, Ph.D. contained in the training manual, Duct Tape Isn’t Enough. They will review summaries of the chapters and analyze how the characters demonstrated or failed to demonstrate and use the skills and attitudes, which make up resilience. The trainer’s manual, Duct Tape Isn’t Enough, which focuses on these skills, provides a number of opportunities for interaction and discussion. Many of these are around the series of DVDs that are used as part of the training. “Daily Heroes” shows the compelling stories of 16 people who have demonstrated resilience in their personal and professional lives. “Where’s Herbie?” is an award winning, timeless documentary that focuses on a Maine lobsterman in his 90’s who’s still fishing.
Additional resources for the educator include a one and a half hour DVD that presents the training modules. Our website reachinghome.com provides additional resources e.g. techniques for managing stress, information on financial resilience.
Additions assistance in becoming an effective teacher of these skills and attitudes can be provided through an online train-the-trainer course offered by the University of Maine at Augusta. For more information regarding the course contact Richard Lumb, Ph.D. at rclumb@gmail.com.
Journals and logs may be used to verify time accumulated for recertification. Teachers may record their use of resilience skills in the classroom or explain how they used storytelling to demonstrate resilience. Teachers may develop lesson plans or put together a unit about resilience. Educators may use a journal to record their personal and professional observation and impressions. Reading and discussion materials may be used individually or in groups and may also be logged. The seminar, review of the programs DVDs, the novel, analysis of chapters and characters, use of the manual, use of the website, verification log, journals and other accepted methods may be used for recertification. Participants are responsible for establishing pre-approval for this project from their Re-Certification Committee. In addition, the individual is responsible for all necessary paperwork associated with this project when used for recertification.
Participants may also like to become trainers or coaches for Maine Resilience. The project is sponsored by Alpha One, Maine’s independent living program. The seminars, accompanying manual, DVDs and online course can assist educators in meeting the challenges of the 21st century. They will be essential to teaching peers, parents and students the skills and attitudes that make up resilience. As always educators lead the way in the development of lifelong learning skills.
Note: For current pricing of the Duct Tape Isn’t Enough manual, DVDs listed above, and the online course refer to the pricing information contained on this website. For information regarding arranging for a seminar for your group, organization, PTO, or school contact Dr. Breazeale at 207-773-7993 ext. 25.