Courage to Teach: A Courage & Renewal® Retreat for Educators

We teach who we are. Courage to Teach® retreats affirm that the best teaching arises from the identity and integrity of the one who teaches. Teaching cannot be reduced to techniques and methods. During this time of personal and professional development, educators reflect on questions of selfhood: “Who is the self that teaches? How does the quality of my selfhood form-or deform-the way I relate to my students, my subject, my colleagues, my world?” (Parker J. Palmer, The Courage to Teach: 10^th Anniversary Edition, Jossey-Bass, 2007). A brief video provides more information about Courage to Teach initiative: Inner Work and the Life of Teacher.

The retreat focuses on the process of renewing the inner lives of professionals in education. The practices of the Circles of Trust® Approach were developed by Parker J. Palmer, PhD, and the Center for Courage & Renewal. During the retreat, participants will be invited to renew heart, mind, and spirit through the exploration of the inner landscape of a teacher’s life: to identify and honour gifts and strengths and acknowledge limits. The retreats have been effective in helping educational professionals create safer spaces and trusting relationships in their schools, with their students and colleagues, and within their communities.

In large-group, small-group, and solitary settings, “the heart of a teacher” is explored, making use of personal stories, reflections on classroom practice, and insights from poets, storytellers, and various wisdom traditions. We will use the rich metaphors of the summer season as a way of exploring vocational and life questions. The experience is often referred to as a ‘Circle of Trust’. In these circles, we are invited to slow down, listen and reflect in a quiet and focused space. At the same time, we engage in dialogue with others in the circle—a dialogue about things that matter. As this “sorting and sifting” goes on, and we are able to clarify and affirm our truth in the presence of others, that truth is more likely to overflow into our work and lives.

July 24 at 3:00pm to July 26 at 3:00pm

Cost: $550 + tax; includes tuition, meals & shared accommodation. Private rooms may be reserved for the duration of the program for $70.00.

 

Leader(s):

Theresa Matus

Theresa is the Director, of Mount Royal University’s Academic Development Centre in Calgary. Prior to joining Mount Royal full time in 1998, Theresa co-facilitated the Winter Session program at Naramata Centre in 1995, 1996 and 1997. In 2005 she attended her first Circle of Trust Retreat and in 2007 she completed her Courage & Renewal Facilitator preparation with the Center for Courage and Renewal.

In addition to 20 years spent in the health care sector, Theresa worked in a freelance capacity for more than 15 years, teaching creative and improvisational movement and dance, including being a member of a movement master class for nine years. Currently she studies and practices the contemplative discipline of Authentic Movement. She inevitably discovers opportunities for growth and new life in practicing the sacred acts of dance and mindfulness.

Dan Hines

Dan Hines is a Courage & Renewal® Facilitator mentored by Parker J. Palmer and the Center for Courage and Renewal. He also consults and mentors church leaders in association with his colleagues at Companion Way. Dan is an ordained priest in the Anglican Church of Canada, a coach and speaker, and a leadership consultant for religious, educational, and business groups. He also consults about intentional communities and co-operative living from his experience with the RareBirds Housing Co-operative, Kamloops BC. Dan loves a good book, a hike and cooking with friends. For more info about Dan and other events: www.danhines.ca