This workshop addresses the following questions: Of the many variables affect student learning -- among which are factors related to stress-hardiness, social and emotional wellbeing, ability to focus and attend, and the ability to bounce back from setbacks of all kinds -- which specific "protective factors" (as determined by behavioral research) can have the biggest positive impact on learning? How can classroom teachers and school leaders assess for the presence (or absence) of critical protective factors affecting student wellbeing and academic success and, most importantly, ensure their active presence in the school environment?

The workshop focuses on the theory and research related to mindfulness practice and mindfulness-based stress reduction, areas of keen scientific investigation over the past 30 years, with over 300 well-accepted studies, specific practices known to improve brain function (most especially focus and concentration), mood, health and overall wellbeing and the introduction of mindfulness theory, research and practice to school leaders, colleagues, and students.

 The presentation focuses on neuroscience discoveries on the adolescent brain over the past 10-15 years, with emphasis on assisting classroom teachers to better understand the specific changes and how this knowledge will improve their teaching of adolescents and modeling of a lesson plan that focuses on teaching preteens and teens several ways.

Tim Burns is an educator and author whose background includes over thirty years of experience.