(5 credits)

The breadth and depth of the teaching profession can be overwhelming. However, if looked at through the lens of “What can I do to help my students learn and thrive?”, the commitment becomes not only manageable, but also inspirational. In this course, teacher candidates explore key theories related to how children learn in relation to physical, social, emotional, cognitive, and moral development. With this foundation in mind, they focus on social-emotional learning as a key factor in fostering not only healthy social-emotional development, but also a potential positive influence on engagement in learning, well-being, self-efficacy, and resilience. Teacher candidates also address child mental health as a core component of healthy development and the varied ways that educators can support and advocate for child mental health in the classroom, as well as the community.

Grounded in the belief that students and families benefit from a sense of belonging and connectedness, the course approaches inclusion as valuable to every student. Teacher candidates examine the characteristics of exceptionalities and the educational programming for students who receive special education services so that healthy child development and meaningful learning can thrive in every classroom. With the recognition that physical fitness and positive health practices strengthen and promote multiple domains of learning and health, the course concludes with an emphasis on collaborating with families to promote such practices through strong school and home connections and holistic community experiences.