The value and relevance to participants will be to gain knowledge on how this program has been vital to our students' success in all careers. The presenter, Rania P. Thompson has been sponsoring this program for four years at Woodland High School, Dorchester, SC. She is certified as a Career Specialist and a Global Career Development Facilitator. She has a Master's Degree in Physical Education and a Master's Degree in Educational Leadership.
Relevance of the Topic to the CTE Field: The topic directly addresses the growing need for educator wellness, which is essential to creating positive, supportive learning environments in CTE classrooms. Educators play a pivotal role in shaping students' futures, and their emotional health is critical to their ability to effectively engage, motivate, and guide students. By focusing on journaling as a tool for emotional health, this session provides a practical, accessible strategy to help educators prioritize their own well-being, ultimately improving their capacity to support students.
Value to Participants: This workshop will equip educators with the tools to manage stress, reflect on their emotional health, and develop strategies for maintaining balance in their personal and professional lives. Journaling offers a simple yet powerful way to process emotions, prevent burnout, and foster resilience. By integrating wellness practices into their daily routine, participants will experience enhanced emotional clarity, better self-awareness, and a stronger sense of purpose in their teaching—benefiting both their professional growth and their students' success.
Presenter Knowledge and Experience: As a former social worker, grief recovery specialist, and journaling/life coach, I have a deep understanding of the emotional challenges that educators face. With experience in coaching and leading wellness programs, I specialize in guiding individuals through reflective practices that promote emotional well-being. I have worked with various groups, including educators, to help them prioritize self-care and integrate it into their routines for lasting impact. My expertise in journaling as a tool for personal growth will empower participants to incorporate effective wellness practices into their daily lives.
Employability skills are important to ALL CTE areas. The information provided is of great value as it shows how these skills are currently being used in CTE programs at the career center that I teach. The participants are able to take the information presented and apply it to their classrooms. Participants will be provided with examples of how it has been used in current classrooms and how students have improved on the skills because of the grading. They will also be provided with examples of how the presenter has used it in their classroom for the last 6 school years with ways it has helped students. The presenter will also provide images of the rubric they use and how it is used for grading purposes along with feedback given to the student on their performance for a weekly basis.
