We are teaching and learning during a time of deep grief. Minimizing this fact only compounds the impacts. How do we focus on learning targets or faculty meetings when many in our schools are actively experiencing grief? Demographic shifts, ecological and environmental devastation, the ripples of a global pandemic, sweeping societal upheaval, and huge pedagogical shifts make grief a constant reality of contemporary human experience. Together, we will explore methods for creating learning environments that are hospitable for both learning and grief. We will integrate skills, dispositions, and practices to turn towards these realities in ways that deepen learning as well as our relational capacity for responding to change and ends.

This is what we do as educators. We will model this together and welcome everyone in the room with what they bring. We will use affinity groups based on roles, grade levels, types of loss, project topics, and any other grouping that benefits members of the community.

Some people are concerned that a colleague or administrator might co-enroll and make confidentiality or collegiality harder. I would offer that grief humanizes and connects all of us; AND, as part of a getting-to-know-you form, you will be able to describe the types of small groups that will be most supportive for you and leave any kind of information necessary for me to support the learning you seek.

The course meets every other week on Tuesdays from 6:00-8:00pm online. The rest of the work happens asynchronously through VTSU/Castleton’s Canvas portal. You will receive instructions and support for the use of Canvas to the extent you need it.

There will be one make-up Zoom offered for those with a scheduling conflict or sudden illness (or who would like a more frequent meeting and chance to connect). Attendance is always important but particularly so when we are building a durable community for deep topics.

Our students feel this so often! That may be your learning edge, where your personal and professional needs are meeting to push for growth and integration. The course meets you where you are at the depth or pace you set based on your own experiences and needs.

Feel welcome to reach out with any questions or concerns.