Applying Research to Life
Teachers are natural learners. They never tire of learning themselves and they also happen to be very accomplished at relating to people, particularly youngsters. I am a recently retired teacher of 30 years and I still feel that hunger and curiosity to know more about everything, including myself.
I miss the connections that I used to have with fellow teachers and this is how I found myself amongst a group of teachers from all around the Atlanta metro area at the Edgewood Community Learning Center (a true oasis) on a rainy Sunday to discuss the theme of happiness.
We were greeted by the delicious aroma of quiche and croissants and invited to answer some questions ‘chalk talk’ style that were posted around the room. We then served ourselves a delicious brunch and introduced ourselves to one another. Our hosts invited us to read an article written by Robert Waldinger MD and Marc Shulz, Ph.D. who wrote: “The Good Life: Lessons from the World’s Longest Scientific Study of Happiness”. We then worked on a series of questions where we reflected on our own relationships: An example of one of the reflections was: Who are your people? What makes them valuable to you?
The resulting conversation around the table was heartfelt, meaningful, and incredibly vibrant. We walked away from the table promising to keep in touch, curious about each other's experiences as teachers, and eager to bring this learning back to our classrooms.
Here are a few of the comments from those who gathered that day:
“I gained insights into other perspectives and was able to share my own.”
“So interesting talking about how we deal with our relationships.”
“I plan to use today's activity with my staff.”
A word about the organizers: The Commons opened its doors as a non-profit, committed to deepening connections amongst teachers, barely a year ago. Each month, they offer a free, nourishing (because the food and beverages are always excellent) get-together for K12 teachers to foster connection and shared experience. They expertly curate the conversations and then generously send participants a virtual goody bag of all the materials they have used during each event.
Oh, and if you are wondering what the key to happiness is……? “Relationships keep us happier and healthier across our lifespan, and loneliness erodes our health.”
So I urge you to come to The Commons’s next event which is happening at the Atlanta History Center on April 22nd in partnership with StoryCorps.
