The Imperative Blog
The Latest in Social Emotional Learning & Personal Development
Mindful Start to the School Year
After a long, hot and fun summer - it is time to go back to school. Considering the pandemic and the anxiety it has caused (and continues to cause!) - I'm sure many parents and educators are worried. Worry and uncertainty are our new normal. So, what can we do? Begin...

A PINK SHIRT DAY with LASTING IMPACT
The most effective way to combat bullying is from the inside – through student input and leadership. When adults tell kids what to do, or how to behave with one another, it doesn’t always work. For Pink Shirt Day to really reduce bullying then a focus on relationship building and student-led initiatives are the way to go. Yet, staff still need to lead the way. In this post – educators can understand the action plan and steps to empower youth to take ownership of their school community in a way that yields lasting results.

Choosing your thoughts during a Pandemic
Gain some useful advice with tools on how to shine a light on thoughts which best serve us – particularly during this challenging time in history.

Self-Care in a World Gone Mad!!
This is a particularly tough time because of the pandemic and the anger and division out there. Keep your eye on the ball – your reason for teaching. Self-care is essential and this is me, post workshop – sharing the love.

Three Tips for Teachers to Start off This School Year Right!
Rule 1: Fill your own cup first
Set a morning routine that you can follow – and it need not take hours! Pullease!! Who has the time? Upon awakening, notice your thoughts. Decide, right there and then: today will be a ‘good’ day! You can also…

Uncertainty is the New Normal
The truth is that we simply do not know what’s going to happen in life. We never have. Finding a way to be comfortable with this uncertainty is of great interest to me. It’s not just Covid19 causing this uncertainty – we’ve always been this way!

A Self-Care HAPPY HOUR on June 25th
The school year is almost over and teachers and parents and kids are TIRED!!!! I know because I've been with you throughout the year. I've connected with you at your school, at conferences, online, and in life and you've told me! You've cried to me. You've shared your...

Mindfulness and Lessons during Covid19
If you need help with mindfulness, home schooling, teaching, and self-care then read this post and visit the Imperative Education YouTube Channel for support! I’m here for you during this Covid19 crisis. Jodi Derkson, founder, Imperative Education

Pink Shirt Day beyond just wearing pink
A portion of the classroom lesson for you to use:
Your friends start calling you names, sending you nasty text messages and forcing you to give them things or do things that you aren’t comfortable with. You feel so torn. What should you do?
1. Nothing. You must have done something wrong to make your friends act like that.
2. Start calling them names in return and threaten them.
3. Speak to your parents or teacher and tell them what is happening.
4. Something else (Open corner).
On February 26,2020 try this lesson to broach the important topic of how we handle conflict and power imbalances both in school and in our communities.

Teaching is so Lonely!
Last week I gave a workshop on Mindful Self-Care and started by asking the following question: Isn't teaching so lonely? Heads nodded! I sensed the relief flooding the room - this is going to get real! Nobody ever talks about how lonely teaching is. In fact, when I...