Strategies for implementing yoga lessons in educational institutions, as suggested by a recipient of the 'Superintendent of the Year' award

Dr. Barbara Malkas, the Massachusetts Superintendent of the Year, has made a significant impact on the North Adams Public Schools community by introducing a yoga program in 2021. The initiative, born out of a need to address high stress levels due to the pandemic, has since expanded to include social-emotional learning opportunities for students, faculty, staff, and the wider community.

Malkas became a certified yoga instructor through Breathe for Change, an organisation that trains educators in yoga and wellness practices. She has since trained over 30 educators, including the football coach, to conduct classes. To ensure the classes are utilised by as many people as possible, Malkas and her staff offer opportunities during the school day and part of after-school classes.

One teacher, recognising the benefits of the program, offers yoga class as an alternative to detention. Predictably, behavioural incidents have gone down, and teachers are seeing an impact from the programs. Malkas advises making yoga and mindfulness programs available for the willing, but never forcing it on students or teachers.

Malkas believes that data is important, as she remains a science teacher at heart. She and her team track data, such as behavioural incidents and discipline referrals, to gauge the impact of the Breathe for Change yoga programs in North Adams Public Schools.

A new study shows promise for mindfulness training for teachers, and Malkas encourages educators to help shape the programs, allowing for innovation through implementation. She emphasises the need for patience when implementing yoga and mindfulness programs, as it's a change process that requires time and support.

Malkas also offers online professional development and an evidence-based curriculum to cater to various preferences. She notes that yoga and mindfulness practices have been around for thousands of years and have helped people in difficult eras.

For those interested in learning more about teaching yoga in a school setting, a resource titled "Smiling Mind: How To Use It to Teach" is available. Malkas warns against making assumptions about the acceptance of yoga and mindfulness programs, as there may be more participants than initially expected.

As the program continues to grow and evolve, Malkas and her team look forward to collaborating with more schools in the future. Despite the challenges that life may bring, Malkas believes that these practices have withstood the test of time and will continue to provide benefits to those who embrace them.

Strategies for implementing yoga lessons in educational institutions, as suggested by a recipient of the 'Superintendent of the Year' award