PoM helps educators teach mindfulness, neuroscience, gratitude, empathy, and conflict resolution – not just to help kids self-regulate (though they do self-regulate), but as tools of liberation. Students notice and manage their feelings and work out conflicts before they escalate; teachers create kinder, more inclusive schools; together they are positioned to create a more peaceful and equitable world. PoM is developing its classroom-based curriculum for delivery online as well as in print, continuing to build a video library of resources that can be used by educators in the classroom and by students and families at home, creating model classes for teachers to watch as they prepare lessons, and offering virtual professional development sessions for educators in Fall 2020 (and beyond, if necessary). As health conditions permit, this work returns to the classroom, where it is much needed in a contentious world.
Headquarters: DC-Ward 3
Where They Operate: DC-Citywide; MD-Statewide; VA-Statewide
Age Groups Served: Pre-K (3-4); Youth (5-11); Pre-teen/teen (12-17)
Population(s) Served: Individuals with Disabilities; Individuals who identify as LGBTQ; Low- to Moderate-Income Community Members; Men/Boys; Women/Girls; Students; Immigrants/Refugees
Schools They Work In: Ida B. Wells Middle School; Elsie Whitlow Stokes Public Charter School; Ross Elementary School; Horace Mann Elementary School; Lafayette Elementary School; Seaton Elementary School; Brookfield Montessori; St Andrews Episcopal School; Charles E Smith Jewish Day School; Bannockburn Elementary School; Groveton Elementary School; and many others
- Number of students we serve annually in the DC metro area:
3,500+ - Percent of Peace of Mind students who say skills help them inside and outside of the classroom:
97%
Awards & Recognition
Keynote address at National Network of State Teachers of the Year 2020
Commendation from the DC Board of Education for Peace of Mind founder Linda Ryden's work 2019
Press
- Teaching our kids (and ourselves) mindfulness to get us through the coronavirus anxiety
Fri Mar 20 2020, Washington Post
Mindfulness - especially compassion and metacognition - can help our kids navigate the emotional impact of Covid-19.
- What Brain Science Teaches us About Conflict Resolution
Wed Feb 5 2020, Edutopia
When Peace of Mind's founder noticed her kids fighting at recess, she turned to neuroscience and mindfulness practice to help them.
- Tyaja makes us think: DC peace teacher explores mindfulness in her latest children's book
Tue Sep 10 2019, The DC Line
Some of the most popular children's books teach lessons on colors, sharing & numbers. But what if they also offered lessons on mindfulness?
- New4Your Sunday: Peace at Mind
Sun Aug 11 2019, News 4 Your Sunday
How teaching mindfulness can benefit elementary school students
Budget (FY0)
- $3 million or higher
- $1 million to $3 million
- $500k to $1 million
- Less than $500k
Catalogue charities range in size from $100,000 to
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