W.K.Kellogg FoundationĀ
Acosta Institute ProgramĀ
Healing-Centered Education Program
Check-In
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Introduction
This landing page was designed to give the team at the W.K.Kellogg Foundation a snapshot of some of the work that has transpired this year in connection to our grant. Take a moment to view the pictures and to hear the voices of members of our community who are being transformed by this incredible program.Ā
Healing & Restoration Retreat
April 2024
The Healing & Restoration Retreat, hosted by Dr. Angel Acosta and Dr. Yolanda Sealey-Ruiz, was a deeply transformative experience for educators, leaders, and changemakers. Taking place at the serene Garrison Institute, participants spent three rejuvenating days engaging in reflective sessions, connecting with peers, and finding solace in a nurturing environment. The retreat offered a perfect blend of rest and personal growth, leaving attendees feeling refreshed and empowered to continue their work with a renewed sense of purpose. It was a powerful moment of healing, collaboration, and restoration.
Healing-Centered Education Certificate Program
April-June 2024
The Healing-Centered Education Certification Program (HCEP), which ran from February to April 2024 at the Acosta Institute, was a transformative journey designed for educators, school counselors, and social workers committed to fostering healing-centered environments. Rooted in principles of trauma-informed care and cultural responsiveness, the program empowered participants to address systemic trauma and promote holistic well-being in schools. Through six immersive courses, including mindfulness practices, emotional regulation, and healing-centered pedagogy, participants learned how to cultivate inclusive, supportive spaces where both students and educators could thrive. Upon completion, participants were awarded certification, marking their expertise in implementing healing-centered approaches to transform educational environments.
Healing-Centered Education Summit
July 2024
The 2024 Healing-Centered Education Summit, themed "Hope & Healing in Practice," was a transformative multi-day event designed for educators, leaders, and practitioners. Held at the serene Garrison Institute, this summit invited participants to explore actionable healing-centered approaches to education and community empowerment. Through enriching keynote addresses, interactive workshops, and thought-provoking panel discussions, attendees discovered practical strategies for fostering systemic change in their schools and organizations. The event emphasized building resilient communities, translating hope into action, and exploring innovative practices in both child and adult education.
Wounded Healers Portrait Series & Podcast
We have taken the portraits of 4 to 5 educators as part of the Wounded Healers Portrait Series thus far and plan to launch their stories, along with supplemental materials, by the end of this year. We have been able to inspire educators by capturing the essence of individuals who have turned their personal healing and teaching journeys into sources of strength for their communities. See below for a snapshot of the not-yet-publicly released portraits for this year.
Masterclasses & Community Learning Dashboard
We have taken acumen in digital media and video production to the next level. We have produced two masterclasses and have three more in production. This has enabled us to produce asynchronous learning materials for the community in a way that advances healing-centered education like nothing we have done before. Feel free to look at the trailers for the current masterclasses below
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Healing-Centered EducationĀ Masterclass
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Breaking Bread with Dr. Yolanda Sealey-RuizĀ and Dr. Angel Acostas
AI in Education Certificate Program
Our first certificate program was so successful that it gave us the confidence to host another program focused on Artificial Intelligence in education. We noticed a deep curiosity for exploring the problems and potential with AI in our field from educators who were coming to our programing. The Applications of Artificial Intelligence in Education Certificate Program equips educators and leaders with practical AI skills to enhance their educational practices. Through a month-long, four-session series, participants will explore AI's impact on curriculum planning, strategic development, and personalized learning. The program offers hands-on experience with AI tools and provides actionable strategies for immediate application in educational contexts. Led by expert facilitators, this certificate program fosters innovation, creativity, and a deeper understanding of AI's transformative potential in education.
