Mindfulness in K-12 Schools

It’s widely known that teens in the US are struggling with mental health in greater numbers than ever. A survey by the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) conducted in 2021 found 44% of teens experienced feelings of sadness or hopelessness that prevented them from participating in normal activities. Enter: Mindfulness. Mindfulness is a term that has gained widespread popularity in recent years, and for good reason. It is the practice of being present and fully engaged in the current moment, without judgment or distraction. Mindfulness has been shown to have numerous benefits, including reducing stress, improving mental health, and enhancing academic performance. Given these benefits, it is no surprise that mindfulness practices have been integrated into K-12 schools across the United States and the world.

One non-profit organization leading the way in this effort is Mindful Schools. Founded in 2007, Mindful Schools provides educators with the training and resources needed to teach mindfulness to their students.  Their program is based on the principles of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) as developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center, as well as mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT). These methodologies have been shown to be effective in reducing stress and improving mental health.

Mindful Schools offers a variety of courses and resources, including a year-long mindfulness certification program for educators, online courses, and a library of mindfulness activities and lesson plans. They have worked with over 50,000 educators and have reached over 3 million students worldwide.

Another company, Mind Body Align, LLC, offers an eight-week, in-class program for students, as well as teacher professional development programs for both schools and districts. CEO and founder Annamarie Fernyak explains the benefits:

The South Carolina Education Association (SCEA) has also launched a mindfulness program in their schools. The program is designed to teach mindfulness to both students and educators. It includes activities such as deep breathing exercises, mindfulness meditation, and yoga and has been shown to improve academic performance and reduce disciplinary issues. Mindfulness trainer and retreat leader Todd Scholl of SCEA’s Center for Educator Wellness and Learning said, “Educators are leaving the profession in record numbers. This is due to a variety of factors, and stress is a big one. Mindfulness is a free and effective way to manage stress, but too often mindfulness has been presented to educators in a way that can be perceived as placating, dismissive of the very real issues they face. Teachers cannot simply breathe away the exploitation and disrespect they are enduring, and mindfulness should never be a tool for compliance with educators or their students. But, when coupled with a liberatory consciousness, mindfulness can be both a means of reducing stress AND developing the clarity and strength needed to overcome oppressive and toxic systems like the ones in which most educators find themselves.”

These programs are just a few examples of the growing trend of mindfulness practices in K-12 schools.  While the benefits of mindfulness are clear, there are still some challenges to implementing these practices in schools. One challenge is the lack of time and resources available to educators. In order to teach (and learn) mindfulness effectively, educators need to receive proper training and have access to resources and support.

Another challenge is the stigma surrounding mindfulness. Some may view it as a “hippie” or “New Age” practice, which can make it difficult to gain support from parents, educators, and administrators. However, as more research is conducted on the benefits of mindfulness, this stigma is beginning to fade.

Despite these challenges, the practice of mindfulness in K-12 schools is gaining momentum. Educators and organizations are recognizing the importance of teaching mindfulness to students, not just for their mental health and well-being, but also for their academic success. By teaching students to be present, focused, and non-judgmental, educators are helping to create a more positive and productive learning environment.

In conclusion, mindfulness is a powerful tool that can benefit students and teachers in many ways. From reducing stress, to improving academic performance, to facilitating teacher retention, mindfulness practices are becoming increasingly popular in K-12 schools across the U.S. and the world. Organizations such as Mindful Schools and Mind Body Align LLC, as well as the South Carolina Education Association, are leading the way in this effort by providing educators with the training and resources needed to teach mindfulness effectively. While there are still challenges to implementing mindfulness practices in schools, the benefits are clear, and the momentum is growing.