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Numerous studies are finding that stress, anxiety, and mental health issues are on the rise in children and adults. The American Psychological Association's (APA) 2017 Stress in America™ survey found that two-thirds of adults are stressed about the future. The survey also found that Millennials reported higher average stress than before and that teens are the most stressed people in America, with 27 percent reporting "extreme stress" during the school year. Additionally, a 2016 report by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation found that 46 percent of American teachers feel high daily stress. Fortunately, new brain and psychological research is showing that meditation and social-emotional learning (SEL) programs can dramatically reduce stress and improve wellbeing and achievement. Discover the benefits of mindfulness meditation, class management, and SEL in schools; strategies to reduce student stress and behavioral problems and raise resilience; and ways to reduce teacher burnout and boost retention.
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Renowned Neuroscientist and Biologist; MacArthur "Genius" Fellow; John A. and Cynthia Fry Gunn Professor of Biological Sciences, Neurology, and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University; Research Associate, Institute of Primate Research, National Museum of Kenya; Author, Behave: The Biology of Humans at Our Best and Worse (2017), The Trouble With Testosterone (2012), Why Zebras Don't Get Ulcers, Third Edition (2004, 3rd Edition)
Sociologist; Senior Fellow, Greater Good Science Center, University of California, Berkeley; Author, The New Adolescence: Raising Happy and Successful Teens in an Age of Anxiety and Distraction (Forthcoming, 2020), The Sweet Spot: How to Find Your Groove at Home and Work (2015), and Raising Happiness: 10 Simple Steps for More Joyful Kids and Happier Parents (2011)
William James and Vilas Research Professor of Psychology and Psychiatry and Founder & Director of the Center for Healthy Minds, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Davidson’s research is broadly focused on the neural bases of emotion and emotional style and methods to promote human flourishing including meditation and related contemplative practices. He has published over 390 articles, numerous chapters and reviews and edited 14 books. He is the author (with Sharon Begley) of "The Emotional Life of Your Brain" published in 2012 and co-author with Daniel Goleman of “Altered Traits” published in 2017. In 2017 he was elected a member of the National Academy of Medicine, the premier authority dedicated to the health and medical sciences.
Owner/Founder, Due Season Press and Educational Services; Former Education Content Creator, BrainPOP; Former Classroom Teacher; Author, Unshakeable: 20 Ways to Enjoy Teaching Every Day...No Matter What (2015), Awakened: Change Your Mindset to Transform Your Teaching (2011) and The Cornerstone: Classroom Management That Makes Teaching More Effective, Efficient and Enjoyable (2009)
Senior Fellow, Greater Good Science Center, University of California, Berkeley; Founder, Wellspring Institute for Neuroscience and Contemplative Wisdom; Author, Resilient: How to Grow an Unshakable Core of Calm, Strength, and Happiness (2018), Hardwiring Happiness: The New Brain Science of Contentment, Calm and Confidence (2013), and Buddha's Brain: The Practical Neuroscience of Happiness, Love and Wisdom (2009)
Faculty, Harvard Medical School (part-time) and Consultant, McLean Hospital; Author or Co-Author of 17 books including Raising Resilient Children (2001); The Power of Resilience (2004); Handbook of Resilience in Children (2012); Play Therapy Interventions to Enhance Resilience (2015); and Reflections on Mortality: Insights into Meaningful Living (2017)
Dr. Todd B. Kashdan is a recognized authority on personality, well-being and social relationships. He has published more than 180 scientific journal articles. He received the American Psychological Association's Distinguished Scientific Award for Early Career Contribution to Psychology. He is the author of several books including Curious? (HarperCollins) and The Upside of Your Dark Side (Penguin).
Professor of Psychology, San Diego State University; Author, iGen: Why Today's Super-Connected Kids Are Growing Up Less Rebellious, More Tolerant, Less Happy -- and Completely Unprepared for Adulthood (2017), The Narcissim Epidemic (2009) and Generation Me (2006)
Adjunct Assistant Professor, University of Utah Medical School; Staff Member, University Neuropsychiatric Institute; Clinical Director, Neurology Learning and Behavior Center in Salt Lake City; Co-Author, Learning Disabilities and Challenging Behaviors (2015, 3rd Edition), The Handbook of Resilience in Children (2012, 2nd Edition), The Power of Resilience (2004), and Raising Resilient Children (2002)
Faculty, Harvard Medical School (part-time) and Consultant, McLean Hospital; Author or Co-Author of 17 books including Raising Resilient Children (2001); The Power of Resilience (2004); Handbook of Resilience in Children (2012); Play Therapy Interventions to Enhance Resilience (2015); and Reflections on Mortality: Insights into Meaningful Living (2017)
Co-Director, Neuroscience Research Institute; Harriman Professor of Neuroscience Research, Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara; Co-Founder, Learning & the Brain; Author, Outsmarting Alzheimer's: What You Can Do to Reduce Your Risk (2017); Co-Author, The Alzheimer's Solution: How Today's Care is Failing Millions and How We Can Do Better (2010)
Family Physician; Parenting and Youth Development Expert; Founder of AskDoctorG.com; Winner of the Alpha Omega Alpha Volunteer Clinical Faculty Award as a Clinical Associate Professor for the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine; Author, Get the Behavior You Want... Without Being the Parent You Hate! (2014), Teach Responsibility: Empower Kids with Great Work Ethic (2013), Teach Respect: That's My Kid (2013), and Teaching Resilience: Raising Kids Who Can Launch (2012)
Associate Professor of Psychology, Baruch College; Faculty, The Graduate Center of the City University of New York; Author, “Transforming classroom culture through the use of student allies” (2006, Network News: Newsletter of the Minority Student Achievement Network)
Alfred E. Mirsky Professor, Neuroscience and Behavior; Head, Harold and Margaret Hatch Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology, Rockefeller University; Co-Author, The End of Stress as We Know It (2002)
William James and Vilas Research Professor of Psychology and Psychiatry and Founder & Director of the Center for Healthy Minds, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Davidson’s research is broadly focused on the neural bases of emotion and emotional style and methods to promote human flourishing including meditation and related contemplative practices. He has published over 390 articles, numerous chapters and reviews and edited 14 books. He is the author (with Sharon Begley) of "The Emotional Life of Your Brain" published in 2012 and co-author with Daniel Goleman of “Altered Traits” published in 2017. In 2017 he was elected a member of the National Academy of Medicine, the premier authority dedicated to the health and medical sciences.
Foundations Fund Professor of Psychiatry; Professor of the Child Study Center and of Neuroscience; Director, Yale Interdisciplinary Stress Center; Chief, Psychology Section in Psychiatry; Co-Director of Education, Center of Clinical Investigation, Yale University School of Medicine; Co-Author, "Dynamic Neural Activity During Stress Signals Resilient Coping" (2016, PNAS)
Senior Fellow, Greater Good Science Center, University of California, Berkeley; Founder, Wellspring Institute for Neuroscience and Contemplative Wisdom; Author, Resilient: How to Grow an Unshakable Core of Calm, Strength, and Happiness (2018), Hardwiring Happiness: The New Brain Science of Contentment, Calm and Confidence (2013), and Buddha's Brain: The Practical Neuroscience of Happiness, Love and Wisdom (2009)
Dr. Todd B. Kashdan is a recognized authority on personality, well-being and social relationships. He has published more than 180 scientific journal articles. He received the American Psychological Association's Distinguished Scientific Award for Early Career Contribution to Psychology. He is the author of several books including Curious? (HarperCollins) and The Upside of Your Dark Side (Penguin).
Developmental Pediatrician; Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, New York Medical College; Author, How Children Thrive: The Practical Science of Raising Independent, Resilient, and Happy Kids (2018), Mindful Parenting for ADHD: A Guide to Cultivating Calm, Reducing Stress, and Helping Children Thrive (2015), and The Family ADHD Solution (2011)
Director, Center for Transformative Teaching and Learning, St. Andrew’s Episcopal School; Co-Author, Neuroteach: Brain Science and the Future of Education (2016) and "Assessment and the Learning Brain: What the Research Tells Us" (2014, Independent School)
Head of Research, Center for Transformative Teaching and Learning, St. Andrew’s Episcopal School; Co-Creator of Neuroteach Global; Co-Author, Neuroteach: Brain Science and the Future of Education (2016); Co-Editor of “Think Differently and Deeply” (2013, CTTL Journal)
Renowned Neuroscientist and Biologist; MacArthur "Genius" Fellow; John A. and Cynthia Fry Gunn Professor of Biological Sciences, Neurology, and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University; Research Associate, Institute of Primate Research, National Museum of Kenya; Author, Behave: The Biology of Humans at Our Best and Worse (2017), The Trouble With Testosterone (2012), Why Zebras Don't Get Ulcers, Third Edition (2004, 3rd Edition)
Associate Professor of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School; Director of School-Based Programs, Cambridge Health Alliance; Co-Author, The Behavior Code: A Practical Guide to Understanding and Teaching the Most Challenging Students (2012)
Professional Development Consultant; Graduate Course Instructor, State University of New York at New Paltz; Author, Motivating the Unmotivated (2008), Dealing with Difficult Parents: Powerful Strategies for Parent/Teacher Interactions (2005), and Respectful Discipline: Your Guide to Effective Classroom Management (2003)
Assistant Professor, Human Early Learning Partnership, School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia; Co-Author, "Social and Emotional Learning: Recent Research and Practical Strategies to Promote Social and Emotional Competence in Schools" (2017, Handbook of Social Behavior and Skills in Children)
Professor, Teacher Leadership Program; Director of Outreach and Professional Development, Saint Mary’s College of California; Author, 200+ Proven Strategies for Teaching Reading, Grades K-8 (2016), New Inclusion: Differentiated Strategies to Engage ALL Students (2013) and More Than 100 Brain-Friendly Tools and Strategies for Literacy Instruction (2008)
Director of Education, Quiet Revolution; Former Educator and History Department Chair at New York City schools and universities such as Nightingale-Bamford, Dalton, Berkeley-Carroll, NYU, and The Cooper Union
Associate Professor, Curry School of Education; Director, The Center for Advanced Study of Teaching and Learning, University of Virginia; Co-Author, "Understanding How Children's Engagement and Teachers' Interactions Combine to Predict School Readiness" (2013, Journal of Applied Development Psychology) and "Measuring Effective Teacher-Student Interactions from a Student Perspective" (2015, Journal of Early Adolescence)
Former Teacher and Faculty Member; Founder Partner, Leaders and Learners Consulting; Board Member, Social-Emotional Learning Alliance for Massachusetts; Co-Author, Teaching the Whole Teen: Everyday Practices That Promote Success and Resilience in School and Life (2016) and The Advisory Guide: Designing and Implementing Effective Advisory Programs for Secondary Schools (2004)
Licensed Professional Counselor; NYS-Certified School Counselor; Director of Student Life, Riverdale Country School; Author, Executive Functions at Home and School: Six Skills Young Learners Need to Succeed (2017)
Clinical Psychologist; Former Professor of Psychology, Alliant International University; Blogger, "The Mindful Self-Express," Psychology Today; Author, The Stress-Proof Brain: Master Your Emotional Response to Stress Using Mindfulness and Neuroplasticity (2017)
Marriage and Family Therapists; Founder, Mindful Education Institute; Author, The Mindful Education Workbook: Lessons for Teaching Mindfulness to Students (2016) and The Way for Mindful Education: Cultivating Well-Being in Teachers and Students (2014)
Director, Center for Mindfulness and Human Potential; Professor, Psychological and Brain Sciences; Primary Investigator, Memory Emotion Thought Awareness (META) Lab, University of California, Santa Barbara; Co-Author, "Mindfulness in Education: Enhancing Academic Achievement and Student Well-Being by Reducing Mind-Wandering" (2017, Mindfulness in Social Psychology) and "Mindfulness Training Improves Working Memory Capacity and GRE Performance While Reducing Mind Wandering" (2013, Psychological Science)
Associate Professor of Pediatrics, Division of General Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, The Center for Mind-Body Research, Johns Hopkins Medical School; Co-Author, "The Role of Mindfulness in Reducing the Adverse Effects of Childhood Stress and Trauma" (2017, Children), "Mindfulness-Based Approaches for Children and Youth" (2016, Current Problems in Pediatric and Adolescent Care), and "School-Based Mindfulness Instruction" (2016, Pediatrics)
Founding Director, thinkSRSD; Instructor, Bank Street College of Education; Former Learning Specialist, United Nations International School; Co-Author, Releasing Writers: Evidence-Based Strategies for Developing Self-Regulated Writers (Forthcoming) and Using Formative Assessment to Differentiate Middle School Literacy Instruction: Seven Practices to Maximize Learning (2012)
Research Professor, Curry School of Education, University of Virginia; Senior Research Scientist, Devereux Center for Resilient Children; Author, Helping Children Learn (2011, 2nd Edition); Co-Author, Helping All Gifted Children Learn (2018), "Increasing Minority Children's Participation in Gifted Classes Using NNAT (Naglieri's Nonverbal Ability Test)" (2005, The Gifted Child Quarterly)
Master Teacher; CIO, Infinite Horizons; Co-Author, Transformative Teaching: Changing Today's Classrooms Culturally, Academically, and Emotionally (2015), Developing Growth Mindsets in the Inspiring Classroom (2011), Inspiring Elementary Learners (2008), Inspiring Middle and Secondary Learners (2007), and Differentiation for Real Classrooms (2009)
Educational Consultant; Founder and Executive Director, PowerTools; Former Teacher, EBC Bushwick High School
Founder and Executive Director, TailoredPractice; Lead Practitioner, Dunraven School; Former Associate Lecturer, Goldsmiths University; Author, Connect the Dots: The Collective Power of Relationships, Memory, and Mindset in the Classroom (Forthcoming, 2019)
Founder, L.E.A.P. Program; School Resource Officer, King Phillip Middle School; Detective, Norfolk Police Department
Behavioral Health Clinician and Educator; Lead Faculty for Behavioral Science; Associate Teaching Professor of Psychology, Northeastern University; Author, Mentalligence: A New Psychology of Thinking (2018) and RESET: Make the Most of Your Stress: Your 24-7 Plan for Well-Being (2014)
aka "The Brain Lady"; International Expert on ADHD and Mindfulness; Author, Mindfulness for Teens with ADHD: A Skill-Building Workbook to Help You Focus and Succeed (2017) and Mindfulness Skills for Kids and Teens (2014)
Developmental Pediatrician; Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, New York Medical College; Author, How Children Thrive: The Practical Science of Raising Independent, Resilient, and Happy Kids (2018), Mindful Parenting for ADHD: A Guide to Cultivating Calm, Reducing Stress, and Helping Children Thrive (2015), and The Family ADHD Solution (2011)
Executive Director, EducationHall; 2004 Winner of ASCD's "Outstanding Young Educator" Award; Author, Teach, Reflect, Learn: Building Your Capacity for Success in the Classroom (2015) and The Principal Influence (2016); Co-Author, Relationship, Responsibility, and Regulation: Trauma-Invested Practices for Fostering Resilient Learners (2018) and Fostering Resilient Learners: Strategies for Creating a Trauma-Sensitive Classroom (2016)
Licensed Mental Health Counselor; Adjunct Faculty, Counselor Education Department, Gonzaga University School of Education; Assistant Director, Child and Family Research Unit, Washington State University; Co-Author, Fostering Resilient Learners: Strategies for Creating a Trauma-Sensitive Classroom (2016) and "Address Trauma with Calm, Consistant Care: Strategies to Help Educators Avoid Burnout While Keeping Students Learning-Ready" (2015, Principal Magazine)
Yoga Therapist, Relaxation Now; Registered Yoga Teacher and Massage Therapist; Co-Founder, S.T.O.P. and Relax; Author, Classroom Yoga Breaks: Brief Exercises to Create Calm (2017) and Yoga Therapy for Children with Autism and Special Needs (2013)
School Psychologist, Broward County Schools, Florida; Co-Founder, S.T.O.P. and Relax
Professor of Psychology, San Diego State University; Author, iGen: Why Today's Super-Connected Kids Are Growing Up Less Rebellious, More Tolerant, Less Happy -- and Completely Unprepared for Adulthood (2017), The Narcissim Epidemic (2009) and Generation Me (2006)
Clinical Neuropsychologist; Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychiatry, George Washington School of Medicine; Adjunct Faculty, Children’s National Medical Center; Director, William Stixrud and Associates; Co-Author, Wired for Control (2017)
Post-Doctoral Research Associate, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, The University of Texas, Dallas; Former Teacher; Former Lab Coordinator and Teaching Assistant, The Duke Endowment's Resilience Project, Davidson University; Co-Author, "Concurrent and Subsequent Associations Between Daily Digital Technology Use and High-Risk Adolescents' Mental Health Systems" (2017, Child Development) and "The Risks and Rewards of Being an Adolescent in the Digital Age" (2014, American Psychological Association)
Senior Research Scientist, Rory Meyers College of Nursing; Associate Director, Transdisciplinary Research Methods Core, Center for Drug Use and HIV Research (CDUHR), New York University; Co-Author, "A Multi-Method Exploratory Study of Stress, Coping, and Substance Use Among High School Youth in Private Schools" (2015, Frontiers in Psychology)
Associate Professor of Psychology, Department of Clinical and Social Sciences in Psychology; Principal Investigator, Social Stress Lab, University of Rochester; Co-Author, "Reappraising Stress Arousal Improves Performance and Reduces Evaluation Anxiety in Classroom Exam Situations" (2016, Social Psychological and Personality Science)
Leadership, Technology, Immersive Storytelling, and Curriculum Consultant; Founder, MindWise; Former English and Humanities Teacher; Communications Specialist, Swiss Society of Virtual and Augmented Reality; Author, Mindful by Design (Forthcoming), which focuses on learning, neuroscience, storytelling, designer mindsets, mindfulness and creativity
Postdoctoral Fellow, Harvard Graduate School of Education; Former Research Assistant for Developing Minds and Digital Media projects at Project Zero; Co-Author, "Digital Life and Youth Well-Being, Social Connectedness, Empathy, and Narcissism" (2017, Pediatrics) and “Digital Stress: Adolescents’ Personal Accounts” (2014, New Media & Society)
Professor of Psychology; Director, Emotion Regulation Lab; Co-Director, Hunter College Stress, Anxiety, and Resilience Research Center, Hunter College of the City University of New York
Sociologist; Senior Fellow, Greater Good Science Center, University of California, Berkeley; Author, The New Adolescence: Raising Happy and Successful Teens in an Age of Anxiety and Distraction (Forthcoming, 2020), The Sweet Spot: How to Find Your Groove at Home and Work (2015), and Raising Happiness: 10 Simple Steps for More Joyful Kids and Happier Parents (2011)
Bennett Pierce Professor of Caring and Compassion; Professor of Human Development and Family Studies, College of Health and Human Development, Pennsylvania State University; Co-Author, "Examining Ways That a Mindfulness-Based Intervention Reduces Stress in Public School Teachers: A Mixed-Methods Study" (2016, Mindfulness); Co-Editor, Handbook of Mindfulness in Education (2016)
Associate Professor of Education, Department of Curriculum, Instruction, and Special Education, Curry School of Education, University of Virginia; Author, Mindfulness for Teachers: Simple Skills for Peace and Productivity in the Classroom (2015)
Owner/Founder, Due Season Press and Educational Services; Former Education Content Creator, BrainPOP; Former Classroom Teacher; Author, Unshakeable: 20 Ways to Enjoy Teaching Every Day...No Matter What (2015), Awakened: Change Your Mindset to Transform Your Teaching (2011) and The Cornerstone: Classroom Management That Makes Teaching More Effective, Efficient and Enjoyable (2009)
Assistant Professor, Educational Leadership Program, Lehigh University; Co-Author, "Burnout Contagion: Is It Due to Early Career Teachers' Social Networks or Organizational Exposure?" (2017, Teaching and Teacher Education)
Adjunct Assistant Professor, University of Utah Medical School; Staff Member, University Neuropsychiatric Institute; Clinical Director, Neurology Learning and Behavior Center in Salt Lake City; Co-Author, Learning Disabilities and Challenging Behaviors (2015, 3rd Edition), The Handbook of Resilience in Children (2012, 2nd Edition), The Power of Resilience (2004), and Raising Resilient Children (2002)
Assistant Professor, Human Early Learning Partnership, School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia; Co-Author, "Social and Emotional Learning: Recent Research and Practical Strategies to Promote Social and Emotional Competence in Schools" (2017, Handbook of Social Behavior and Skills in Children)
MNDFL ED Teacher; Meditation Instructor and Men's Group Facilitator, who studied at F.I.T. (SUNY) as a marketing and menswear fashion major, which he then launched his career as a Custom Menswear Designer & Tailor who combines his fashion and meditation skills to develop a line of custom meditation cushions under his own design label and has recently been featured in Mindful magazine
Managing Director of MNDFL ED; Former 2nd - 9th grade Teacher; Media consultant who as worked on productions such as Cosmos with Carl Sagan and Neil DeGrasse Tyson, Dungeons and Dragons, and on-air correspondent for RAI Italia, “The Healing Has Begun” with Richard Gere and Jonathan Cott, among others.
Postdoctoral Fellow, Rennicke & Associates; Psychologist with expertise in child, adolescent, adult, couples, and family therapy, using mindfulness based techniques
Yoga Teacher; MNDFL ED Head Teacher, who has taught meditation and mindful movement to schools all over New York City and students of all ages from elementary school students to senior artists; Former Humanities Teacher to out-of-school teenagers