We’re on a mission!
A mindfulness advocate in every public school
in Miami-Dade County
The Mindfulness Champions Initiative was launched in partnership with Miami-Dade County Public Schools, the Miami Heat and Florida Blue with objective of increasing resilience and wellbeing as teachers and students returned to the classroom after the COVID-19 shutdown. Each of the 354 public schools has an appointed Mindfulness Champion to act as an advocate and liaison in partnership with MKM to bring the benefits of mindfulness into the students and faculty, supporting healthy school culture.
MKM provides school year-round training, support and resources to educators and counselors as we build mental and emotional resilience in every K-12 classroom in our community, through mindfulness.
Year 1 Results
90% of schools have increased the number of mindfulness activities/information during the 2021-2022 school year.
73% agreed or strongly agreed that Mindfulness Champion Initiative has been helpful in improving School Culture and School Climate.
83% agreed or strongly agreed that Mindfulness Champions Initiative has helped develop basic understanding of bringing age-appropriate mindfulness practice to youth.
56% of schools implemented Mindfulness activities school wide.
54% of schools reported that more than 41% of their students participated routinely in Mindfulness practices.
76% agreed or strongly agreed that Mindfulness Champions Initiative helped to support student overall success and achievement.
83% agreed or strongly agreed that Mindfulness Champions Initiative has helped to increase teacher knowledge on social-emotional learning and mindfulness.
78% agreed or strongly agreed that the content of the Minfulness Champions Intiative workshops were helpful and beneficial.
59% agreed or strongly agreed that Mindfulness Champions Initaitve helped to increase staff professional practice.
Testimonies
School Name: Ruth K. Broad Bay Harbor K-8 Center
Champion: Martha Cox-Villareal
“Practicing mindfulness has helped me give undivided attention to my students and my loved ones (I use mindful communication) to respond more than react, especially when a student is disruptive. Also, it helps me cope with stress and be aware of my feelings, thoughts, and body through my five senses. It helps to cultivate more kindness and compassion towards my students, family, friends, and colleagues, especially myself. It helps me focus on living in the present rather than worrying about the past or future.
Also, I have better classroom management; my students feel safer and more respected by me. As a result, I have had few discipline problems, and they have improved their peer relationships. Having a good relationship with each other helps them focus on their academics.
My school has benefited from my personal training and the training of my other colleagues who took Mindful Body and Mind Training because this program is not only knowledge, but it is a practice. it requires effort, time, and daily practice. One teacher has an after-school Mindfulness club, and three of us are special areas teachers for which we serve about 150 students or more weekly. I am incredibly grateful that Mindful Kids Miami has worked closely with our school. “
School Names : Mandarin Lakes K-8 Academy and Hialeah Senior High School
Champions: Coach Mary Jones and Julia Holden