A cohort of over 20 educators took part in this summers' Peace and Justice Institute Teachers Academy (PJITA). The weeklong program included a training (developed by the CRC Network) titled Why Positive and Adverse Childhood Experiences (PACEs) Matter. Below is a reflection from one of the program participants.
Author: Daniel J. Smith, MA
Photo Credits: Willie J. Allen Jr.
From June 27, 2022, through July 1, 2022, I participated in the Peace and Justice Institute’s Teacher’s Academy at Valencia College’s West Campus. I was first introduced to the mission of the Peace and Justice Institute at Valencia College when seeking a professional development opportunity via participation in their PJI Practitioner Program in 2019. Through that transformative experience, I knew this was work I needed to become more deeply involved in, and I remain committed to that intention.
The week-long PJI Teacher’s Academy was an inspiring opportunity to learn alongside other educators with a unique story to tell. As someone who has been directly impacted by ACEs, I learned a great deal about the impact of adverse experiences, not only within our homes and families, but in the communities and environment we live in. Dr. Candice Jones’s presentation was impactful and caused me to begin to consider more thoughtfully how the information could shape the support I provide to staff and students I serve, leading me to ask the question, “How might this knowledge inform my work moving forward to the benefit of others?”
In addition to the session on PACEs, the PJI Teachers Academy was a great chance to practice various facilitation skills around diverse topics such as race, privilege, and gender identity. Through the weeklong experience, we learned the value and importance of engaging in the inner work to bring our whole self to our work. I was appreciative of the additional opportunities to practice self-care techniques, including reflective journaling and mindfulness meditation. I highly recommend the Academy experience for anyone seeking to step outside their comfort zone and enhance their awareness of and ability to discuss and promote social justice issues.
To schedule a Why PACEs Matter Workshop for your organization, click here.
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