Name
Cultivating Wellbeing: Principles and Practice from Positive Psychology
Description
This presentation introduces practical strategies for educators, administrators, and mental health professionals to integrate positive psychology within a whole child approach. Guided by the Montana Whole Child Skill Development Competencies, participants will explore hands-on positive psychology practices targeting social awareness, relationship skills, responsible decision-making, self-awareness, and self-management as well as the whole school-community wellbeing. Research demonstrates that whole child approaches promote prosocial behavior, school belonging, and positive school climate (Cipriano et al., 2023; Sandilos et al., 2023). Yet many existing whole child strategies focus predominantly on student outcomes, with educator wellbeing receiving far less attention despite its critical role in school climate. By intentionally integrating positive psychology, this presentation aims to foster wellbeing for both students and educators. Tangible practices will be highlighted, including best possible self reflections, mutual savoring and awe-based activities to strengthen teacher-student relationships, three good things practice to cultivate school-wide wellbeing, and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)-informed strategies.
Track
GENERAL
Date
Friday, October 16, 2026
Time
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Location Name
312
Professional Development (Renewal) Units
1
Session Format
Session - In-Person