Cultivating Wellness and Authentic Connection: A Teacher's Journey with "Inside Out"
Participants in the NESA Leadership Conference “Inside Out” experience with Ivy.
In the ever-evolving landscape of education, it’s exciting when the pursuit of professional development leads to an unexpected and generative path.
Britta McCarthy, the Director of Learning at the American International School of Jeddah, recently had a transformative experience at the NESA (Near East South Asia Council of Overseas Schools) fall leadership conference. Britta immersed herself in a two-day Inside Out workshop, led by Ivy Yan, a facilitator with Inspire Citizens. The workshop centered on the intersections of wellness, nature, and cultivating meaningful learning experiences for both educators and students.
Britta started her educational career as a science teacher, and then went on to become a coach and then curriculum designer and leader. Her passion for sustainability emerged during her time in Bolivia, when a perceptive school superintendent recognized her enthusiasm and opened doors to teaching a sustainability course. This pivotal moment set her on a path of global engagement that has included work with the Global Issues Network (GIN) and Compass Education.
The Inside Out workshop appealed to Britta because of its “unconference” aspects and its emphasis on the outdoors and holistic education. The unconventional setting and Ivy's intentional approach provided a refreshing departure from traditional conference experiences.
“I really liked how we were encouraged to engage with nature in a more personal and reflective manner, and then make connections to educational experiences,” reflects Britta. “The activities, including community builders, mindful walks, and eco-photography, created an environment where participants could slow down, connect with nature, and foster meaningful connections with one another. We didn’t look at a single slide. I didn’t end the day feeling saturated with new ideas; I felt, rather, more in touch with myself, with nature and with the other people I was with.
Ivy blended a variety of activities into the Inside Out workshop, such as a sensory walk with closed eyes where she challenged participants to step away from verbal and visual modes of communication. This intentional shift towards experiential learning encouraged a deeper sense of presence and trust among the participants.
For Britta, the workshop was not just about learning new strategies for the classroom but a transformative experience focusing on inner development. Ivy's emphasis on mindfulness and intentional leadership prompted Britta to reflect on bringing peace into her professional role and fostering authentic connections in an educational setting constantly driven by production.
“I’m really grateful for this experience and for Ivy's leadership,” says Britta. “I think it’s important for leaders to embrace innovative practices, and this workshop's impact was profound. It really allowed us to focus on personal growth and mindfulness. I left replenished and reminded about how important it is to be present and listen, and to create authentic connections instead of racing through an agenda.”
Back at school after the conference, Britta is committed to applying what she learned in Inside Out: “Despite the desert environment here, I am determined to find ways to help teachers and students connect with nature, and to promote well-being among my colleagues and students.”
Ivy specializes in eco-media, deep happiness and mindfulness, and her work as an Inspire Citizens facilitator brings these holistic aspects of thinking and being into focus for teachers and students.
Britta (top left) and images from the Inside Out workshop experiences.