Affiliated Organizations

The following educational organizations either have some formal affiliation with the department, are organically or informally associated, or are part of Naropa University’s organizational structure. Several organizations listed under “Conferences” are also relevant to this topic, but may not be listed here.

Garrison Institute

The Garrison Institute Education and Contemplation Network provides an online forum for this multidisciplinary area of inquiry now emerging within the fields of education, psychology, health and neuroscience. Garrison regularly offers very important contemplative education trainings and symposia.

Alaya Preschool, Boulder, CO

Naropa’s lab school—“Alaya offers young children the warmth, nurturing and acceptance that allows them to trust and open to themselves and the challenges of the world. Alaya Preschool arises out of compassion, an expression of our dedication to help raise our children to be genuine to their hearts, to appreciate honesty and straightforwardness, to have delight and joy in relationships, to develop and feel good about the personal effort and discipline of accomplishments, and to gain awareness of and relax with the play of the world.”

Shambhala School, Halifax, NS

"Taking its name from a mythological kingdom where citizens experience life through kindness and respect, the school and its teachers create an uplifted academic and social environment that encourages exploration, community, and the joy of learning. It is the goal of every faculty member to help students reach their full potential through the development of intellect, intuition, compassion, humour, and self-confidence.”

Education as Transformation

EDUCATION as Transformation is an international organization that works with colleges, universities, K-12 schools and related institutions exploring: the impact of religious diversity on education and strategies for addressing this diversity; the role of spirituality in educational institutions, and particularly its relationship to teaching and learning pedagogy; the cultivation of values; moral and ethical development; and the fostering of global learning communities and responsible global citizens.

Mindful Awareness Research Center (MARC)

Mindful Awareness Practices for Educators
MAPs for Educators is intended to address the issues teachers face by providing them with mindfulness as a personal tool for their own well-being, and then training them in mindfulness tools to incorporate into their classroom.The course they offer is designed for K-12 classroom teachers, administrators, school psychologists and counselors, in all classroom settings and school types.

The Center for Contemplative Mind in Society

"The Center for Contemplative Mind in Society works to integrate contemplative awareness and contemporary life, to help create a more just, compassionate and reflective society.” The center sponsors many programs including summer higher education programs on contemplative education.

Collaborative for Academic, Social and Emotional Learning (CASEL)

"Our mission is to establish social and emotional learning (SEL) as an essential part of education. Our collaborative publishes and disseminates information on what works in SEL, and works closely with educational leaders to bridge science and practice by putting research and theory into action in real world settings. Known for its outstanding scholarship, CASEL publishes major reviews of what works in SEL. In addition, CASEL works closely with educational leaders in the field to bridge science and practice, putting research and theory to the test in real-world settings. After these methods and innovations have been fully tested and validated, CASEL acts as a leading communicator and disseminator of proven new approaches. Through books, articles, professional development workshops, trainings and electronic media, CASEL reaches out to an international audience of educational leaders and decision makers.” CASEL “certifies” SEL programs that are in use in many schools around the world. 

Between Four Eyes

"The vision of Between Four Eyes is to provide innovative mindful-awareness based education programs and skill sets to individuals living in conflict and post conflict communities that are hungering to reshape themselves and their communities.” This new organization is launching a program to train Teacher-Ambassadors who will assist NGO workers in post-conflict situations, such as Rawanda and Palestine.

Centrum Contemplatieve Werkwijzen

This is a small Dutch educational organization that works in schools to bring a contemplative approach. Sebo Ebbens, the founder, helped to develop Naropa’s MA Contemplative education program, in which he taught for many years. The organization hopes to have an English version of the web site soon. The site’s “links” are worth a look.

Holistic Education, Inc.

"An Introduction to Holistic Education - responds to initial questions often posed by parents about how holistic schools or programs may serve your children's needs.
“School Consulting and Educational Research Services - consulting support and research for unique schools (public or private) that want to incorporate more holistic elements into their practices.
“Teacher Resources - links to articles and research about holistic education.”

[This site is particularly valuable for its Online Bibliography —a lengthy reading list of books in and about holistic education and related topics.]

Enki Education

"A unique and innovative approach: a multicultural, arts-integrated classroom & homeschool curriculum. For parents and teachers—offering consultations, conferences & discussion groups. Our Classroom & Homeschool curriculum weave together many diverse elements in order to support our fundamental premise: the central task of education, whether in the classroom or homeschool, is the integration of body, heart, and mind within each child. The result is the cultivation of educational excellence, confidence & competence.”

[Beth Sutton, who is the founder of Enki. helped found Alaya Preschool, Naropa’s lab school.]

InnerKids

"InnerKids is a national leader in teaching children self-directed skills to help them become more attentive and resilient. These skills take into account developmental differences, train focused attention and balance, and acknowledge clarity and compassion (the New ABC’s) as part of the process of becoming more attentive and aware. Join InnerKids on-line community .”

The Inner Resilience Program

Serves New York City teachers, counselors, administrators and others working with young people as they continue the recovery process post-September 11. Deeply enhances your emotional, physical, and spiritual growth. Independently, and in community, you will explore the landscape of your life and how to maintain balance between your inner and outer life as a teacher. Linda Lantieri, director.

Center for Courage & Renewal

"The Center for Courage & Renewal (CCR) is an educational nonprofit that strengthens individuals, professions, and communities through retreats and programs that help people reconnect who they are with what they do.” The Center, based on Parker Palmer’s work, holds numerous “Courage to Teach” retreats around the country.

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