Positive Education and Training

As a Certified Positive Educator and Licensed Trainer by The Center for Positive Education, my training draws from the science of positive psychology, neuroscience, integrative health and best practices in education to help students, educators, parents, administrators and other members of the education system cultivate and enhance happiness and well-being inside as well as outside the classroom. 

Positive Psychology is the scientific study of optimal human functioning and aims to promote the factors that enable individuals and organizations to flourish. Positive Education is the application of Positive Psychology in the school setting. It is about teaching young people not only academic skills but also about well-being and the pathways to happiness and resilience. 

Geelong Grammar School in Australia, one of the leading schools in the world spearheading Positive Education, points out that "Positive Education focuses on specific skills that assist students to strengthen their relationships, build positive emotions, enhance personal resilience, promote mindfulness and encourage a healthy lifestyle." 

My teachings of Positive Education are structured around the PERMAV model of well-being. Dr. Martin Seligman, one of the founders of the field of Positive Psychology, developed PERMA and The Flourishing Center® added the V. The acronym PERMAV represents the six pathways that enable human flourishing. These include: Positivity, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, Achievement and Vitality. All six components are critical for well-being. 

The Positivity pathway (P) is about helping students and the school community increase positive emotions, build curiosity, gratitude, hope, optimism, etc. Learning to work with emotions by reducing negative emotions and increasing positive emotions. 

The Engagement pathway (E) is about creating more interest and attention in the classroom. Helping students to self regulate their behavior, boost their mindfulness and understand how to use their character strengths. 

The Relationships pathway (R) is about learning to build relationships that work well, building high quality connections with others, and cultivating a sense of belonging in the classroom, at school and outside of school. Positive relationships are the foundation of effective schools and they translate into having greater success in the world. 

The Meaning pathway (M) is about guiding students to find meaning in their lives and get clear on their purpose. It's about helping them to stay committed to their goals. 

The Achievement pathway (A) is about academic tenacity. Helping students achieve more in the classroom and outside the classroom. 

The Vitality pathway (V) helps students take care of their body and their physical health. It teaches them how to calm down their nervous system and use movement to be more energized in the classroom.

The material I teach in my courses brings together the PERMAV framework and positive psychology skills for thriving from The Flourishing Center® with the cartoons, animations, stories, games, and activities for social-emotional growth from GoZen!® 

The Center for Positive Education is a partnership between The Flourishing Center® and GoZen!®

Below I explain in more detail how I teach Positive Education to three different audiences.