Certified Instructor Course
“I believe Brain Power Leadership training provides the cutting edge resources, embodied tools and supportive environment necessary to maximize our wellness potential and build a true sense of unity among our school community”
- Tennyson H., Elementary Teacher, Class of 2017
Applications are open for the 2021-2022 program
BPW Certified Professional Instructor Program
If you’re an educator, parent, or coach passionate about embodying your personal mindfulness and holistic wellness practice, this is your program. If you’re looking for the professional skills necessary to effectively share the BPW holistic wellness and brain training system with schools and organizations in your community, this is your program. If you’re looking for an intensive 200-hour immersive 6-12 month journey taken with sincere friends and guided by passionate and accomplished mentors, this is your program.
Since 2007, Brain Power Wellness has trained more than 25,000 teachers and coaches in our advanced leadership and instructor programs and these talented instructors have personally taught more than 500,000 students worldwide. Headquartered in NYC, BPW has proudly supported hundreds of schools in NY and we are excited about reimagining our Instructor Certification Program model to help share the BPW system with more schools and communities in the US and around the world.
“I believe teachers should become Brain Power Leaders and Instructors to best help their students learn to regulate their emotions in these unprecedented times. Remote learning has added great stress to students of all ages, and Brain Power activities have allowed even our youngest learners to begin exploring and understanding their big feelings. Emotions like stress and frustration can be hard for young children to identify, let alone resolve. Brain Power activities such as deep breathing, brain tapping, pinky-thumb, and many others have allowed students to calm down their brains and prepare for their schoolwork. Students have been able to apply these techniques in times of stress and confusion, and will carry these exercises with them throughout adulthood.”
- Barbara G, Elementary Teacher, Class of 2016
Use these BPW lesson plans to help you incorporate BPW activities into your academic lesson plans in a way that is aligned, integrative, and supportive to learning outcomes!
Welcome to Brain Power 101, where you can find all the resources you need to refresh your memory or deepen your understanding of our program’s structure, activities themes, core principles, guiding research, and more!
Welcome to Brain Power 101, where you can find all the resources you need to refresh your memory or deepen your understanding of our program’s structure, activities themes, core principles, guiding research, and more!
Use these BPW lesson plans to help you incorporate BPW activities into your academic lesson plans in a way that is aligned, integrative, and supportive to learning outcomes!
Welcome to Brain Power 101, where you can find all the resources you need to refresh your memory or deepen your understanding of our program’s structure, activities themes, core principles, guiding research, and more!
Use these BPW lesson plans to help you incorporate BPW activities into your academic lesson plans in a way that is aligned, integrative, and supportive to learning outcomes!
Social-emotional learning is becoming increasingly recognized as an essential component in students’ education, not only because it supports their academic learning and success, but also because it is linked to success and happiness later in life as well!
Use the resources in this section to refresh your memory or deepen your understanding of Social Emotional Learning & Wellness, how Brain Power Wellness’ activities and core principles are aligned with CASEL’s 5 Core Competencies, and how you can incorporate our activities into your daily teaching practice!
Presentation slides coming soon!
Social-emotional learning is becoming increasingly recognized as an essential component in students’ education, not only because it supports their academic learning and success, but also because it is linked to success and happiness later in life as well!
Use the resources in this section to refresh your memory or deepen your understanding of Social Emotional Learning & Wellness, how Brain Power Wellness’ activities and core principles are aligned with CASEL’s 5 Core Competencies, and how you can incorporate our activities into your daily teaching practice!
Live Online Teacher Workshop
Receive live training, customized for your school, from an expert BPW instructor
Asynchronous Trainings
Learn 50+ classroom activities to promote mindfulness, SEL and holistic wellness
Regular Live, Online Self Care Sessions
Practice self-care wellness routines and learn classroom management tips that are Culturally Responsive and Trauma-Informed.
Monthly Q&A Reinforcement Sessions
Certified Teacher Leader Retreat - Level 1
Certified Teacher Leader Retreat - Level 2
Executive Leadership Retreat
Digital Materials & Online Learning Community (with practical LC video)
Physical Materials (These are available for purchase separately)
BP Classroom book
BPW Activity Card Deck
BPW Posters
Welcome to Brain Power 101, where you can find all the resources you need to refresh your memory or deepen your understanding of our program’s structure, activities themes, core principles, guiding research, and more!
Social-emotional learning is becoming increasingly recognized as an essential component in students’ education, not only because it supports their academic learning and success, but also because it is linked to success and happiness later in life as well!
Use the resources in this section to refresh your memory or deepen your understanding of Social Emotional Learning & Wellness, how Brain Power Wellness’ activities and core principles are aligned with CASEL’s 5 Core Competencies, and how you can incorporate our activities into your daily teaching practice!
Dec. 2015: 180 at-risk middle school students from District 7 in the Bronx received an eight-week pilot Brain Power Wellness project that consisted of weekly 45-minute classes and two full-day Leadership Programs.
Pre-Test Results place the average student on the borderline for the category, “clinically significant problems may be present” for all four SDQ* indicators: Emotional Symptoms, Conduct Problems, Hyperactivity, and Peer Problems.
Post-Test Results place the average student into the “Normal” category or “clinically significant problems in this area are unlikely” for all four SDQ* indicators.
Emotional Symptoms – The pre-test results depict an average student score of 40% on questions such as, “I am nervous in new situations” or “I have many fears.” Upon project completion, the average student reported a 75% decrease in this scale, with an average post-test score of 10%.
Conduct Problems – The pre-test results depict an average student score of 30% on questions such as, “I fight a lot” or “I take things that are not mine.” Upon completion of the project, the average student reported a 67% decrease in this scale, with an average post-test score of 10%.
Hyperactivity – The pre-test results depict an average student score of 40% on questions such as, “I am easily distracted” or “I am constantly fidgeting.” Upon completion of the project, the average student reported a 50% decrease in this scale, with an average post-test score of 20%.
Peer Problems – The pre-test results depict an average student score of 30% on questions such as, “Other students my age pick on me” or “I am usually on my own.” Upon completion of the project, the average student reported a 67% decrease in this scale, with an average post-test score of 10%.
Dec. 2015: 180 at-risk middle school students from District 7 in the Bronx received an eight-week pilot Brain Power Wellness project that consisted of weekly 45-minute classes and two full-day Leadership Programs. Pre-Test Results place the average student on the borderline for the category “clinically significant problems may be present” for pro-social behaviors, as indicated by the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ)*. Post-Test Results place the average student into the “Normal” category, or “clinically significant problems in this area are unlikely” for pro-social behaviors. The pre-test results depict an average student score of 60% on questions such as, “I try to be nice to other people” or “I am helpful if someone is hurt.” Upon completion of the project, the average student reported a 50% increase in this scale. This resulted in an average post-test student score of 90%.
*The Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) is a brief behavioral screening questionnaire that asks about 25 attributes, some positive and others negative. The 25 items are divided between 5 scales of 5 items each, generating scores for conduct problems, hyperactivity, emotional symptoms, peer problems and prosocial behaviors. The reliability and validity of the SDQ make it a useful brief measure of the adjustment and psychopathology of children and adolescents. Source: Psychometric Properties of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. GOODMAN, ROBERT. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, Volume 40 , Issue 11 , 1337 - 1345
June 2017: 4th graders from three schools in Baldwin, Long Island completed a pre and post test for the Strengths & Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), a brief behavioral screening assessment. During the pilot, Lenox students received eight weeks of Brain Power Wellness training. Steele students received eight weeks of training from another mindfulness program. Brookside students did not receive any additional program.
Declines in negative social-emotional indicators such as Peer Problems are indicative of improvement. The larger the decline, the bigger the decrease in Peer Problems.
11% more Lenox students answered “Certainly True” or “Somewhat True” on the Post SDQ to question #15: “Other people my age generally like me,” while 3% fewer students from both Steele and Brookside selected these responses to this question on the Post SDQ.
Declines in negative social-emotional indicators such as Conduct Problems are indicative of improvement. The larger the decline, the bigger the decrease in Conduct Problems.
45% fewer Lenox students selected either “Certainly True” or “Somewhat True” on the Post SDQ for Question 12: "I fight a lot. I can make other people do what I want," while Steele had 20% more students and Brookside had 12.5% more students select “Certainly True” or “Somewhat True” on the Post SDQ for this question.
June 2017: 4th graders from three schools in Baldwin, Long Island completed a pre and post test for the Strengths & Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), a brief behavioral screening assessment. During the pilot, Lenox students received eight weeks of Brain Power training. Steele students received eight weeks of training from another mindfulness program. Brookside students did not receive any additional program.
Declines in negative social-emotional indicators such as Emotional Problems are indicative of improvement. The larger the decline, the bigger the decrease in Emotional Problems.
For Lenox, there was a 30% increase in the number of students who selected "Not True" on the Post SDQ for Question 8: "I often get nervous before tests.” For Steele, there was a 36% decrease and for Brookside a 10% decrease in the number of students who selected “Not True” on the Post SDQ for this question.
Declines in negative social-emotional indicators such as Hyperactivity are indicative of improvement. The larger the decline, the bigger the decrease in Hyperactivity.
47% more Lenox students selected “Certainly True” on the Post SDQ for Question 16: "When I lose focus I am good at regaining my focus," while Steele had only 15% more students and Brookside had 22% fewer students selecting “Certainly True” on the Post SDQ for this question.
All mindfulness programs are not created equal. These studies show that Brain Power Wellness is at least two times more effective than other mindfulness programs.
Recall, Information Processing, Sequential and Quantitative Reasoning
In the spring of 2015, A Brain Power Wellness pilot study was conducted at a charter school in Arizona. The 4th grade class was split into a test group and a control group through random selection. The class was then assessed using the Differential Ability Scales II (DAS II). The test group received 45 minute BPW sessions three times a week for six weeks. The 4th grade class was then re-assessed with the DAS II. Pre-test and post-test results were analyzed and averaged to identify an increase or decrease in three specific measures. While both groups demonstrated an increase, the test group clearly outperformed the control group.
In addition to our own research above, please reference the following scholarly articles and studies which further explain the benefits of mindfulness, neuroplasticity, and social-emotional wellness:
“Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire.” Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. Retrieved 10 July 2015.
Roemer, L., Williston, S. K., & Rollins, L. G. (2015). Mindfulness and emotion regulation. Current Opinion in Psychology, 3, 52–57.
Ortner, C. N., Kilner, S. J., & Zelazo, P. D. (2007). Mindfulness meditation and reduced emotional interference on a cognitive task. Motivation and Emotion, 31(4), 271–283.
10 Lutz, A., Slagter, H. A., Dunne, J. D., & Davidson, R. J. (2008). Attention regulation and monitoring in meditation. Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 12(4), 163–169.
Condon, P., Desbordes, G., Miller, W. B., & DeSteno, D. (2013). Meditation increases compassionate responses to suffering. Psychological Science, 24(10), 2125–2127.
Roeser, R., Schonert-Reichl, K. A., Jha, A., Cullen, M., Wallace, L., Wilensky, R., … Harrison, J. (2013). Mindfulness training and reductions in teacher stress and burnout: Results from two randomized, waitlist-control field trials. Journal of Educational Psychology, 105(3), 787–804.
Schonert-Reichl, K. A., Oberle, E., Lawlor, M. S., Abbott, D., Thomson, K., Oberlander, T. F., & Diamond, A. (2015). Enhancing cognitive and social–emotional development through a simple-to-administer mindfulness-based school program for elementary school children: A randomized controlled trial. Developmental Psychology, 51(1), 52-66.
Semple, R. J., Lee, J., Rosa, D., & Miller, L. F. (2010). A randomized trial of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for children: promoting mindful attention to enhance social-emotional resiliency in children. Journal of Child and Family Studies, 19(2), 218–229.
Jones, D. E., Greenberg, M., & Crowley, M. (2015). Early Social-Emotional Functioning and Public Health: The Relationship Between Kindergarten Social Competence and Future Wellness. American Journal of Public Health, 105(11), 2283–2290.
Baijal, S., Jha, A. P., Kiyonaga, A., Singh, R., & Srinivasan, N. (2011). The influence of concentrative meditation training on the development of attention networks during early adolescence. Frontiers in Psychology, 2, 1-9.
Jennings, P. A., Frank, J. L., Snowberg, K. E., Coccia, M. A., & Greenberg, M. T. (2013). Improving Classroom Learning Environments by Cultivating Awareness and Resilience in Education (CARE): Results of a Randomized Controlled Trial. School Psychology Quarterly, 28(4), 374–390.
Barnes, V. A., Davis, H. C., Murzynowski, J. B., & Treiber, F. A. (2004). Impact of meditation on resting and ambulatory blood pressure and heart rate in youth. Psychosomatic Medicine, 66(6), 909-914.
Sibinga, E. M. S., Webb, L., Ghazarian, S. R., & Ellen, J. M. (2016). School-Based Mindfulness Instruction: An RCT. Pediatrics, 137(1), 1-8.
Raes, F., Griffith, J. W., Van der Gucht, K., & Williams, J. M. G. (2014). School-based prevention and reduction of depression in adolescents: A cluster-randomized controlled trial of a mindfulness group program. Mindfulness, 5(5), 477–486.
Tschannen-Moran, M., & Hoy, A. W. (2001). Teacher efficacy: Capturing an elusive construct. Teaching and Teacher Education, 17(7), 783–805.
Raes, F., Pommier, E., Neff, K. D., & Van Gucht, D. (2011). Construction and factorial validation of a short form of the self-compassion scale. Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy, 18(3), 250–255.
Vimont, C. (2008) How to fight stress and ward off illness: What you can do to protect yourself. National Institutes of Health Medline Plus Magazine, 3(1), 5-6.
Non AL, Rewak M, Kawachi I, Gilman SE, Loucks EB, Appleton AA, Roman JC, Buka SL, Kubzansky LD. (2014) Childhood social disadvantage, cardiometabolic risk, and chronic disease in adulthood. American Journal of Epidemiology, 180(3):263-71.
Pulkki-Raback L, Elovainio M, Hakulinen C, Hintsanen M, Jokela M, Kubzansky LD, Hintsa T, Serlachius A, Laitnen T, Pahkala K, Mikkila V, Hutri-Kahonen N, Juonala M, Viikari J, Raitakai O, Keltikangas-Jarvinen L. (2015) Cumulative effect of Childhood Psychosocial Factors on Ideal Cardiovascular Health in Adulthood: Young Finns Prospective Cohort Study. Circulation. 131(3), 245-53.
Butzer B, LoRusso AM, Windsor R, Riley F, Frame K, Khalsa SBS, Conboy L (2017) A Qualitative examination of yoga for middle school adolescents. Advances in School Mental Health Promotion, 10(3), 195-219.
Teacher Workshop
This is our basic 4-hour PD that gives teachers 30 hands-on classroom activities to promote focus, mindfulness and emotional wellness. Includes access to online materials, material kit (book, posters, exercise cards) and 3 follow-up classroom visits. [Note: This workshop can be delivered in up to four increments]
Certified Teacher Leader Workshop
Leaders learn to turn-key PD to colleagues, facilitate student leadership programming and run parent seminars. They are our point of contact as we continue visiting them on a bi-monthly basis to help run a vibrant school-wide system. This training is held in upstate NY.
Advanced Certified Teacher Leader Workshop
Leaders learn to turn-key PD to colleagues, facilitate student leadership programming and run parent seminars. They are our point of contact as we continue visiting them on a bi-monthly basis to help run a vibrant school-wide system. This training is held in upstate NY.
Advanced Leader Workshop (1 person)
Trainers are equipped to run a year-long student curriculum, give regular wellness classes to staff members and lead parent workshop series. They can provide class visits, staff refreshers and act as trainers for the Student Leadership Program. Includes regular reinforcement training. This training is held in upstate NY.
Staff Refresher Workshop
For your staff who have already taken the Teacher Workshop. We lead 2 PD sessions (1 whole group PD and 1 grade-level PD) plus 1 class visit.
Staff Wellness
These 30-40 minute in-person or live online sessions supplement our PD with 100% self-care for the staff. We teach simple yoga, tai chi and breathing exercises that can be done daily to boost energy, immunity, and improve sleep. We focus on helping the staff release the stress of their work through tangible mind-body tools while creating a safe space for dialogue and healing. We typically start these after our Teacher Workshop PD sessions are completed as a way of continuously supporting the staff.
Classroom Visits
BPW staff push-in to classrooms to work directly with students. Our trainers review basic BP exercises and assist the teacher in creating daily Brain Power routines. Our trainers can work with up to 12 classes per visit (elementary) or 8 classes per visit (middle & high school). Typically schools purchase a set of 10 days.
Student Leadership Program
BPW staff coaches a group of up to 25 students. The goal is for these students to lead routines for the student body (assemblies, cafeteria, school yard, etc.) and become leaders in promoting a positive school culture. Perfect for students who have natural leadership ability but who may be exhibiting problematic behaviors. Includes 2-day on-site full-day workshop plus 3 additional follow up visits.
Advanced Student Leadership Program
Set in the beautiful Catskill Mountains, this 3-day retreat helps develop principled, confident student leaders.
These advanced leaders learn how to assist your school’s Mentors/Leaders/Trainer in facilitating a powerful school-wide program. They become student trainers who can turn-key to the next generation of student leaders. This training is held in upstate NY.
Parent Seminar
We work with your Parent Coordinator to schedule relevant 60-minute workshops to help bridge a Brain Power connection between school and home. Relevant topics include: stress management for parents; homework tips; mindful parenting; positive discipline; proactive communication.
Parent Workshop Series
This series consists of three interactive 90-minute workshop sessions that encourage parents to further explore how Brain Power exercises and positive discipline strategies can enhance their relationship with their children. Materials include: parent activities packet, exercise card pack, online video access, Brain Power Classroom book and 3 posters. [Note: Full material sets provided for up to 15 parents]
Administrator Coaching Sessions
These 90-minute sessions can be used as individual classes (for just the principal) or small group sessions (to include additional school leaders). The goal of these sessions is two-fold: First, to make sure the leader(s) is (are) effectively facilitating a successful Brain Power school-wide system. Second, the sessions prioritize self-care techniques to ensure the administrator(s) is (are) healthy, positive and energized.
Administrator Retreats
Held at Honor's Haven Resort in the beautiful Catskill Mountains, this 2-day retreat is designed to help Principals and Assistant Principals rejuvenate their physical, emotional and mental health while learning how to effectively oversee school-wide Brain Power program implementation.
School Aides and/or Paras Workshops
Since Paras and School Aides are often not included in the Instructor workshop, we offer a powerful 90-minute training that focuses on deescalating negative behavior and proactively managing large groups of students (cafeteria, auditorium, school yard). This workshop also helps them “plug in” to the school-wide system through working together with their school’s Mentors, Leaders and Student Leaders.
We offer three levels of certification: Certified BPW Teacher Leader (CTL - levels 1 & 2) & Certified Professional Instructor (CPI).
Certified BPW Teacher Leader (CTL):
Level 1: In the CTL program, BPW client schools send their staff to become trained in how to facilitate a vibrant school-wide BPW program. Participants attend our Level 1 Retreat and receive valuable resources and training to share BPW with students, parents, and their colleagues. Participants are eligible to attend monthly reinforcement sessions to support the application of their learning as they return to facilitate their school’s BPW program.
Level 2: This training provides additional school-wide support for your BPW Teacher Leader(s) to turnkey new mindfulness activities and facilitate a vibrant school-wide wellness program. Your Teacher Leader(s) are trained in how to facilitate the Student Leadership Program and Advisory curriculum, they take a deep dive into classroom management strategies and how to lead regular staff wellness training for their colleagues.
Certified Professional Instructor (CPI): The CPI program is designed for educators, parents, and coaches who wish to professionally share BPW tools with schools and organizations in their community. Through the CTL Level 1 & CPI Retreats (CTL Level 2 is optional for CPIs), in addition to an intensive six-month online learning system, participants grow their personal and professional capacity to share mindfulness, SEL, brain-training, and holistic wellness with students, teachers, school leaders, and parents. Once certified, CPI graduates are listed on the BPW website to actively market their services to local schools and organizations.
“I see how my kids embrace and enjoy learning in a loving and safe environment, full of healthy challenges and joyful experiences because they choose it that way. Today a parent told me how her son reaffirmed that his brain was amazing; her smile and gratitude was the highlight of my day. I am constantly recharged to keep on sharing and watch kids thrive. Thank you, Brain Power Wellness!” -Marcela M., Language Specialist, Class of 2019
Retreats
Set in beautiful natural settings, our retreats offer an authentic combination of personal and professional growth. CPI retreats infuse intentional and engaging team building, daily time in nature, and regular self-care personal training to help both our CTL and CPI students embody the principles and practices of mindfulness, SEL, brain training, and holistic wellness. Here are the unique resources and programmatic elements offered at each retreat:
Level 1 Retreat (for CTL & CPI students):
100+ brain break activities organized according to the Brain Power 10 themes (mindfulness, team building, SEL, etc.)
20 Content Link lessons integrating mindfulness, movement, and brain training into the four main subject areas
BPW Advisory Curriculum (stand-alone & synergistic with SEL, restorative circles, etc.)
School-wide BPW curriculum for leading professional development at department, grade, and faculty meetings
BPW & Trauma-Informed Care strategies
BPW & Culturally Responsive Teaching strategies
Integration of Mindfulness & SEL with school-wide equity frameworks
Support for BPW Student Leadership Program
Note: For Certified School BPW Leaders this retreat serves as the entire program. CSL graduates are encouraged to attend weekly mindfulness classes and monthly reinforcement sessions to support the application of their learning as they return to facilitate their school’s BPW program.
Level 2 Retreat (for CPI students only):
Advanced Leader curriculum (BPW after-school student clubs)
Masterful Teaching for Mindful Leaders
Wellness Curriculum for Parent Seminars
Wellness Curriculum for Teacher Seminars
In-classroom coaching curriculum for student visits
BPW & Trauma-informed strategies (Level 2)
BPW & Culturally Responsive Teaching (Level 2)
Marketing & Presentation Portfolio
Coaching & BPW
Online Learning System
In between the two in-person retreats our Certified Professional Instructor candidates participate in an intensive 6-month online training program. The asynchronous components of the program are balanced with weekly mindfulness classes and monthly personal coaching, whole group classes, and Training Team meetings to build upon the personal connections and community we created at the 1st retreat. Participants should expect to spend 3-4 hours each week involved in the following varied activities:
Online Content: Instructional and self-development videos, readings, and reflections Monthly Group Classes: Experiential learning, lectures, self-development training, and discussion through live synchronous whole-cohort classes (Zoom).
Training Teams: Participants are assigned to small Training Team groups led by a BPW Coach. Teams meet monthly on Zoom to stay connected, discuss the application of their learning, engage in teaching/presenting practice, and receive feedback.
Weekly Mindfulness Classes: Led by BPW’s Executive Director, these optional classes provide additional self-care practice and energy principles for our CPI community.
Individual Coaching Sessions: Participants meet individually with their BPW Coach on a monthly basis to personalize and integrate their learning experience.
Teaching Feedback: Participants share videos of themselves teaching students, parents or teachers and receive feedback on their teaching from their BPW Coach and Training Team.
Daily Training/Journaling: Participants are encouraged to maintain a daily personal wellness and meditative journaling practice.
Additional Learning Experiences: There will be additional optional opportunities for learning including Affinity Groups, reading groups, practice groups, and regional meet-up groups where possible.
“Brain Power has been an amazing addition to our middle school curriculum. As a Brain Power leader, the workshops have provided me with invaluable strategies that I have watched help both students and teachers in and out of the classroom. I have not been part of a program that has better demonstrated the true power of social-emotional wellness!”
- Luke H., Middle School Teacher, Class of 2018
Following the 2nd retreat, participants who desire certification and have completed all program components may submit a teaching practicum for review.
Teaching practicum may be submitted to the Certification Committee up to six months after the closing retreat.
The Brain Power Wellness Certification Committee will review all materials submitted and make a determination regarding whether to fully certify the participant as a Certified Professional Instructor. Once a participant has been fully certified, they will be acknowledged as a BPW Certified Professional Instructor and listed on the Certified Professional Instructor registry on the www.brainpowerwellness.com website.
Earning certification will allow you to refer to yourself as a BPW Certified Professional Instructor (CPI). Specifically, as a CPI you will be qualified to:
Professionally teach all levels of student curriculum in schools, organizations or your own place of business.
Lead BPW introductory PD sessions for teachers and school administrators
Lead BPW wellness seminars for parents
Lead after-school BPW Student Leadership and Mindfulness Clubs
Staff our annual BPW Student Leadership celebration at Honor’s Haven Resort
Receive direct compensation from schools and organizations as a professional instructor (utilizing BPW Instructor registry and pricing list)
Receive commission for referring client schools to BPW
“There’s no leadership retreat like the Brain Power Instructor retreat. Getting to spend quality time surrounded by nature and focusing on our individual and collective wellness is an experience of a lifetime. Getting to see so many people from different backgrounds coming together as one unit is amazing. You actually see diverse groups working towards one common goal while each team supports their members no matter how many times they stumble. “It’s ok, my brain loves challenges!” That’s Brain Power Instructor training. The retreats leave me feeling rejuvenated and inspired to continue my self-development journey and to show up with maximum impact in my school community.”
- Tennyson H., Elementary Teacher, Class of 2017
Prerequisites:
Participants in the CSL and CPI programs must first complete the 6-week BPW Teacher Course. If you haven’t yet started this course, you are still encouraged to submit an application. In your application, indicate when you plan to complete the course, prior to the start date of the 1st Retreat.
Dates:
Level 1 Retreat: November 13th ~ 16th, 2023
Level 2 Retreat: TBD
Retreats take place at Honor’s Haven Resort, Ellenville NY
Tuition:
Tuition for the BPW Certified School Leader (CSL) Program covers the Level 1 Retreat, all curriculum resources, and monthly reinforcement classes. CSL tuition: $2,000
Tuition for the BPW Certified Professional Instructor (CPI) Program covers the Level 1 & 2 Retreats, 6-month online learning system, all curriculum resources, the certification process, and monthly reinforcement classes. CPI tuition: $4950.
Note: Tuition fees above do NOT include accommodations or travel for retreats. Room and board with Honor’s Haven and travel arrangements are purchased separately and are completely the participant’s responsibility.
Week 1 Overview
Introduction to BPW
Oxygen Mask Principle
Water Up, Fire Down Principle
Emotional Wellness
Reflection Questions - Principles
Brain Science 101
Exercise: Core 3-6-0
Exercise: BP Clapping
Exercise: Squats
Exercise: Tap & Sweep
Exercise: Happy Face, Angry Face
Exercise: 4-Part Breathing
Classroom Management: Space, Tone, Pace, Volume
Classroom Management: Take Me to Your Leader
Classroom Management: Model, Model, Model
Reflection Questions: Classroom Management Tips
FYI-Learning Community Access Instructions
Week 2 Agenda/Overview
TED Talk - How Social-Emotional Learning Benefits Everyone
Reflection Questions - SEL TED Talk
Brain Power Classroom 2 - Ch 2: “SEL, Mindfulness, and BPW”
Reflection Questions - BPW's Approach to SEL
Exercise: Bow & Arrow
Exercise: Push-Ups
Exercise: Twist & Clap
Exercise: Pinky-Thumb
Exercise: Infinity Drawing
Classroom Management: Persist Through Positivity
Classroom Management: Brain Breaks
Self-Care: Whole Body Tapping
Week 3 Agenda/Overview
TED Talk - Childhood Trauma (directions and excerpts)
TED Talk - How Childhood Trauma Affects Health Across a Lifetime
Reflection Questions - Childhood Trauma
Video - The Limbic Brain and its Role in Trauma
Optional - The Neuroscience of Trauma
Reflection Questions - Limbic Brain Role in Trauma
BPW’s Approach to Trauma-Informed Care
Reflection Questions - BPW’s Approach to Trauma-Informed Care
Exercise: Clapping Machine
Exercise: Side-Stretch
Exercise: Balance Poses
Exercise: Brain Tapping
Exercise: Energy Ball
Exercise: Confident Qualities
Classroom Management: 3 to 1 Principle
Classroom Management: Eye Contact on Their Level
Self-Care: Organ Healing
Week 4 Agenda/Overview
Week 4 Introduction to Emotional Healing & the Body
TED Talk: "You Aren't at the Mercy of Your Emotions"
TED Talk: "Why You Feel What You Feel"
Emotional Wellness & The Body
TED Talk: "Emotional Mastery: The Gifted Wisdom of Unpleasant Feelings"
Reflection Questions: Emotional Healing
Exercise: Jumping Jacks
Exercise: Plate Balancing
Exercise: Laughing Exercise
Exercise: Toe-Touching
Exercise: Partner Side-Stretch
Exercise: Monkey-Dragon
Exercise: Smile & Breathe
Classroom Management: Physical Exercise for Emotional Release
Classroom Management: Brain Power Station
Week 5 Agenda/Overview
Equity and Brain Power Wellness by Dave Beal
Equity, Culturally Responsive Teaching, and BPW’s Approach
Reflection Questions: Cultural Responsiveness
Exercise: Brain Power Says
Exercise: Wow-Wow
Exercise: Sky-Earth-Friend
Exercise: Gratitude Meditation
Exercise: Compliment Game
Classroom Management: Teach Empathy, Intrapersonal Awareness, and Problem Solving
Classroom Management: Inspire Competitive Cooperation
Self-Care Session: Brain Wave Vibration
Week 6 Agenda/Overview
Introduction to Pulling for Our Inner Greatness
Multiple Intelligences (from Brain Power Classroom by Dave Beal)
Reflection Questions: Multiple Intelligences
Exercise: Harmony Claps
Exercise: Core Power Memory Game
Exercise: Creative Shapes
Exercise: Music Conductor
Exercise: Brain Screen Visualization
Exercise: I Have a Dream (audio attached)
Exercise: Self Declaration
Exercise: Flying Eagle
Classroom Management: Class Jobs and Energy Masters
Classroom Management: Pull for Inner Greatness
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We offer two levels of BPW Teacher Leader certification:
Certified Teacher Leader (CTL) & Certified Teacher Leader Level 2 (CTL 2)
Level 1: Certified Teacher Leader (CTL): In the CTL program, BPW partner schools send their staff to become trained in how to facilitate a vibrant school-wide program. Participants attend our Level 1 Retreat and receive valuable resources and training to share BPW with students, parents, and their colleagues. Participants are eligible to attend monthly reinforcement sessions to support implementation of the program within their schools.
Level 2: Certified Teacher Leader Level 2 (CTL 2): The CTL 2 program is designed for educators, parents, and coaches who wish professionally to share BPW tools with schools and organizations in their community. Through the Level 1 & 2 Retreats and an intensive 6-month online learning system, participants grow their personal and professional capacity to share mindfulness, SEL, brain training, and holistic wellness with students, teachers, school leaders, and parents. Once certified, CTL 2 graduates are listed on the BPW website, in order to actively market their services to local schools and organizations.
“I see how my kids embrace and enjoy learning in a loving and safe environment, full of healthy challenges and joyful experiences because they choose it that way. Today, a parent told me how her son reaffirmed that his brain was amazing; her smile and gratitude was the highlight of my day. I am constantly recharged to keep on sharing and watch kids thrive. Thank you, Brain Power Wellness!”
-Marcela M., Language Specialist, Class of 2019
Retreats
Set in the natural beauty of the Catskills Mountains, our CTL and CTL 2 retreats offer an authentic combination of personal and professional growth. Both retreats encourage intentional and engaging team-building, daily time in nature, and regular self-care personal training to help participants embody the principles and practices of mindfulness, SEL, brain training, and holistic wellness. Here are the unique resources and elements offered at each retreat:
Level 1 Retreat (for CTL & CTL 2 participants):
100+ brain break activities organized according to the Brain Power 10 themes (mindfulness, team-building, SEL, etc.)
20 Content Link lessons integrating mindfulness, movement, and brain training into the four main subject areas
BPW Advisory Curriculum (stand-alone & synergistic with SEL, restorative circles, etc.)
School-wide BPW Mentor curriculum for leading PDs at department, grade and faculty meetings
BPW & Trauma-informed strategies (Level 1)
BPW & Culturally Responsive Teaching (Level 1)
Integrating Mindfulness & SEL with school-wide Equity frameworks
Supporting & Sustaining BPW Student Leadership Program
Note: For Certified School BPW Leaders this retreat serves as the entire program. CSL graduates are encouraged to attend weekly mindfulness classes and monthly reinforcement sessions to support the application of their learning as they return to facilitate their school’s BPW program.
Level 2 Retreat (for CPI students only):
Advanced Leader curriculum (BPW after-school student clubs)
Masterful Teaching for Mindful Leaders
Wellness Curriculum for Parent Seminars
Wellness Curriculum for Teacher Seminars
In-classroom coaching curriculum for student visits
BPW & Trauma-informed strategies (Level 2)
BPW & Culturally Responsive Teaching (Level 2)
Marketing & Presentation Portfolio
Coaching & BPW
Online Learning System
In between the two in-person retreats our Certified Professional Instructor candidates participate in an intensive 6-month online training program. The asynchronous components of the program are balanced with weekly mindfulness classes and monthly personal coaching, whole group classes, and Training Team meetings to build upon the personal connections and community we created at the 1st retreat. Participants should expect to spend 3-4 hours each week involved in the following varied activities:
Online Content: Instructional and self-development videos, readings, and reflections Monthly Group Classes: Experiential learning, lectures, self-development training, and discussion through live synchronous whole-cohort classes (Zoom).
Training Teams: Participants are assigned to small Training Team groups led by a BPW Coach. Teams meet monthly on Zoom to stay connected, discuss the application of their learning, engage in teaching/presenting practice, and receive feedback.
Weekly Mindfulness Classes: Led by BPW’s Executive Director, these optional classes provide additional self-care practice and energy principles for our CPI community.
Individual Coaching Sessions: Participants meet individually with their BPW Coach on a monthly basis to personalize and integrate their learning experience.
Teaching Feedback: Participants share videos of themselves teaching students, parents or teachers and receive feedback on their teaching from their BPW Coach and Training Team.
Daily Training/Journaling: Participants are encouraged to maintain a daily personal wellness and meditative journaling practice.
Additional Learning Experiences: There will be additional optional opportunities for learning including Affinity Groups, reading groups, practice groups, and regional meet-up groups where possible.
“Brain Power has been an amazing addition to our middle school curriculum. As a Brain Power leader, the workshops have provided me with invaluable strategies that I have watched help both students and teachers in and out of the classroom. I have not been part of a program that has better demonstrated the true power of social-emotional wellness!”
- Luke H., Middle School Teacher, Class of 2018
Following the 2nd retreat, participants who desire certification and have completed all program components may submit a teaching practicum for review.
Teaching practicum may be submitted to the Certification Committee up to six months after the closing retreat.
The Brain Power Wellness Certification Committee will review all materials submitted and make a determination regarding whether to fully certify the participant as a Certified Professional Instructor. Once a participant has been fully certified, they will be acknowledged as a BPW Certified Professional Instructor and listed on the Certified Professional Instructor registry on the www.brainpowerwellness.com website.
Earning certification will allow you to refer to yourself as a BPW Certified Professional Instructor (CPI). Specifically, as a CPI you will be qualified to:
Professionally teach all levels of student curriculum in schools, organizations or your own place of business.
Lead BPW introductory PD sessions for teachers and school administrators
Lead BPW wellness seminars for parents
Lead after-school BPW Student Leadership and Mindfulness Clubs
Staff our annual BPW Student Leadership celebration at Honor’s Haven Resort
Receive direct compensation from schools and organizations as a professional instructor (utilizing BPW Instructor registry and pricing list)
Receive commission for referring client schools to BPW
“There’s no leadership retreat like the Brain Power Instructor retreat. Getting to spend quality time surrounded by nature and focusing on our individual and collective wellness is an experience of a lifetime. Getting to see so many people from different backgrounds coming together as one unit is amazing. You actually see diverse groups working towards one common goal while each team supports their members no matter how many times they stumble. “It’s ok, my brain loves challenges!” That’s Brain Power Instructor training. The retreats leave me feeling rejuvenated and inspired to continue my self-development journey and to show up with maximum impact in my school community.”
- Tennyson H., Elementary Teacher, Class of 2017
Prerequisites:
Participants in the CSL and CPI programs must first complete the 6-week BPW Teacher Course. If you haven’t yet started this course, you are still encouraged to submit an application. In your application, indicate when you plan to complete the course, prior to the start date of the 1st Retreat.
Dates:
Level 1 Retreat: TBD
Level 2 Retreat: TBD
Retreats take place at Honor’s Haven Resort, Ellenville NY
Tuition:
Tuition for the BPW Certified School Leader (CSL) Program covers the Level 1 Retreat, all curriculum resources, and monthly reinforcement classes.
CSL tuition: $2,000
Tuition for the BPW Certified Professional Instructor (CPI) Program covers the Level 1 & 2 Retreats, 6-month online learning system, all curriculum resources, the certification process, and monthly reinforcement classes.
CPI tuition: $4950.
Note: Tuition fees above do NOT include accommodations or travel for retreats. Room and board with Honor’s Haven and travel arrangements are purchased separately and are completely the participant’s responsibility.
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BPW embraces a holistic, experiential, and embodied understanding of SEL. Through our Brain Power 10 curriculum, we approach social-emotional learning not only through the lens of intellectual understanding, but through an interconnected perspective that engages our bodies, our hearts, our minds, and our brains. Because this system was developed by a classroom teacher, in partnership with thousands of passionate educational leaders, our school model is authentic, comprehensive, and deeply personal, touching every member of the school and community.
BPW programs are informed by a variety of research-based findings from the fields of education, neuroscience, mindfulness, Asian health theory, biology, and psychology. BPW trainings combine community building, calisthenics, brain training, mindfulness, SEL, and holistic wellness activities. See the partial list below of thought leaders (and organizations) who have contributed to BPW’s curriculum and work over the years:
Adam Grant; Alan Watkins; Amanda Blake; Amishi Jha; Angela Duckworth; Bessel van der Kolk; Brene Brown; Bruce Lipton; Bryan Stevenson; Carol Dwyck; Cass Sunstein; CASEL; Charles Duhigg; Chip & Dan Heath; Connection Coalition; Daniel Pink; Daniel Kahneman; Daniel Siegel; Emeran Mayer; Gholdy Muhammed; Glenn Singleton; Gray Fellowship for Transformative Leadership; Howard Gardner; Ibram X Kendi; Ilchi Lee; Isabel Wilkerson; Jerry Porras; Jill Bolte Taylor; Jim Collins; Joan Rosenberg; John Kabat Zinn; Lao Tzu; Lisa Feldman Barrett; Michael Singer; Nikole Hannah-Jones; Parent Encouragment Program (PEP); Restorative Circles; Richard Thaler; Rick Hanson; Robin DiAngelo; Simon Sinek; Stephen Covey; Ta-Nehesi Coates; Thich Nhat Hahn; Thomas Armstrong; Wayne Dyer; Zaretta Hammond
BPW is headquartered in New York City but has branch offices in Washington, D.C., Miami, and Los Angeles. Through our live online classes and courses, as well as our in-person retreats, we work with teachers and school districts throughout the United States. Through our Online Teacher Course and Certified Professional Instructor courses, we have worked with educators and schools in Belgium, Canada, Costa Rica, Denmark, England, France, Germany, Ireland, Netherlands, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Palestine, Qatar, and South Korea.
We have partnered with school districts in Arizona, Long Island NY, Miami, and New York City to measure the effectiveness of our programs on students’ social-emotional indicators and cognitive functioning (click here for more information).
We also solicit regular feedback through anonymous surveys from teachers, students, administrators and parents. Our Field Coordinators and instructors meet with school and instructional leaders multiple times each month to consistently solicit, evaluate and incorporate feedback, and as a result, our curriculum is constantly evolving to meet the current needs of our school communities. Our average satisfaction rating from our NYC partner schools as reported by the NYC Department of Education is “excellent.”
BPW works with students from early childhood through college.
BPW Instructors earn three certifications from BPW:
BPW Teacher Course
Certified School Leader Course
Certified Professional Instructor Course
In addition to the above, BPW partners with multiple community-based organizations to provide our instructors with training in CPR, trauma-informed care, holistic wellness, culturally responsive pedagogy, health coaching and multiple intelligence theory.
BPW provides both on-site programming (through in-person and live online classes) for schools and retreat-based programs.
Typical School-Based Programs:
Students: Class Visits; Student Leadership Program
Teachers: Wellness Classes; BPW Teacher WS; Staff Refresher WS
Parents: Parent Workshop Series
Administrators: Executive Leadership Coaching Series
Retreat-Based Programs:
Students: Advanced Student Leadership Retreat
Teachers: Staff Wellness Retreat; Certified School Leader Retreat;
Parents/Families: BPW Family Retreat
Administrators: Executive Leadership Retreat
Individuals: Certified Professional Instructor Retreat
BPW provides both in-person services and virtual services. For school districts outside of NYC, DC, Miami and LA (and without a local Certified Professional Instructor), we offer a combination of live online workshops and classes with in-person retreats for teacher, student and executive leaders. For school districts in the NYC, DC, Miami and LA area (or districts that have a local Certified Professional Instructor), we offer a 50/50 model of in-person and live online services as well as in-person retreats for teachers, students and executive leaders.
In response to the increased demand for remote services, in February 2021 we launched expanded online versions of our flagship BPW Teacher Course and Certified Professional Instructor Course and we are excited to be supporting schools around the US and overseas with live online classes and workshops for teachers, students, parents and administrators. We supplement these online trainings with empowering in-person retreats.