Happy Teacher, Happy Classroom: Exploring Happiness for a Life Well Lived
In western cultures, the words “happiness” and “well-being” are often used in statements of life goals and are referred to in futuristic, unattainable and elusive ways that are difficult to define and even more difficult to achieve. This online professional development course for educators will explore the science and evolution of happiness and well-being as well as the concepts of “purpose” and “meaning” and how we often resist happiness.
In the course, K-12 educators will participate in a self-reflective journey to define personal happiness and well-being by exploring various definitions and models. Participants can expect to take part in activities and reflective exercises that lead to a greater understanding of self and that fosters enhanced personal happiness and well-being.
Participants will be receiving reading materials and video lectures throughout the course. Class discussions will be held online and are asynchronous (no designated, required meeting times).
Course Details
Audience: K-12 teachers and administrators
Method: Online course
Duration: 4 weeks
Cost: $495
Graduate application: Not required
Credits: See note below
This Course is Offered on the Following Dates
Details will be posted soon. Sign up to be notified when registration opens.
Course Objectives
- Explain the current understanding of happiness and well-being
- Discuss the science and evolution of happiness and well-being
- Practice personal behaviors that have been shown to enhance happiness and well-being
- Develop a personal purpose statement
A Note on Course Credit
This course is not being offered for credit on its own. However, individuals who successfully complete two of the course offerings listed below and then enroll in one of the master’s programs indicated may also be eligible for up to three hours of awarded credit toward their degree.
Creighton University will issue a 1098-T by January 31 for all learners enrolled in courses for credit. As part of that process, you may be asked to provide your Social Security number.
Complete two courses:
- Restorative Justice in Schools
- All Learning is Social Emotional Learning
- Student-Centered Coaching
- The Resilient Educator: Preventing Teacher Burnout
- Happy Teacher, Happy Classroom: Exploring Happiness for a Life Well Lived
- Educators Can’t Pour from an Empty Cup: Creating a Self-Care Plan
Enroll in one of these programs:
- Educational Leadership (Master of Science)
- Integrative Health and Wellness (Master of Science)
- Educational Specialist (Master of Science)
Required Materials
Strecher, V.J. (2016). Life on Purpose: How living for What Matters Most Changes Everything. New York: Harper Collins Publishers.
Order your materials at the Creighton bookstore and get free standard shipping. Visit creighton.bncollege.com, call 402.280.2796 or email SM8335@bncollege.com.
This online course is led by Dr. Amy Cosimano, assistant professor in the Department of Interdisciplinary Studies at Creighton University. She is a registered nurse and teaches in the Healthy Lifestyle Management undergraduate and Integrative Health and Wellness graduate programs. She has taught at Creighton University for 17 years.
Continuing education and professional development courses may be cancelled by the attendee in writing up to 7 days before the course begins for a full refund, less a $25 processing fee. No refund will be given 7 days prior to the course. Some courses are not eligible for a refund; these exceptions are noted in specific course descriptions. In the event of a weather related closure, the course will be rescheduled.
Student interactions and viewpoints are a vital part of our rich learning environment. For this reason, Creighton reserves the right to cancel courses in the case of low registration numbers. In this case, registrants will receive a full refund. If a course is cancelled by the University for other non-weather related issues, the student will be notified and a full refund will be processed.
