What is the SPARK Professionals Course?
This adult course was created in response to a deep desire for educators to experience their own well-being more often, and thus be able to multiply their impact with the youth they serve. We know very well that no one can pour from an empty cup and burn out is REAL. As professionals working with youth on a regular basis, we have seen our own effectiveness vary, depending upon how filled our ‘cups’ were. In other words, our ability to do our jobs is proportionate to our own capacity to access clarity, calm, and creativity. This self-paced course will introduce you to an understanding of the mind that has been proven to ‘fill cups’ and unleash potential in whatever we endeavor to do, including living out our passion to serve youth.
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Check out a Sneak Peek of the Course Facilitated by SPARK’s CEO, Brooke Wheeldon-Reece
Why Choose SPARK Professional Development?
Connecting to your SPARK is a game-changer
This course creates a space for educators to discover the resilience, well-being, and potential already available to them. It aims to better connect them to their own infinite source of clarity, calm, and creativity. When this connection is understood and experienced, we are able to navigate all aspects of life more easily, especially our interactions with youth.
Developed for educators by educators
While supported by research, this is not a theoretical course. It is extremely practical, drawing upon decades of combined experience in diverse classrooms in schools, jails, and other social service settings. Real-life stories of lovingly having impact with trauma-affected youth, have been noted as one of the strengths of this course.
Co-created with youth
Several sections are enhanced by hearing directly from youth who have had insights into the human mind. They share inspiring stories about finding their resilience and well-being through the concepts taught in this course. Their examples demonstrate the SPARK that resides in everyone, regardless of current circumstances or past experiences.
For educators, with resources to use with youth
While the crux of the course is designed to benefit educators, we’ve included bonus materials to support youth in their emotional development. As passionate educators, we know that anytime you learn something profound, you want to share it with all the kids you know! We’ve including the ways to do that.
Life-long learning potential
Hear from an Alternative School Principal who has had his staff trained with SPARK for Professional Development
Testimonials from Educators
How did this training help your staff?
There are some teachers here on this campus who went through the training and I would have thought they weren’t going to want to continue to be here but they still are. I’ve seen some real transformations…their approach to what students need and how much of themselves to give to students, has really improved.
-James Hird, Principal, Horizons Academy. Alternative school in Manatee County, FL
Meet the Facilitators
Ashley Hunt
As SPARK’s Director of Program Development, Ashely has co-created and delivered our mentoring programs to hundreds of kids in traditional schools, alternative schools, jails, foster homes, and drug rehabilitation facilities. Since joining SPARK in 2015, she has also trained hundreds of teachers, counselors, mentors, and supervisors in SPARK’s programs. Ashely is a sought after speaker with her natural ability to connect with any audience.
Brooke Wheeldon-Reece
As SPARK’s CEO, Brooke is dedicated to working with youth, sex trafficking survivors, and incarcerated men and women. She is the creator and co-author of the evidence-based SPARK Mentoring Programs which are currently being taught to 1000’s of children in Hillsborough County and around the world. Prior to her work with The SPARK Initiative, she was a national trainer for the Mendez Foundation’s nationally recognized Too Good for Drugs and Violence prevention programs.
Meet the Guest Speakers
Macy Hembd
Sparking Change Youth Intern
Sadie Moore
Sparking Change Youth Intern
Carys Mullins
Sparking Change Youth Intern
Stephany Torres
Sparking Change Youth Intern
Brandon Evans Sr.
Sparking Change Youth Intern
Emily Johnson
Sparking Change Youth Intern
How does it work?
- Self-study, self-paced
- Each of the four modules include:
– Instructional videos and demos
– Reflection exercises
– Practical challenges
– Client (student) stories
– Question and answer forums
Course Investment – $99 per user
Have questions?
Email us at info@thesparkinitiative.com
Looking for grant writing support to purchase for your teachers? Let us know, we want to help!
Course Outline
- Module 1: The foundations of adult life skills. This process leads to increased compassion and empathy for diverse viewpoints and more effective responses to unwanted behaviors.
- Module 2: Deeper Listening, Connection and State of Mind. Going deeper into these areas reduces stress, anxiety, and burnout while increasing self-reliance effectiveness.
- Module 3: Seeing the SPARK in others and treating them as if that’s all you see. This powerful approach, levels the playing field, creating an equitable, loving, and inclusive environment.
- Module 4: The power of insight-based learning both for ourselves and our youth. Understanding how to listen to our own innate well-being and open space for others to listen to theirs. Creative solutions present themselves. There is less to do than you think!
- Bonus Materials: Navigating Anxiety and Depression; Navigating Confidence and Self-Image; Navigating Destructive Behavior Navigating Divorce and Separation