Happy Teacher, Happy Classroom

Audience: K-12 teachers and administrators
Method: Online course
Duration: 4 weeks
Cost: $495
Graduate application: Not required
Credits: See note below

Defining and Increasing Happiness

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 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)

Meet the Instructor

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.

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.

REFUND POLICY