Retreats & Programs C&R in Education
Courage & Renewal in Education
Washington Courage & Renewal (formerly Washington State Courage to Teach) has always had as its mission the renewal and revitalization of teachers. As our work has expanded and grown, we have continued our commitment and support of teachers and school leaders. Currently, we serve educators through our
School Leaders 2009 - 2010 Dinner Retreat Series
Courage Work in Schools (CWIS) initiative
Courage to Teach® (CTT) is a program of retreats for the personal and professional renewal of educators. The program is designed for preK-12 educators (teachers, counselors, specialists, assistants, and administrators) as well as early childhood and college/university level educators. Courage to Teach does not focus directly on "technique" or the specifics of school reform, but rather on renewing the inner lives of professionals in education.
Courage to Teach assists educators to:
- renew the heart, mind, and spirit through exploration of the inner landscape of their lives
- reconnect to their integrity, courage and commitment
- reunite their personal and professional identity
- identify and honor gifts and strengths, as well as acknowledge limits
- deepen their skills at careful listening, honest questioning, and connecting with others
- experience the powerful learning about self and others that occurs in a richly diverse group
- build safe spaces and trusting relationships in their schools, with their students and colleagues, and within their communities
- strengthen their capacity to act as leaders in revitalizing schools
Courage & Renewal for School Leaders
When school leadership is effective and authentic, the children of America’s schools are well served. Ensuring the success of ALL of our children is a profound moral imperative for America’s school leaders. Never has it been more important and never has it been so difficult.
In most communities in America, school principals receive professional development in school management, instructional improvement and leadership skills. These topics are important and have their place, but they rarely take into account the wholeness of the person in the profession or address the need for leaders to bring not only their minds and skills to school but their hearts and souls as well. In far too many schools, principals’ spirits sag under the pressures of daily school life. Community and societal expectations have become daunting, and for an increasing number, impossible to fulfill.
Courage and Renewal for School Leaders is based upon the successful CTT model but specifically designed for those in leadership roles.
Each cohort consists of twenty to thirty leaders. In large-group, small-group, and solitary settings, "the heart of a leader" is explored by way of personal stories, reflections on experiences in leadership, and by drawing upon insights from poets, storytellers, and various wisdom traditions.
School leaders have described Courage & Renewal programs as the most meaningful and encouraging professional development of their careers – with many giving credit to this program for their decision to continue in difficult leadership roles.
Participants report:
- Developing new networks of support with other school leaders, counteracting the prevailing culture of overwork and isolation
- Revitalizing their own leadership in ways that invite the untapped potentials, passions, and talents of their faculty and students
- Establishing healthier patterns of self care and life balance
- Increased capacity to cultivate the kind of trustworthy relationships required to create a positive school culture in which teachers and students flourish
2009-10 School Leaders Retreat Series - download pdf flyer.
Check our Calendar for upcoming retreats.
For online registration, click here.
“Courage to Lead is so life affirming. I wake up every day excited now, after 30+ years in education - the way I felt when I was young. Before CTL I was continually getting in my own way. Now, I laugh again, and often, which helps clear my heart and opens me to my colleagues.”
School leader, 32 years experience
“CTL helped me realize I am not alone-which makes a world of difference. My staff tells me I am more confident, poised, and relaxed. I’m more gentle with myself and less self-critical. Because I’ve learned strategies to support myself through difficult times, I am more able to create change and improve my school.”
School leader, 22 years experience
Courage Work in the Schools - CWIS
We know that our seasonal retreat series, which brings together a cohort of 20-25 participants over 12 months, is highly successful at renewing the identity and integrity of those participants. Part of our success is based on the fact that every participant freely chooses to attend; no one can be sent or required to join the group.
However, we also know that there are thousands of teachers and leaders who long for renewal and encouragement who are not able or ready to attend a full WC&R retreat series. Many principals are looking for ways to support and energize their whole staff.
In response to this need, WC&R has been offering revitalizing experiences at school sites (or nearby locations) for teams of educators from a school or district.
What does “Courage Work in the Schools” look like?
Each CWIS program is unique, tailored to meet the specific needs of the school community. Sessions vary from 3 hours to 3 days. The focus can range from “pure” courage work (focused on personal & professional renewal) to a blend of courage work plus specific skill building in areas designed to address issues of trust, communication, collaboration, and school culture.
Some of the specific team skills we have addressed include:
- learning from and working with conflict
- managing unsolvable problems
- holding difficult conversations
- developing the emotional intelligences of leadership
- expanding teacher leadership
- improving communication through open honest questioning
- living with and understanding the power of paradox
- exploring barriers to fulfilling our intentions or commitments o working with others in culturally responsive ways
- classroom management based on respect for the integrity of young people (positive discipline)
Who leads CWIS?
CWIS is offered by WC&R facilitators who have a broad range of experience as master teachers or administrators at elementary, middle, high school or district levels.
For a list of WC&R facilitators, click here.
When do you work with teachers?
We have been offering sessions in August before school starts, June when school ends, after school during the year, on early release or late arrival days, on evenings and weekends, and during the school day when substitutes are available. Scheduling can be tight for certain days when many schools have release time, so please plan ahead.
What are the costs?
We negotiate costs based on the needed services, the amount of specialized preparation required, and the available budget. Please contact us to discuss fees.
How do I find out more or schedule CWIS for my school?
Let us know of your interest by emailing us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or calling 206-633-2888
Check our Calendar for upcoming retreats.