It’s no secret that teachers have had a rough time throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Pivoting to online-based learning programs, dealing with teacher shortages, and seeing the negative effects of isolation on their students have left teachers feeling depleted and in low spirits. To help uplift our local community of teachers, The Uplands center collaborated with local coaches and healers Cheryl DeDecker and Jenny Mannion to provide a day-long program for teachers in the Delaware and Otsego county areas.

The mission for the retreat was to provide a much needed pause and respite for teachers to process the previous year, immerse themselves in the healing of nature and Uplands, and leave with tools provided by Cheryl and Jenny to help them feel restored, strong and motivated for the school year ahead.

The entire day took place outside at The Uplands Center’s cherry grove (“Cheriklo”). Jenny and Cheryl led activities and workshops focused on topics such as breathing techniques, Tai Chi, mindfulness-based hypnosis, and tools for building resilience. The teachers left the retreat feeling refreshed, supported, and relaxed.

Thank you to our local teachers -and to teachers everywhere – for your dedicated efforts in education and beyond.