Join us in building happier, kinder schools where everyone belongs.
“I think the feeling of community and support helped me the most. It helped me to be bold, to be true to me, and take action.”—2025 Greater Good Educator
Greater Good Educators is a research-based professional development experience designed to support educators in fostering personal and collective well-being. In this supportive community of practice (CoP), educators from around the world learn with and from each other to build kinder, happier schools where everyone belongs.
The community of practice meets for 90 minutes three times per month for three months. Each session is grounded in cutting-edge science and built to support real-world application to help educators care for themselves and the students, colleagues, and communities they serve. In addition, CoP members receive access to digital content hubs that provide videos, resources, and practices describing the science-based “what, why, and how” of each topic.
Come ready to connect, reflect, and grow with fellow educators as we build kinder, happier classrooms where everyone belongs!
Registration open now!
Registration for this program will open on April 13, 2026!
In February, we will explore how to encourage and practice kindness and compassion in our schools and classrooms.
Kindness and compassion are deeply rooted in human nature–our first impulse is to cooperate rather than compete. When we really listen to one another, and react with compassion and kindness, creativity and problem-solving flourish. This month will support educators in fostering a school and/or classroom culture in which compassion and kindness create an environment where everyone feels a deep sense of belonging.
In March, we will learn how to practice self-compassion and encourage self-compassion in our schools and classrooms.
Self-compassion–extending kindness and compassion to ourselves as educators—reduces stress, improves emotional regulation, and promotes teaching practices that lead to more autonomy and motivation in students. When students practice self-compassion, not only do they feel better, but they also show more motivation to improve. When adults practice self-compassion, they feel a greater sense of agency and are more protected from burnout.
In April, we will dig into research and practices that help us to envision awe-filled schools and classrooms.
Awe experiences shift our attention away from ourselves, make us feel like we are part of something greater, and promote generosity toward others. Research has shown that awe inducing experiences are good for us physically, socially, and emotionally. Throughout April we will learn how awe benefits our brains and bodies and connects us to greater meaning, and begin to create awe-filled learning environments filled with curiosity, discovery, and connection.
Margaret Golden, Ed.D., plans and facilitates GGSC communities of practice to provide educators with transformative explorations in the science of well-being and social-emotional learning. Margaret is passionate about educational equity and the creation of trustworthy spaces for engaging in heartfelt, often difficult, conversations. More about Margaret Golden.
Salina Mae (she/her/ella), is a Bay Area born and raised community leader with over 20 years experience serving California schools both as a K-12 classroom teacher and as a mindfulness coach and consultant. More about Salina Mae Espinosa-Setchko.
Miamah Viglietti is one of our CalHOPE co-facilitators and a Specialist with Sacramento City Unified School District. More about Miamah Viglietti.
Atabey Sánchez-Haiman is a biologist, artist, and mindfulness-based intervention teacher whose work integrates creative practice, scientific training, and trauma-sensitive mindfulness education. Her Giraffes and Robots Pop Art & Mindfulness Studio offers art, design, and mindfulness-informed consultations. More about Atabey Sánchez-Haiman.
Sudhaa is a self-awareness facilitator and well-being guide who creates reflective spaces that support individuals in accessing their inner wisdom and living with greater authenticity. More about Sudhaa Jagat.
Liudmyla Herasymenko is an Associate Professor in the Ukrainian State Flight Academy, Ukraine, and holds a PhD in Pedagogy. With 19 years of experience teaching English across a range of proficiency levels, she is an experienced language educator, coach, researcher, and passionate advocate for meaningful learning. More about Liudmyla Herasymenko.
Argos is an equity-driven educator and thought leader dedicated to fostering positive change through mindfulness and community engagement. More about Argos Gonzalez.