AUSTIN, Texas —
Austin Independent School District (AISD) is using yoga to improve student behavior, retain teachers and increase community engagement.
The district's health care provider, Aetna, is covering the cost for the "Breathe For Change" program.
Right now, there are only a few teachers who are certified in this new program, but they say they've already seen it make a big impact, both on the students and staff.
Mrs. Deon Whipple's fourth grade class at Cowan Elementary starts their day with some yoga exercises.
Whipple has been certified in the program since last July, and she said it has helped her students with behavior problems. By creating a calm environment, Breathe for Change also helps her special education students cope with big emotions.
She also said the yoga exercises help teachers relax and take care of their mental health.
Now that the district has adopted the program and is paying to have more teachers certified, Whipple hopes to see the results spread.
"My hope would be that first, it helps teachers because teachers can't be effective if they're dysregulated with their emotions," she said. "It's such a stressful job. And we're constantly taking care of others."
Whipple and at least one other teacher were already certified before the district adopted the program.
Now that the district has adopted it, AISD's insurance provider is paying to have more teachers go through the process.
"Teaching is a stressful job. They work tirelessly. They are selfless. They really take care of themselves last," Amie Ortiz, the district's talent engagement executive director, said. "And so, we've got to find ways to embed these opportunities for them to take care of themselves so that they can take care of students."
The district has at least 30 teachers in the process of getting certified who will be ready to start this program in their classes in the fall.