It Starts With Us
Professional Development Intensive
Attend one of the following intensives:
June 9th-11th @ 9:30 AM - 3:30 PM
July 16th-18th @ 9:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Mirror Image Arts™
Mirror Image Arts™ is a Youth Advocacy organization disrupting the Pipeline to Prison through Restorative Theatre™. Our work is the collective liberation of all. We bring Restorative Theatre™ to youth and youth serving adults in schools, community organizations, and detention centers. We create spaces of belonging and healing while deepening social emotional well-being.
Theatre and SEL
Research has shown that theatre is uniquely positioned to support SEL growth by increasing belongingness, esteem, relationship-building, and self-actualization. Dr. Hakan Usakli said, “The essence of drama is social interaction, which involves contact, communication, and the negotiation of meaning within a group context. Creative drama can provide the opportunity to develop imagination, encourage independent thinking and cooperation, build social awareness, take others’ perspectives, promote a healthy release of emotion, and improve habits of speech.” Additionally, SEL is fundamental for our youth because, according to the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning, SEL proves imperative to reducing risky and violent behaviors. SEL helps build self-awareness, self-management, relationship skills, and decision-making.
What teachers are saying about MIA Professional Development:
“Geared toward educators and the real problems that we experience. No shaming just informative and creative. Felt loved and respected while tackling hard subjects.”
“We really had a chance to recognize and think about discipline issues we can control. We can really think about the connection of our childhood discipline and what we do in our classroom. Additionally, at least 20 great teaching forms to use in class. Thank you for helping our school become stronger together.”
“It was wonderful working with them. Easily the best training we have received all year.”
“Overall this program gave me a new perspective on how to approach restorative justice as well as the importance of applying self care before taking action with my students.”
PROGRAM LOGISTICS
Attend one of the following intensives:
June 9th-11th @ 9:30 AM - 3:30 PM
July 16th-18th @ 9:30 AM - 3:30 PM
*There is a one hour lunch break
Location:
Both intensives take place at Montbello High School.
Things to bring:
Notebook, pen/pencil, water bottle, clothes you can move in
Extended Learning Credit:
Participants will leave with a certificate receiving 18 hours of extended learning credit
Cost Per Participant: $350
Overarching Questions:
What do I want to embody as a my educator personae?
How can we contribute towards a culture of belonging and joy?
Program Intensive Objectives:
Experience Restorative Theatre™ to explore play as a tool for healing, belonging, and building authentic student relationships.
Practice techniques of transformational conflict and curiosity to build intentional and supportive cultures rooted in evidence-based approaches: Nervous System Regulation, Positive Youth Development, Trauma-Informed Care, Healing-Centered Engagement, Culturally Responsive Teaching, and Restorative Justice.
Strengthen social-emotional skills (self-awareness, self-management, relationship-building) through experiential learning to support holistic student and educator wellbeing.
Program Intensive Outcomes:
Practice and strengthen Social-Emotional Learning skills and Culturally Responsive Education mindsets.
Confidently embody the foundational practices of developmental relationships to support meaningful connections with students.
Model evidence-based practices—including Positive Youth Development, Trauma-Informed Care, Healing-Centered Engagement, and Restorative Justice—that can be integrated into classroom culture.
Expand toolbox of classroom management strategies that foster a sense of belonging.
Deepen connections with colleagues to cultivate a culture of collaboration and collective resilience.