An examination of the benefits and strategies for integrating food literacy education into the school day with a focus on the development of a meaningful, realistic and sustainable food literacy initiative. Food literacy is defined as the understanding of where food comes from, starting from its agricultural roots up to the process of reaching the table. Students explore where food comes from in our contemporary society. Through research, discussions, and application, students will develop a plan-of-action for implementing a food literacy initiative into their school and/or district.

An examination of school gardens as an integral part of the curriculum, school nutrition program and/or school wellness activities. Participants will explore benefits, the various types of gardens, and best practices to support a successful school garden. Emphasis will be on connecting gardening lessons to state curriculum frameworks and/or food and wellness education in the classroom, as well as establishing an action plan to implement or expand school gardening.

An overview of hydration including basic requirements and guidelines for children and adolescents, and hydration needs for student athletes. Topics addressed in the course include: the current beverage environment; common ingredients and additives; beverage guidelines for schools; and the role of beverage marketing and beverages in the school environment.

This course is for educators and specialists. Through Special Topics, participants examine mindfulness, its history, its implications for learning, how schools use it to increase students’ attention and concentration, and the vital connection between social-emotional learning and mindfulness. Participants complete all course content before the online discussions and complete one weekly assignment and a final project. 

An exploration of how movement improves academic performance, classroom behavior, attention span, and the social-emotional development of students. Using evidence-based research, students explore types of physical activities for the classroom and the importance of physical education for students in grades K -12. This course includes strategies for increasing movement in schools with well-designed, effective and sustainable movement opportunities for the classroom and in broader school community.

An examination of evidence-based school wellness strategies utilizing the Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child model for addressing health in schools. Course is intended for teachers, nurses, administrators, wellness coordinators and school nutrition professionals. Students review federal and state school wellness policy requirements, build a school wellness team, initiate the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) School Health Index, explore support mechanisms for success, and identify action steps and a plan to implement in their school.

An overview of sodium including guidelines and recommendations for children and adolescents. Topics include: role of sodium in the body, current guidelines and actual US intake; the use of sodium in the current food supply; and initiatives to reduce sodium content in the school environment. Course is intended for school nutrition professionals, teachers, administrators, and school nurses.

Designed to support the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) Social Emotional Learning in Massachusetts, this course emphasizes Holistic Support and Enrichment: Strengthening Social Emotional Competencies, Health & Safety goals, and the five core strategies. Participants will learn the principles of Social-Emotional Learning (SEL), its foundation, framework, and resources available to assist in the planning and implementing SEL practices in the elementary education classroom. Participants will learn to implement SEL across the curriculum, emphasizing equity and cultural responsiveness.

Within this course, you will learn the theory and principles of Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) to create a Middle School teaching and learning environment that is welcoming and nurturing. You will examine your misconceptions about SEL and analyze the principles that apply to middle school students. You will also learn how to apply the principles of SEL in the classroom, giving students a sense of understanding and belonging while nurturing each learner’s individuality. Students will feel challenged and empowered socially, emotionally, and intellectually. 

An overview of sugar and non-nutritive sweeteners including guidelines and recommendations for children and adolescents. Topics include: types of sugar and non-nutritive sweeteners, including information about safety; the use of these products in the current food supply; updates on food marketing to children as it relates to sugar; and efforts to reduce sugar consumption in the US and the school environment. The course is intended for school nutrition professionals, teachers, administrators, and school nurses.