Dr. Christopher Jones: Mindfulness and Focus: Keys to Effective Education

About Dr. Christopher Jones:

Dr. Chris Jones has been an educator in Massachusetts for 24 years. His experience in the classroom ranged from 8th - 11th grade working in an urban setting. A portion of this was spent opening a high school division for an expanding charter school. He has just finished his 17th year as a building administrator. Currently the Principal of Whitman-Hanson Regional High School in Whitman, Massachusetts, Chris is also the President of the Massachusetts State Administrators Association (MSAA).  

Chris, a teacher-centered principal and author of SEEing to Lead, is dedicated to supporting, engaging, and empowering teachers to elevate student success. He hosts the SEEing to Lead podcast and vlogs weekly, amplifying the voices of teachers, students, and leaders to improve education. A finalist for MSAA Principal of the Year and 2022 MASCA Administrator of the Year, Chris is known for his visionary, innovative leadership. He holds degrees from Bridgewater State, Salem State, and Northeastern University, and lives in Southeastern Massachusetts with his wife, Mary, and their sons, Tommy and Scotty.

Topics for today’s show:

• Authentic leadership and modeling desired behaviors
• Creating safe spaces for vulnerability and open dialogue
• Integrating meditation, gratitude, and focus into daily routines
• Providing clear expectations and explanations to students
• Balancing work, family, and self-care for overall well-being

Key Takeaways:

• Authentic leadership involves modeling the type of thinking and existence you want to see in others, and this is done by being open about mistakes and continuously improving, leaders can foster a culture of learning and growth.
• Establish safe spaces where people can express themselves freely and take risks without fear of judgment, as this is crucial for transformation. 
• Incorporating practices like morning routines, time blocking, and breathing exercises helps individuals and organizations declutter their minds, improve focus, and maintain a sense of balance and well-being.
• Reduction of anxiety and empowerment of leadership in students can be achieved through providing students with clear routines, consistent expectations, and explanations for actions.
• Balancing work, family, and personal time is essential for maintaining overall well-being. 

“Just acknowledging the existence of love puts a whole new lens on what you're looking at and how you're acting.“

-Dr. Christopher Jones

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