Think about a classroom, any classroom. When you think of this room, what do you see? What do you hear? If it is your own classroom, you know these sights and sounds by heart, but if you are visiting a new classroom, you may have a lot to learn. As children are welcomed into a new classroom, they have procedures, routines, expectations, and transitions to learn. As teachers set up their daily schedules, they...

A recent political campaign ad went viral, in which two Utah gubernatorial candidates created a video together. “We can debate without degrading each other,” said one of the candidates.

The creative ad, at least in my eyes, was a refreshing change from the intensely volatile culture we have created around political issues and just about anything that we disagree. The gesture demonstrated that two individuals from opposing parties, with opposite ideologies, can intelligently debate...

Educational supervision-that is, the field responsible for preparing teachers for the classroom—is way behind the curve when it comes to embracing contemplative, holistic approaches to instruction.

Ironically, teachers, students, and the schools where supervisors work, have embraced the contemplative movement. For example, the mindfulness revolution has entered schools at an impressive rate. Yoga-based programs are in at least 1,000 U.S. schools. A...