The teacher in service was supported as part of a wellness grant that Laura applied for and received $500 for a staff wellness program. The money was used to purchase class supplies and exercise equipment to be kept and used on site by teachers. Everyone was excited for a professional development class on such an applicable and fresh topic! To gain support for the program, Laura talked with the teachers and asked for their signatures in support of the nutrition class.

“The response was extremely positive and enthusiastic!” shared Goll. “When I knew we had earned the grant, I emailed teachers letting them know that signups would begin and end on a certain and it would be first come, first serve, limited at 25. The signup sheets were posted early in the morning and there was a line in the office! It filled within minutes, with a waiting list for those who were closed. With the space we had, we had a cozy but very fun and purposeful time together.”

The LEAN Essentials class worked perfectly for the teacher in-service.  Laura followed the script and activities and everyone gave the highest scores possible in their evaluations. Many teachers said it was the best inservice they’d ever attended! They learned useful tools, such as how to read food labels, and now they feel confident to pursue this with their families and students. “For teachers to actually write that their only suggestion would be to make the class longer is nothing short of a miracle!” said Goll. “Teachers are usually watching the clock and sneaking in grading papers during the in-services.” L.E.A.N. Essentials engaged everyone, the pace had great flow, and the play component came at the perfect time to get up, moving, and laughing! Laura brought fly swatters, beach balls, and balloons, and the teachers made up some incredible games.

Throughout the entire class, everyone learned so much from each other. Laura used the response, “What do you all think?” whenever a participant asked a question, and was amazed at how many answers each teacher had and helpful ideas they use to find the deals and shop smart on a tight budget. They remarked that “knowledge is power”. A visible passion rose in each one as they learned the reality of what kids are eating every day and how it affects their bodies while they are at the same time trying to focus and behave in class!

Due to such a positive experience with far-reaching influence, Laura hopes to extend this to other schools! She is excited to be a part of the impact these teachers can have on parents and children, and they are now working on getting a parent program started through the school.

“The buzzwords for schools right now are test scores and behavior, so that is a great way to catch a teacher’s attention! If other L.E.A.N. Coaches hear of a school that is trying to boost their wellness program and/or test scores, the L.E.A.N. Essentials workshop as a teacher in service is a great way to start,” stated Goll.  You can build relationships with key leaders at schools by having parents request nutrition classes and volunteering your time to teach a short class with the kids. Much of what is accepted and promoted is through the principal, and the lower the cost the better. New government wellness initiative is increasing awareness and grant opportunities which can help meet the need when there is little funding. When  marketing, the Education sell sheet with the child’s handwriting that improved through nutrition is very powerful, as is the sheet on the L.E.A.N. program’s proven efficacy.

Another option for teaching the classes are Title I schools.  Title I teachers are often open to varying topics to aid learning, and it’s a great way to form networks in schools. Laura is continuing to presented brief 30 minute nutrition segments at yearly Title I family nights, and is still in communication with several parents. “Follow up is key, and I’m always improving as I go, but I keep learning every step of the way!”

Laura’s L.E.A.N. Essentials program was truly a success by achieving the building of relationships among the staff as they continue to support one another to make real and lasting LEAN decisions that will positively impact countless generations!