Jolene Johnson, EdD, was recenly named the director of the MMI Department of Education and Child Development. Read more about Dr. Johnson here.
Over the past 18 months, the MMI Department of Education and Child Development has seen firsthand the innovation, dedication and perseverance shown by teachers, educators and staff statewide in schools, early childhood centers and afterschool programs in addressing the pandemic — socially, emotionally and academically. Department projects highlight the importance of continued support for students and educators as we begin the new school year.
Out- of-school time and afterschool programs for students accelerate learning stagnated by the pandemic by providing experiences and opportunities they might not have otherwise. The 150 Nebraska 21st Century Community Learning Centers serve more than 20,000 students annually, with approximately 19% of those students receiving special education services. Afterschool programs partner with those in their community to provide STEM, art, outdoor living, cooking, digital arts, photography and even skateboarding. Finally, students who participate in the programs report high levels of belonging — important because students who feel a sense of belonging attend school at higher rates, have a greater sense of well-being and higher levels of academic achievement.
Educator and student well-being continues to be a focus as the department provides support, resources, and materials to foster self-care and mindfulness practices. Due to grant funding, mindfulness strategies continue to be implemented in early childhood programs across the state and with national partners, affecting more than 300 early childhood teachers and even more children. Across programs, a common theme was one of gratitude for having mindfulness strategies as part of the social emotional toolkits, even for the infants and toddlers.
As one teacher stated, "I am realizing how important it is to use mindfulness with young children. I realize that if we can start teaching the children at a young age, maybe by the time they are a teenager they will have coping skills that they can turn to."
As the new director, I am excited and grateful for the opportunity to continue working with schools, educators, parents, and communities who are all supporting students on their paths to success.