OTAN Digest - January 2025

Message from the Director

What does educator well-being mean to you? How do you prioritize well-being for your staff or yourself? How would you define digital wellness? As we wrap up one year and move into 2025, perhaps now is an optimal opportunity to reflect on these questions and your related practices.

In September 2022, OTAN released the first iteration of the California Adult Education Digital Learning Guidance (referred to herein as Guidance) and Chapter 6 focuses on fostering healthy, equitable, and inclusive digital communities. In the next 18 months, OTAN will enhance and expand this section of the Guidance to address how self-care for educators and students can help create inclusive and supportive in-person and digital learning environments. Keep reading to learn about three key areas of focus to help adult educators thrive while enhancing impact in the classroom.

Adult educators face unique pressures, from balancing diverse learner needs to managing extensive program responsibilities. Prioritizing physical, mental, and emotional wellness while establishing professional boundaries can help maintain a healthy work-life balance. This may look like participating in a meeting while you walk, eat well, or practicing mindfulness. Two resources for self-care include the Calm app (Kaiser provides this at no cost to members) and the science-based podcast, Huberman Lab.

Educators and students bring varied life experiences to the classroom. We can help develop inclusive learning through fostering safe spaces for discussion and learning, providing opportunities for peer collaboration, and connecting students with resources that address mental health needs. Check out ProLiteracy’s article on Using Universal Design for Learning to Design Self-Paced Professional Development Modules for Adult Education Instructors and access the UDL modules via LINCS(You may need to create a free account to access these resources.).

Using technology to enhance, expand, and engage learners in adult education classrooms is beneficial, but it’s also important to manage digital overload. Instructors and students alike can benefit from balancing online and offline interactions. Regular breaks from screens can reduce fatigue. Learning about digital citizenship is also essential.

When educators prioritize wellness, it creates a ripple effect that extends to learners, colleagues, and the broader educational community. By fostering self-care, promoting inclusivity, and addressing digital wellness challenges, adult educators can continue to transform lives while maintaining their own well-being.

-Renee Collins
Director, Adult Education