The Impact of the Happy OU Project on Student Success
News & Events
Leadership Presentation on “Sensitivity Essentials for Volunteers” | |
We are proud to share the recent academic accomplishments and recognitions of one of our esteemed project members, Professor Brenda Lloyd-Jones. Her contributions to the fields of leadership and diversity are helping to shape best practices and stimulate insightful discussions across various sectors. Recent Publications Lloyd-Jones, B., Bass, L., Jean-Marie, G. & Byrd, M. Y. (2024). Gender and diversity in the workforce. In M. Byrd and C. Scott (Eds.), Diversity in the Workforce (pp. 81-106). Routledge. Lloyd-Jones, B., Worley, J. A., & Byrd, M. Y. (2024) Generational differences in the workforce. In M. Byrd and C. Scott (Eds.), Diversity in the Workforce (pp. 188-208). Routledge. Lloyd-Jones, B. (2024, January 27). Be wise when ending relationships out of self-care: Opinion. Tulsa World. Retrieved from https://tulsaworld.com/opinion/column/opinion Recent Recognition Lloyd-Jones, B. (2023). Sensitivity Essentials for Community Volunteers: A leadership presentation. The Junior League of Tulsa, Inc. Tulsa, OK |
The Early Report on the Positive Effects of the Happy Teacher Wellness Intervention on Early Childhood Educators | |
We are delighted to announce the completion of a comprehensive analysis of the Happy Teacher Wellness Intervention, led by the commendable efforts of Tim Ford, which has evidenced significant positive impacts on the physical, psychological, and professional well-being of Head Start staff, alongside improvements in classroom quality. The study revealed notable increases in staff retention intent, hope, stress management, and instructional quality, coupled with a decrease in depressive symptoms, underscoring the vital role of holistic approaches in supporting educators as complete individuals. As we proceed to examine further the intervention's impact on teacher retention and child outcomes and expand our efforts to include rural centers and collaborations with Tribal Nations, we extend our deepest gratitude to our dedicated team for their invaluable contributions to this significant achievement. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue our commitment to enhancing educator support and well-being. |
The Happy Teacher Project team Won Another ACF Grant for the Peer-Effect Study! | |
We are excited to announce that our team has been awarded a federal grant to conduct a pioneering study on the effects of peer interactions on child development within Early Head Start and Head Start programs, including Educare, under the leadership of Principal Investigator Dr. Wonkyung Jang. This research aims to shed light on an often overlooked aspect of education — peers' profound influence on children's developmental and learning outcomes in classroom settings. We anticipate that this study will offer valuable insights and contribute significantly to the body of knowledge in early childhood education. Our team looks forward to sharing our findings and the implications of this research with the wider community. Stay tuned for updates on this exciting and impactful study! |
The Happy Teacher Project Team Represented Well at the American Physical Therapy Association Combined Section Meeting | |
Megan and Dr. Cheema recently showcased our project at the prestigious American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) Combined Sections Meeting. This annual event, a focal point for the physical therapy community, drew an audience of approximately 15,000 professionals eager to explore the latest advancements in their field. |
Welcome our new coaches and morning staff! | |
Healthy Snack Delivery | |
In our ongoing commitment to support the well-being of educators, we are excited to announce the delivery of a comprehensive selection of healthy snacks for our dedicated teachers. Prioritizing nutrition and wellness, we have carefully curated a variety of options that exclude traditional, less nutritious choices such as donuts, cookies, soda, and Oreos. Our aim is to provide sustenance that energizes and aligns with a lifestyle that promotes overall health. |
Make-over of the Wellness Room | |
We launched an intervention with a rural HS cohort this spring. Very exciting! We have successfully redesigned the wellness room for Spring 2024 participants. A quiet space where teachers and leaders can rest and decompress with soothing music, aroma, images of nature, soft lighting, a comfy chair, water, and healthy snacks. Great job, our team! Before: After: |