Innovative Services and Programming
Our evidence-based programming and services support each in thriving.
Our Vision
Our vision is for an education system that prioritizes educator health and where teachers are prepared to engage student strengths and interests through meaningful and highly individualized instruction. We reference exemplary practices for gifted youth as a launching off point for innovation. The future of humanity hinges on the innovative and collaborative power of young people and we are committed to supporting each in bringing their best selves forward.
The Solutions We Create
The majority of schools in the United States are not designed to be responsive to individual student strengths, interests or developmental complexities. In placing too much emphasis on process oriented tasks, schools often fail to engage the portions of the brain critical for learning and innovation. Furthermore, student mental health is reaching crisis level and only 1 in 5 U.S. teens report feeling a sense of purpose. SoulSpark Learning’s research informed approach provides a roadmap to change. Informed by IRB approved research registered with the Library of Congress, SoulSpark Learning’s programming and services support the interdependent aspects of development that impact life outcomes.
So Each Thrives
Students who receive meaningful instruction responsive to their developmental complexities are prepared to lead healthy lives and be agents of positive change. The SoulSpark Learning approach to instructional design prioritizes educator well-being and considers the interdependent aspects of development that impact life outcomes. This full day workshop is for educators looking to: 1.) Grow as leaders in designing instruction responsive to the nuances of student development. 2.) Connect with bright educators who are both scientists and artists creatively applying the latest research in practice. 3.) Learn new strategies, tools and practices to integrate into the classroom. 4.). Be more effective agents of positive change.
Gather 15 or more educators and we will come to you with masks and physical distancing or via Zoom.
When You Need an Expert Eye
To Celebrate Exceptional Practices
SoulSpark Learning’s™ strengths focused, participatory approach identifies and builds upon exceptional practices and supports educators in talking about the science behind their instructional choices. In focusing on the positive, we help accelerate growth.
Please contact us for an in-depth proposal outlining the process. Pricing contingent on a number of factors, including school size and project scope. Please note that we only take one program evaluation project on at a time. Contacting us early will increase the chances we can accommodate your schedule, especially if your organization is seeking to align the program evaluation with the strategic planning process.
To Share & Integrate New Practices & Strategies
We coach, consult and host professional learning experiences in partnership with schools, parent groups & community organizations. Frequent topics include:
- The SoulSpark Learning Model: What Exceptional Youth Need to Thrive
- Student Emotional Development
- Growing Changemakers
- Gifted 101: An Intro to Outliers
- Leadership Practices to Support Empowerment
- Identifying Historically Underserved Gifted Students
- Girls Leadership
- Individualized Instruction: Beyond Academics to Life Outcomes
- Healing from Trauma in the Classroom
When Educators Thrive, So Do Students!
In Memory of Ted Wachs, To Honor Bright Educators
Ted Wachs joyfully taught world history, psychology and geography and coached student athletes for 46 years. He was a pioneer in holistic education who influenced the SoulSpark Learning approach to instructional design.
Each year we celebrate at least one educator who shares Ted’s passion for teaching through a $400 award named after him. Why $400? Ted recognized the wisdom in indigenous education practices oriented by the four directions. Beginning in the east, educators first cultivate feelings of belonging among EVERY students. The final direction, north, represents generosity, the measure of a good education.
Keep an eye out for the call for nominations that publishes each October.
To Free Both the Oppressed & the Oppressor
Because Children Excel When Held in Community
Soul Power Care groups unite and activate caregivers to deepen understanding of human development and learning science research.
Our goals are to build connection through education, and to develop and deepen community understanding of the following:
-How EQ Skills Improve Outcomes
-How to Activate and Grow the Brain
-How Toxic Stress Stunts Growth
-To Nurture Healthy School Climates and Teacher Retention
-To Prepare Kids For the Careers of the Future
-To Foster Connection & Purpose
To Move from SMART to Intelligent Goals
In the state of Colorado, each student who is identified as gifted, is mandated to have an Advanced Learning Plan (ALP) that includes at least one academic and one affective goal. For a variety of reasons (including educators having unrealistic case loads), not all ALPs are high quality.
SMART goals are best practice, yet are not a guarantee a students will be challenged and nurtured. For this reason, SoulSpark Learning created an ALP Guide to support evidence-based practices and streamline processes. Included is a menu of strategies to support the development of different emotional skills. As academic goals are project based, the resulting work samples can be used as part of a body of evidence to identify gifted youth, especially when there is a mismatch between student strengths and test design. The ALP guide can also be used as a homeschooling foundation.We are happy to provide this resource to our community.
Please email info@soulsparklearning.org if you would like a copy. In return, please consider taking the brief survey that accompanies the guide to help us better understand use of the tool and to support grant writing efforts.
Bring Soul Power Care Groups to Your Area!
The Colorado Health Foundation is bringing health in reach for all Coloradans by engaging closely with communities across the state through investing, policy advocacy, learning and capacity-building.
\We are grateful to be able to compensate caregivers to become certified Soul Power Care Group facilitators AND facilitate Soul Power Care Groups free of charge courtesy of a generous grant from the Colorado Health Foundation in the following counties: Saguache, Costilla, Prowers, Baca, Conejos, Otero, Las Animas, Huerfano, Crowley, and Bent
The Colorado Health Foundation is bringing health in reach for all Coloradans by engaging closely with communities across the state through investing, policy advocacy, learning and capacity building.
Details on an in-person Soul Power Care Group training in Southeastern Colorado (December 2021) coming soon!
Virtual trainings for your community can be scheduled with flexibility in mind–to set yours up, please contact us via the form be
