In this engaging episode, Emily Fleming shares her journey from classroom teacher to entrepreneur in the field of yoga and mindfulness education. With a background in special education and significant experience in teaching yoga to children, Emily discusses how she identified a gap in the education system that led her to offer holistic wellness services to schools. This conversation explores how mindfulness and yoga can transform classrooms, enhance students' emotional regulation, and support educators in managing stress.  Emily also addresses how she expanded her scope from teaching students to include teacher self-care and family workshops. As she navigates the challenges of entrepreneurship, Emily's journey underscores the value of perseverance, adaptability, and the importance of investing in one's passion. Her consultancy now bridges the gap between schools' needs and sustainable wellness solutions.

Key Takeaways:

• Emily Fleming transitioned from teaching in a classroom to running a successful yoga and mindfulness consultancy, focusing on improving well-being in educational settings.
• Yoga and mindfulness in schools can significantly aid students in emotional regulation and provide teachers with tools for self-care and stress management.
• Emily stresses the importance of adapting services to address specific needs within school ecosystems, from classroom environments to after-school programs.
• Entrepreneurial success in education consulting requires perseverance, clear vision, and leveraging personal networks for growth and sustainability.
• Engaging parents and the wider school community in mindfulness practices can enhance the collective experience and benefits of yoga and mindfulness programs.

Guest Bio:

Emily Fleming (MAT, RYT500, RCYT) is a certified educator with over a decade of classroom teaching experience, a certified yoga instructor, and the founder of Yoga In Classrooms And Schools Consulting (YCSC). 

After three years of teaching special education on the West and South Side of Chicago, Emily spent 8 years teaching yoga and mindfulness as a daily enrichment class at a middle school in Baltimore, MD. During her time teaching in Baltimore, she developed a 3-year curriculum focused on using yoga and mindfulness as a means of exploring SEL competencies and incorporated Project Based Learning and Arts Integration into her curriculum. Emily founded YCSC in early 2022 and left the classroom in June of 2023. Through YCSC, she now empowers schools, districts, and other youth serving organizations to prioritize the well-being of students, staff, and families through yogic practices.

Resources:

• Summer School Lunch and Learn Series Registration : 
• Emily Fleming on Instagram: @YogaInClassroomsAndSchools
• Yoga in Classrooms and Schools Website: www.yogainclassroomsandschools.com

🚀Thanks for Tuning In! 

Connect With Us

Website: www.schoolafterhours.net
Newsletter: Afterschool Culture
Facebook - @schoolafterhours
Instagram - @schoolafterhours
LinkedIn - school-after-hours-podcast