March Moments

MISSION MOMENTS: MAY 2021

Inner Explorer created Mission Moments to keep you updated on the impact your support and generosity has on those we serve. We want to share not only program developments, but also the stories that warm our hearts and fuel our mission to reach ten million mindful children by 2020. A goal we accomplished because of you.
Thank you!

When you think of the word “superhero,” what comes to mind – super speed, invisibility, or the ability to fly, perhaps?

In the past few months, 50 teachers from across the country were honored for their extraordinary effort in personifying what it means to be a superhero. In a year marked by hardship, stress, and uncertainty, these honorees went above and beyond to support their students’ mental health and well-being through five key social-emotional skills: Mindfulness, gratitude, human connection, purpose, positive outlook, and generosity.

When practiced regularly, these social-emotional skills offer the opportunity for students and adults to develop their own superpowers – resilience, compassion, empathy, self-awareness, and determination, to name a few.


“If COVID has taught us anything in the last year, it is that students need these tools now more than ever. They need to learn how to deal with their emotions, how to identify their feelings, and know that the way they are feeling is okay,” said As Ms. Conceicao, a Superhero Teacher from Dwight Morrow High School.

As Ms. Conceicao alludes to, these honorees share one common belief: They know that social-emotional skills go beyond creating a supportive environment, they also give students the tools to succeed in life; this may come in the form of increased emotional regulation, the ability to overcome life challenges, and embracing differences.

“Ms. Raspanti has shown me that everyone in life is more alike than different. She takes time out of her day to hold mindful practices where we exercise our mental health. My mental health has dramatically improved because of Ms. Raspanti dedicating time toward mental health practices,” shares a student of Ms. Tina Raspanti of Mt. Lebanon High School.


When a child is experiencing chronic stress, their mental health suffers and they are unable to focus on learning. This creates a long-lasting cycle: Students struggle to keep up with academics due to underlying difficulties, which leads to falling behind in school and may eventually impact their ability to succeed beyond the classroom. Social-emotional skills break this cycle by interrupting the chain reaction of chronic stress, and teaching children how to process their emotions in a healthy way.

"Madame makes sure that we are always mentally and emotionally balanced before we learn,” said a student of Maureen Feeley, a Superhero French Teacher and chair of the World Language Department at Nardin Middle School.

On behalf of the entire Inner Explorer team, thank you to educators everywhere for being our everyday heroes that uplift and empower our students to reach their full potential.

Visit the LG Electronics USA Happiness League homepage to find the full list of Superhero Teachers and read more about the initiative.


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