Educators are stressed and distressed. Many educators are seeking strategies to enhance their ability to cope with systemic problems in education. This course, “Applications of Happiness” provides in-person, experiential, and practical ideas for how educators can apply evidence-based happiness skills with themselves and in their school settings.
Course content includes: (a) Foundational principles of positive psychology in education, (b) why positive education matters, (c) evidence-based positive education practices, (d) strategies for applying positive education in your school setting, and (e) positive education goal-setting. This course has two parts. Part one is an in-person workshop-style training. Part two involves a deeper exploration of the research that informs Happiness practices (instruction to be completed over Zoom), and an independent writing assignment regarding how you will apply positive education strategies in your school setting.
Class meets live and in person on August 6 and 7, 2025 in Billings, and then over Zoom for a total of eight (8) hours throughout the remainder of August. To earn OPI credit, you must attend and participate in both in-person days. To earn University of Montana graduate credit for the course, you must attend both in-person days, associated Zoom class meetings, and complete a Lesson Plan (Application) assignment by September 15, 2025.
This course can be taken for 7 OPI renewal units, or for 1 graduate credit with credit/no credit grading. It is the student’s responsibility to verify the transferability of courses to their degree-granting institution and intended major.
This course is offered in collaboration with the 2025 Jeremy Bullock Safe Schools Summit, taking place August 5 & 6 in Billings at Ben Steele Middle School. This two-day, in-person event brings together educators, school staff, law enforcement, mental health professionals, and community leaders to strengthen school safety through collaboration, innovation, and shared learning. (Attendance at the summit is encouraged but not required to participate in this course.) With inspiring keynotes, expert-led workshops, and meaningful networking opportunities, the Summit is designed to equip attendees with tools to create safer, more supportive school environments for all. Learn more and register today at https://jeremybullocksafeschools.com/register.
This course is offered by the UM Center for the Advancement of Positive Education. If there are questions or concerns, please contact Torey Wetsch at torey.wetsch@mso.umt.edu.
To register, select the "Add to Cart" button below on the portal associated with your desired award, and follow the instructions through checkout. The payment gateway will not open until the end of the registration process.