Although my only training with this philosophy is Gentle Teaching Level 1, my experience as a part of a COR team supporting multiple individuals has been more valuable than any formal training. Having said that, I look forward to learning more about what contributes to Gentle Teaching, but there is nothing like being part of the culture rooted in Gentle Teaching. Prior to supporting with COR, I believed that I had a gentle approach and that my personal values aligned with this philosophy, but truly living and experiencing this approach in action have been transformative in a variety of ways. In my short time as a member of the COR team, I have a new understanding of interdependence, how it can be formed, and how it is maintained.

Learning about the four pillars of safe, loved, loving, and engaged has been transformative for me. Of all of the pillars, the concepts of being loved and loving have impacted me the most. Developing an approach of expressing unconditional love in my role as a support has helped me express love in my personal life which has helped me appreciate the richness of my relationships more. I find myself becoming more empathetic, patient, calm, and considerate than I was before.

Paired with a growing understanding of the four tools of Gentle Teaching, I find myself becoming more well-rounded as a professional in my role as a support. As I continue to strengthen relationships with the people I support, I have realized the impact of my eyes, words, hands, and presence as a whole. I find myself learning to become more intentional with nonverbal forms of expression professionally and personally. Since starting at COR and learning about Gentle Teaching, I now value bringing a gentle approach to strangers I encounter in all settings I find myself in which has made me a better person.

I strive to form the quality of relationships that my colleagues have formed with individuals as a result of Gentle Teaching. Being in a situation where I can learn and grow with different individuals as a part of a team has been phenomenal. I will be the first to say that I have a lot to learn with respect to Gentle Teaching, but I know that I am in the best community to advance my understanding of this approach.

Ryley,

COR family member