Stories & Voices
Circles are a container for so much that Morningside Center does. From my first day as the new writer at Morningside, it was clear that they are foundational to our work, but as someone who had never…
TeachableMoment
In the wake of the 2024 presidential election, educators are looking for ways to address students' anxieties, build the classroom and school community, counter bias and harassment, and address…
TeachableMoment
This week and the post-election period will likely be an emotionally charged time for you and your students. It is crucial to collectively name and acknowledge this. We offer the following…
TeachableMoment
This lesson consists of two readings on the issue of President Biden’s proposal to reform the Supreme Court. The first reading reviews the binding code of conduct that the White House has proposed,…

Our Work

We partner with district leaders and school leaders to…

Build community

Build community in their schools and classrooms

Strengthen students’ social and emotional skills

Strengthen students’ social and emotional skills

Increase equity through restorative practices

Increase equity through courageous conversations on race

Our Approach

Together with educators, we create joyful, productive, and equitable schools by weaving together three approaches:
Students doing a Heart Story activity

Young people and adults learn and practice skills to help them do well in school and in life.

Students doing a Heart Story activity
Students in a Building Belonging circle

Young people stay connected through processes that foster a caring and equitable school community.

Students in a Building Belonging circle
Racial Equality

School staff increase their cultural competency and ensure that school systems and structures elevate every child.

Racial Equality

What does equitable public education look like? 

Watch our brand new video to learn about how we work to center equity, joy and justice every step of the way.

Watch with Spanish subtitles.

I can't thank you enough for all the resources, support, and encouragement! This program is breathing new life and meaning into my teaching. It is bringing new conversations into our teaching lives and friendships. 

Y. Gray, Robert F. Wagner School, Manhattan

The impact of this work is apparent in our data, including our academic performance and surveys of teachers, students, and parents, which show how much trust there is between students and staff.  Suspensions are now a rarity in our school. We don’t need suspensions to sustain student engagement and respect.

Patrick Burns, Principal, MS 217, Queens

The circle helps me connect with the students and the school and the staff. My favorite moment is when everyone comes together, becomes a family…and just shares.

Fredy, 12th grade student, Green School, Brooklyn

Interested in Working with Morningside?

What's New?

Fresh TeachableMoment lessons, readings & announcements
News
Circles are a container for so much that Morningside Center does. From my first day as the new writer at Morningside, it was clear that they are foundational to our work, but as someone who had never been in a Circle I really needed to know: exactly what is a Circle? And why are they so foundational? Thus began my journey to learn how Morningside practices, teaches and continues to improve how we facilitate Circles across SEL, restorative practices and racial equity.
TeachableMoment
This two-part lesson consists of two readings on the efforts to confront mental health stigma in the United States. Each reading is followed by a post-reading microlab activity where students discuss mental health issues in their own lives with their peers. 
TeachableMoment
Nine suggestions for supporting students and strengthening your classroom community in these challenging times. Some are quick and easy, to calm the mind and body, keep in your pocket and have at the ready. Others are more complex for a full- or half-period lesson, and can build on one another.
TeachableMoment
In the wake of the 2024 presidential election, educators are looking for ways to address students' anxieties, build the classroom and school community, counter bias and harassment, and address political issues raised by the election.