Teaching

Preparing Educators Through Wellness, Innovation, and

Whole

Child Education

With over two decades of experience teaching Pre-K students, elementary and secondary learners, undergraduate and graduate students, and in-service teachers, Dr. Stapp believes that every learner has the ability to grow when provided with engaging, supportive, and purposeful learning experiences.

Her teaching is grounded in the belief that wellness, relationships, movement, and connection are essential foundations for effective teaching and learning.

“Education is not just something we do, but rather it is the synthesis of all of the experiences we embark upon to bring the most meaningful learning experiences to our students, colleagues, families, and communities.”

— Dr. Stapp

Teaching Philosophy

 

Relationships Matter

● Learning begins with meaningful relationships between educators and learners.

● Students are valued as individuals with unique experiences, strengths, and perspectives.

● A supportive learning environment creates opportunities for curiosity, confidence, and growth.

 

Learning Should Be Experiential and Relevant

● The most impactful learning occurs when students can connect theory to authentic practice.

● Courses emphasize hands-on experiences, reflection, collaboration, and real-world application.

● Students are encouraged to become reflective educators who can adapt to the changing needs of learners.

Educators Must Continue to Learn and Grow

● Effective educators are lifelong learners.

● Dr. Stapp models this through continued professional development in mindfulness, yoga, wellness, curriculum development, and innovative teaching practices.

● She believes educators must care for themselves to fully support others. #ItStartsWithUs

Courses Taught at The University of Mississippi

  • Teacher Education Courses

    ● Planning and Teaching Strategies for Effective Classroom Practices

    ● Effective Classroom Management and Assessment Practices

    ● Social Studies in the Elementary School

    ● Art for the Elementary Classroom

    ● Music and Movement Integration for the Elementary Classroom

  • Wellness, Physical Activity, and Physical Education Courses

    ● Essential Concepts of Wellness Integration in the Elementary Classroom

    ● Methods for Integrated Wellness and Physical Activity

    ● Classroom Implementation of Wellness and Physical Activity

    ● Elementary Physical Education Methods

    ● Senior Practicum - Physical Education

    ● Student Teaching - Physical Education

  • Graduate & Honors Teaching

    ● Directed Studies: Professional Competency Research

    ● Honors Individual Basis Studies

    ● Graduate coursework focused on curriculum, wellness, and teacher leadership

Curriculum Development & Innovation

  • Three children working together on a plant grow tower with green leafy plants, indoors in front of a large screen displaying a YouTube video.

    Wellness and Physical Activity Endorsement

    Creator and Coordinator

    Dr. Stapp developed the Wellness and Physical Activity Endorsement at the University of Mississippi to prepare future educators to:

    ● Integrate movement and wellness into classroom instruction

    ● Promote healthy learning environments

    ● Support student well-being

    ● Connect academic learning with health and physical activity

    Impact:

    ● Provides elementary and special education majors with accessible wellness-focused coursework.

    ● Expanded online course availability to increase accessibility for teacher candidates.

  • A woman standing in front of a green hedge backdrop, wearing a black t-shirt, red blazer, black pants, and black high heels, with arms raised and smiling at the camera.

    Growing Healthy Minds, Bodies, and Communities (GHMBC)

    Co-Director

    A whole child Pre-K4 curriculum initiative integrating:

    ● Mindfulness

    ● Yoga

    ● Physical activity

    ● Nutrition education

    ● Gardening

    ● Outdoor learning

    ● Social-emotional learning

    ● Family engagement

    Developed Components Include:

    ● 30+ standards-aligned curriculum lessons

    ● 36 mindful yoga instructional videos

    ● Teacher training experiences

    ● Summer professional learning retreats

    ● Family engagement resources

    Impact:

    ● Supports educators and children across Mississippi.

    ● Bridges university research, classroom practice, families, and communities.

Supporting Teachers Beyond the University Classroom

A stylized pink lotus flower with green leaves at the bottom against a light background.

Jumpstart to Wellness Professional Development

A five-part educator wellness series focused on:

● Dimensions of wellness

● Yoga for educators and students

● Mindfulness

● Teacher self-care

● Gardening and nutrition integration

Logo for Wellness in Education featuring a blue tree with a running figure, a lotus flower, a brain, and a heart rate symbol.

Wellness in Education Conference

A professional learning experience designed to support educators through:

● Movement

● Meditation

● Nutrition education

● Whole-child wellness strategies

● Classroom application

A logo with a person practicing yoga in tree pose inside a tree with multicolored leaves. The text "Growing Healthy" is above the tree and "Minds, Bodies & Communities" is below, all on a purple background.

Growing Healthy Minds, Bodies, and Communities Retreats

Professional learning experiences focused on:

● Whole-child education

● Teacher wellness

● Mindfulness

● Curriculum implementation

● Community building