Free 8-Week Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) Programme for Teachers – Starting February 2026
We are pleased to share an opportunity for teachers (both current and retired) in Kerry to participate in a FREE 8-week Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) programme commencing in early February 2026 here in Tralee Education Support Centre.
This evidence-based programme is internationally recognised as the gold standard in mindfulness training and has been shown to significantly reduce stress, support emotional wellbeing and enhance professional resilience – benefits that are particularly relevant to educators in today’s demanding school environments.
What is the MBSR Programme?
Developed by Dr Jon Kabat-Zinn at the University of Massachusetts Medical School in 1979, the MBSR programme integrates mindfulness meditation, gentle movement, and psychological awareness to help participants:
- Reduce stress, anxiety, and risk of burnout
- Improve focus, clarity, and attention
- Enhance emotional regulation, self-awareness, and empathy
- Develop tools for sustained wellbeing in both personal and professional life
The programme is experiential in nature, with participants engaging in weekly group sessions, guided practices, and reflective exercises designed to cultivate lasting positive change.
This course is being facilitated by Ms. Deirdre Browne, who is completing the final year of her MSc in Mindfulness-Based Wellbeing at University College Cork. As part of her accreditation, she is offering this full programme free of charge (usual fee: €350 per person).
Programme Schedule
Weekly Sessions (2.5 hours each):
- Tuesday 3rd February 2026 (due to Bank Holiday)
- Mondays: 9th, 16th, 23rd February
- Mondays: 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd March
One-Day Retreat:
- Saturday 14th March 2026 | 10:00am – 4:00pm
Session Times (participants choose one option):
- Morning Group: 10:00am – 12:30pm
- Evening Group: 7:00pm – 9:30pm
(The final schedule will be based on majority preference.)
Location: Tralee Education Support Centre
Cost: Free of charge
Participant Commitment
To ensure the full benefit of the programme, participants are asked to:
- Attend all 8 weekly sessions and the one-day retreat
- Engage in daily home practice (45–60 minutes guided meditation and reflective exercises)
Given the interactive and supportive nature of the group process, places are limited to 15 participants.
How to Register
Teachers who wish to apply are invited to email
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by Friday, 14th November 2025
Please state:
- Your preferred time slot (morning or evening)
- A brief outline of your reasons for wishing to take part
All applicants will be invited to attend a short orientation session at the end of November (date to be confirmed), which will provide further details and answer any questions.
Why This Matters for Schools
Research shows that teachers who participate in MBSR programmes report:
- Reduced stress and burnout rates
- Improved emotional resilience and classroom presence
- Enhanced wellbeing, job satisfaction, and positive relationships with students and colleagues
We kindly ask you to share this information with your staff and encourage anyone who may benefit to consider applying.
Thank you for your support in promoting teacher wellbeing across our school communities.
