INTERNATIONAL INTENSIVE TRAINING for LIFE-ENRICHING EDUCATION [Albuquerque, NM]

The Center for Nonviolent Communication proudly continues the legacy of Dr. Marshall Rosenberg (1934-2015) by offering this 1^stInternational Intensive Training (IIT) for Life-Enriching Education.

Marshall Rosenberg’s vision of Life-Enriching Education weaves Nonviolent Communication principles and practices into every aspect of the school experience. People who operate from this paradigm develop mindfulness, social-emotional intelligence,empathy, and restorative practices to resolve conflict — essential skills for co-creating a peaceful, sustainable world.

This IIT for Life-Enriching Education is a 9-day Nonviolent Communication “immersion experience”—for educators intent on exploring Marshall Rosenberg’s vision and its application in the daily life of classrooms and schools.

You’re Invited:  As a participant, you will join a dynamic team of CNVC Certified Trainers who have studied closely with Marshall and have worked in educational settings for many years. The Training Team is excited to share their wisdom and experience, their questions and learnings, as well as their favorite activities and tools. They will also support you to develop a uniquely inspired vision and a plan of action to implement a life-enriching education project of your own design.

Who this International Intensive Training is for: This IIT is intentionally designed for school teachers, administrators, and counselors, as well as NVC trainers who work in schools.  We define “school” loosely, and welcome educators working in a wide variety of alternative youth programs.

Format: This IIT is uniquely designed to offer Life-Enriching Educators the experience of participating in both a structured and an open learning environment. In each environment, educators can explore the breadth and depth of NVC principles, processes and ways to create and sustain life-enriching learning communities.

Days 1-5 - Participants co-create a “compassionate classroom” using the organic curriculum that Teach for Life! has developed over the past twelve years. NVC principles and practices are embedded in the Teach for Life! curriculum and all activities can be replicated for use in the classroom.

Days 6-9 - Participants choose sessions in an Open Space environment. Session topics include: Praise & Rewards; Practice in the NVC Communication Process; Creating Group Agreements ; Restorative Circles and other restorative strategies for resolving conflict; Engaging conversations with colleagues, administrators, and parents.

Trainer: Sura Hart 

I hold a vision for life-enriching learning communities where people of all ages learn together how to co-create a peaceful, sustainable world. This vision was first ignited forty years ago when my first child was born. I saw then how intent, how wired, we humans are to learn, and to love.

Since then, I have been exploring and experimenting with systems and processes that support natural giving, cooperation and co-learning. I have learned from students, teachers and parents at schools where I have taught; from educators at schools in the U.S., Canada, Costa Rica, Australia, New Zealand, and India; from educators at Teach for Life! residential retreats since 2001; and from my own teachers, especially J Krishnamurti and Marshall Rosenberg.

I’m excited to join the Teach for Life! team, fellow educators and NVC trainers at CNVC’s first IIT for Life-Enriching Education.

My books, co-written with Victoria Kindle Hodson, include Respectful Parents, Respectful Kids; The Compassionate Classroom; andThe No-Fault Classroom.

Find me online at www.thenofaultzone.com and www.nvceducatorsinstitute.com

Trainer: Jean Morrison

Being part of the originating Teach for Life Team since ‘06, I’m stoked to be part of CNVC’s first International Intensive for Life-Enriching Education I thoroughly enjoy working with adults who make a difference in the lives of youth. As an NVC trainer since ’89, I’ve worked with parents and schools (Montessori, Waldorf, Public, Religious, Home School, Pre-school co-ops) who want to optimize the learning environment for teachers, staff, and students.

My own educational background is in Elementary Ed, Speech Pathology, and Psychology.  I’m a founder of NVC Santa Cruz, Ca; and the co-creator of NVC learning and teaching products including GROK, Kids GROK, and Communication FUNdamentals.

This IIT is an exciting and stimulating setting for me to engage with motivated and committed educators who are eager to bring NVC back to their own schools and classrooms.  This is how I can participate whole-heartedly in the ripple effect.

Jean’s website: www.GROKtheWORLD.com

Trainer: Jared Finkelstein 

I believe that in a connected world it’s all about the quality of the connection.

Professionally, I work as a Certified Trainer with the Center for Nonviolent Communication facilitating individuals and groups in the practice of NVC.  I’m grateful for the the wide variety of learning communities I’m privileged to discover and serve through the work that I do.  I’m inspired by Marshall Rosenberg’s vision of Life-Serving Systems - places that weave the practice of Nonviolent Communication into the very fabric of their institutions for the purpose of creating peace and sustainability.  In my summers, I enjoy co-creating and engaging in this sort of community system design by working at NVC Family Camps - all age, 24/7 immersions into compassionate community and collaborative learning.  

In 2012, inspired by my involvement with Teach for Life!, I developed and led the “Tools for the 21st Century Educator: Nonviolent Communication in Schools” year-long program for BayNVC in Oakland, California.   

It’s a dream come true to be a part of this IIT Training Team and to collaborate again with Sura, Jean and Penny, as well as with educators from around the world exploring the systems and behaviors that nourish compassionate understanding.

Trainer: Penny Vine

I am thrilled to be part of CNVC’s first International Intensive for Life-Enriching Education. To spend nine days with others involved in education - exploring, playing, creating and learning from and with each other— is something I'm very energized to contribute to.

As an NVC trainer I bring with me over 30 years’ experience working in education with children, families and parents. For the last 12 years my work has been focused on our youngest children, from birth to 5. I have supported many early years educators in creating a quality connection with themselves, their children, other colleagues and parents—and placing relationship at the heart of all we do.

I'm especially eager to explore: Moving from a culture of praise and rewards towards encouragement and celebration; Creating a culture of gratitude in our learning communities; How an understanding of neuroscience supports us to deeply understand our younger children.

Venue: Madonna Retreat & Conference Center

​4040 St. Joseph Place NW

Albuquerque, New Mexico 87120-1714


Phone: 505-831-8196

Madonna Retreat & Conference Center rests atop the West Mesa and has a panoramic view of the Sandia Mountains, the Rio Grande River, and the City of Albuquerque. One can see spectacular Southwestern sunrises and sunsets. The Center is located eight miles from downtown.

Travel: The nearest airport is Albuquerque Sunport International Airport, about 14 miles. The Madonna Retreat is near highways I-25 and I-40.

Participants are asked to wait until their registration in the IIT has been confirmed before booking travel reservations.

Tuition Fee: Total IIT Fees consists of a tuition fee of $2,340 plus accommodation fee - as outlined in the tables below.

Discounts apply to tuition only and cannot be combined.

Accommodation Fees:

Vegetarian and non-vegetarian choices are available at each meal and are included in the accommodation fees.

Total IIT Fees consists of a tuition fee of $2,340 plus accommodation fee - as outlined in the table above - both payable to CNVC.

How to register:

1. Click here to fill out the online IITApplication Form, please follow the instructions in the form to make payment:
2. Applications sent before June 23, 2015 need to include full or partial payment, with a minimum of $100. The balance is due on June 23, 2015 . For applications sent on or after June 23, 2015, please include full tuition fees.
3. CNVC usually acknowledges your application within 5 business days; please contact the IIT department if you did not receive an acknowledgment within this time
4. If you would prefer a written application contact the IIT department and we will mail you one.

For questions please contact the IIT Department at 505-244-4041 or e-mail IIT