MINDFUL ARTS SAN FRANCISCO Frequently Asked Questions:
How do I qualify?
We ask that volunteers have a dedicated mindfulness, yoga, meditation, or other similar practice before applying.
How do I apply?
Please submit this application on the San Francisco Education Fund website. We will follow-up with next steps once received.
Does volunteering take place in-person or virtually?
The majority of teachers have chosen in-person instruction for 2024-2025 school year. There might be a handful of virtual placements, but they are not guaranteed. At this time, plan for in person instruction unless previously arranged. Please check in with Program Coordinator, Celina Baldizon, @ Cbaldizon@sfedfund.org, with any questions.
Do you require vaccination for COVID-19?
Yes, we require COVID-19 vaccination for all volunteers. Currently, we require the first and second dose AND a BOOSTER shot to be completed before starting.
NOTE: As well as documentation of COVID vaccination, the San Francisco Unified School District requires that all community volunteers have a criminal background check performed (fingerprints) and provide proof they are negative for TB.
What is the time commitment?
Volunteers work in the same classroom, once a week, for the duration of the school year. A session lasts about 30 minutes. If there is more than one request at the same school, we try to get volunteers into two classes, back-to-back. NOTE: Due to travel time to and from the school, many volunteers choose to volunteer in two separate classrooms so they are at the school for a full hour.
I live outside of San Francisco, can I still volunteer?
It is easiest for those living in San Francisco to volunteer. Folks who live outside of San Francisco, yet live in the Bay Area are welcome as long as they are open to commuting for in-person lessons. Folks that live outside of the Bay Area or in other states are encouraged to look for organizations in their area. If none exist, and you are interested in starting your own or learning more, feel free to reach out to Celina Baldizon Cbaldizon@sfedfund.org and we will get you set-up with as many resources as possible.
What is the training like?
You are required to take ONE two-hour training. Our training sessions take place three to four times per year. Once at the start of the school year, another in the late Fall, and the final one in January. Currently, one training in November takes place IN-PERSON at the SF Education Fund offices at 15 Brush Place (off Folsom) , and the other two or three trainings take place via Zoom and last 2.5 hours (virtual) or 3 hours (in-person). During the training, our founder, Andrew Jordan Nance, provides a background on the program, gets to know each attendee, goes over many of the lessons in the curriculum, and answers questions from perspective volunteers.
Can you tell me more about the process of getting started?
As you fill out the application form, you will be asked to register for a training session, and to provide the names and email addresses of two references, among other items. As soon as you submit your application, an email will automatically be sent to your references, asking them a series of questions. We suggest letting your references know that the email might be coming from the San Francisco Education Fund so that the email does not get buried or go to spam. Once you have submitted the application, attended a training, been cleared for TB, both references have submitted responses, and your LiveScan results are in, you will be ready for a classroom placement. At that time, your Education Fund Coordinator will send you a list of open classroom placements and you can choose the one that works best for you. We typically share the open placements with you, and you can choose based on location.
Do I need experience working with kids?
Experience working with children is a plus, but not a requirement. We first and foremost would like for volunteers to have a consistent mindfulness, meditation, or yoga practice. Teachers will be present in the classroom to help with classroom management, discipline, and implementing mindfulness practices into their daily classroom routine.
Are there any costs involved?
*The San Francisco Education Fund has scheduled three dates this school year when you can have your fingerprints taken free of charge at our offices: 650 Mission St., 3rd Flr. SF. 94103. These dates are approximately one week after each of our three volunteer trainings. A nurse will be present to conduct a TB Risk Assessment as well. We will provide more information about this at your training.
You will need to pay out of your own pocket if you choose LiveScan and TB testing done outside of our office. The San Francisco Unified School District has fee-based fingerprinting appointments (for approximately $45) at 555 Franklin Street, 2nd flr. To make an appointment click Here. There are also many LiveScan services throughout the city where you can have your fingerprints taken FOR A FEE. Here is a list of those businesses: www.oag.ca.gov/fingerprints/locations. It’s a long list and we are happy to provide suggestions to make your choice easier. Please note that we cannot reimburse you for the cost of your fingerprints if you elect to have your fingerprints taken at any of the above businesses.
What if I’ve already been fingerprinted for another organization? Do I need to get fingerprinted again to volunteer with the Ed Fund?
Unfortunately, the state of California requires that you get fingerprinted separately for each volunteer role you pursue. If you have volunteered with the SF Education Fund in the past five years as a tutor, mentor, or mindfulness volunteer, you will NOT need to be re-fingerprinted.
How long does it take to get placed?
Typically, it takes about two weeks for us to receive your LiveScan results. If you have satisfied all of the other clearance requirements (references, any TB follow-up, etc.) you are officially cleared and allowed to volunteer in a school. It can take an additional 1-2 weeks to get placed with a teacher. Usually, it takes about one month from training to placement.
If you would like to proactively get your LiveScan started before training, please email Celina Baldizon @ Cbaldizon@sfedfund.org and she will get you the form. This can really speed up the process.
What are the lessons like?
The lessons were created by our founder, Andrew Jordan Nance, and are published in his book Mindful Arts in the Classroom. Using a trauma-informed lens, the book includes lessons such as breathing exercises, stories and activities, as well as accompanying worksheets. Volunteers are also encouraged to add their own creativity and expertise once they are comfortable with the curriculum. Andrew’s YouTube page contains lessons 1-10 with step-by-step instructions. You are welcome to use these lessons as written or adapt them using your own style. You are also welcome to bring in other practices, such as yoga, as long as you feel comfortable. As always, talk with your teacher and find what works best for their unique class.
I am nervous to teach on my own, can I shadow or partner?
Yes. You are welcome to shadow, or partner up with another mindfulness volunteer or to partner up with another Mindfulness volunteer. Partnering up can be especially helpful if you know you will have to miss a few sessions. Note: if you know in advance that you will have extended time away or out of the classroom, we recommend that you wait to apply until your schedule permits you to be around consistently.
How did MindfulArts SF get started?
Andrew Jordan Nance began teaching mindfulness under the auspices of the San Francisco Education Fund in the Fall of 2014. An accomplished actor, director, and educator, Andrew noticed the parallels between acting techniques and mindfulness and saw a need for this practice in schools. After studying with Mindful Schools, the Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley, and Spirit Rock Retreat Center, Andrew began teaching mindfulness with the SF Education Fund. He eventually published three mindfulness picture books for young people and a curriculum called Mindful Arts in the Classroom and MindfulArts SF was born. You can read more about Andrew’s story here. Andrew currently volunteers at Bret Harte Elementary School, providing mindfulness classes to the entitre school (pre k-5).
What is the difference between MindfulArts SF and the San Francisco Education Fund?
MindfulArts SF is a program operating under the umbrella of the San Francisco Education Fund. Andrew Jordan Nance of MindfulArts SF is the founder and creator of the program and content, while the San Francisco Education Fund is the liaison linking the volunteers to the classroom. Our Program Coordinator, Celina Baldizon @ Cbaldizon@sfedfund.org can help answer any questions regarding this partnership and volunteering.
For more information our mindfulness program, or to sign up for a training, CLICK HERE.