Mister Rogers preached importance of heart-mind education decades ago

Over four decades ago, Fred Rogers of "Mister Rogers' Neighbourhood" appeared before the US Senate to preach the importance of heart-mind education. It was May of 1969 when Mister Rogers made a plea to Senator John O. Pastore to support the Public Broadcasting Corporation (PBS) and educational programming that "gives the expression of care everyday to each child."

While Mister Rogers didn't use the term heart-mind education, he was calling for a return to the mindful practices in education similar to those taught by the MindUP! program, the Collaborative for Academic, Social and Emotion Learning (CASEL), and other essential programs and organizations today that support social-emotional learning.

Watch this inspiring video. In less than six minutes, Mister Rogers convinces Sen. Pastore of the importance of programming that deals with feelings and emotions. His moving speech not only gave the self-proclaimed "tough" Senator goosebumps but also led to the rejection of President Nixon's $10 million funding cut. Mister Rogers' Neighbourhood would go on to become the second longest running show on PBS, after Sesame Street.

If you remember any lessons of heart-mind education that you learned from Mister Rogers or if you have any comments on the importance of mindfulness in education, let us know on Facebook.

Stay tuned for the launch of a new DLC program. The Center for the Advancement of Heart-Mind Education (CAHME), which has been supported by His Holiness the Dalai Lama, will aim to ensure that the teaching of mindful awareness and compassion has a place in education. For more information on CAHME, check out our programs in development.