This May, educators have a special resource to support wellbeing in their schools: a daily Happiness Calendar designed to inspire humility, empathy, and deeper connection among students and staff, curated by the Greater Good Science Center.
- Daily tips promote humility and belonging in schools
- Summer series to deepen empathy and connection skills
- Special event features a virtual screening and discussion on awe
What happened
The Greater Good Science Center released its May 2026 Happiness Calendar specifically for educators. This calendar acts as a day-by-day guide to help build kinder and happier school environments where everyone feels they belong. The theme for this month is the quiet strength of humility, highlighted through daily suggestions that encourage reflective and inclusive behaviors.
In addition to the calendar, the Center is hosting a summer community of practice called Bridging for Belonging. This program spans seven sessions and invites educators to explore aspirational approaches to fostering empathy, curiosity, and intellectual humility. The goal is to promote deeper connections among individuals within educational settings, with a focus on authentic listening and collective healing.
Why it feels good
Focusing on humility as a daily practice supports an environment where kindness and respect flourish naturally. Humility allows educators and students alike to recognize their shared humanity and embrace learning from each other without ego or judgment, which nurtures positive relationships and well-being.
Building empathy, curiosity, and intellectual humility together creates powerful opportunities for authentic connection and community healing. When schools prioritize these qualities, they become spaces where everyone’s voice is valued and students feel more secure, supported, and motivated to thrive both socially and academically.
What to enjoy or watch next
On May 13, educators and community members are invited to join a virtual screening and live conversation with the creators and scientists behind a new PBS Kids special titled Wowsabout. This event explores the emotion of awe, aligning with the calendar’s theme of fostering wonder and connection in education.
For ongoing development, educators can register for the Bridging for Belonging summer series, which offers guided discussions and activities to deepen skills in empathy and humility. The clickable calendar is also available online for daily inspiration, with technical tips offered for smooth access across different browsers.