Moving Forward : The Daily Mile

Presenters

• William RussellFollow

First Presenter's Highest Degree Earned

M.A.

Year First Presenter's Degree Was Awarded

1999

First Presenter's Field of Study

Education

Institution Where First Presenter Received Highest Degree

Governor's State University

First Presenter's Institution

ICAN Foundation - The Daily Mile

First Presenter's Brief Bio and Description of Credentials for This Presentation

Bill Russell is a dedicated educator, husband of 23 years, and proud father of four. With over two decades in education, Bill began his career as a coach in football, baseball, basketball, and lacrosse, while teaching biological science, health, and physical education. His journey evolved into 16 years of school leadership, where he focused on empowering teachers to foster lifelong learning in their students. Bill is passionate about equipping young people with skills that support their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. As Program Director for The Daily Mile, he champions this free, inclusive initiative that helps schools build healthy habits, strengthen social-emotional routines, and enhance academic outcomes through daily movement. Bill believes deeply in the power of relationships, wellness, and joyful learning—and is always eager to support educators in bringing The Daily Mile to life in their communities.

Location

Ballroom D

Document Type

Individual Presentation

Primary Strand

Mindfulness and Wellbeing

Relevance to Primary Strand

The Daily Mile is a simple yet powerful intervention that aligns directly with the goals of mindfulness and well-being in schools. By encouraging students and educators to step outside for 15 minutes of daily movement, it creates a consistent routine that supports mental clarity, emotional regulation, and stress reduction. This intentional break in the day fosters present-moment awareness, strengthens relationships, and builds a culture of care and connection.

As a former coach and administrator, Bill Russell understands the importance of embedding wellness into the school day—not as an add-on, but as a foundational practice. The Daily Mile helps students develop lifelong habits that support both physical and mental health, while also giving teachers a moment to reset, reconnect, and show up as their best selves. It’s free, inclusive, and easy to implement—making it a practical tool for any school committed to climate, culture, and well-being.

Alignment with School Improvement Plan Topics

Climate and Culture

Brief Program Description

This session explores how The Daily Mile—a free, simple, and inclusive movement initiative—can be a powerful tool for promoting mindfulness and well-being in schools. Join Bill Russell and a panel of educators and implementers to discover how 15 minutes of daily outdoor movement supports emotional regulation, mental clarity, and stronger relationships. Learn how The Daily Mile improves school climate, boosts academic focus, and fosters lifelong wellness habits. Attendees will leave with practical strategies and inspiration to bring this impactful routine to their own school communities.

Summary

This session presents a practical, research-informed approach to embedding wellness and movement into the school day through The Daily Mile—a free, inclusive initiative that gets students outside for 15 minutes of walking, jogging, or running. Participants will explore how this simple routine supports mindfulness, emotional regulation, and mental clarity while strengthening school climate and culture.

The Daily Mile is easily adaptable across all tiers of RTI, MTSS, and PBIS frameworks. As a Tier 1 universal support, it promotes proactive wellness and relational connection for all students. In Tier 2 and Tier 3 contexts, it can be used intentionally to support students with targeted behavioral, emotional, or academic needs. The initiative also complements restorative practices and Conscious Discipline by offering a structured, relationally rich opportunity for self-regulation, reflection, and community building.

The presentation will feature real-world implementation models from educators and school leaders who have successfully integrated The Daily Mile into diverse learning environments. Panelists will share strategies for overcoming barriers, building staff buy-in, and aligning the initiative with academic and social-emotional goals. Attendees will learn how The Daily Mile can be used to foster relational trust, improve student engagement, and support teacher wellness.

This session is designed for educators, counselors, and administrators seeking actionable ways to promote well-being and whole-child development. Participants will leave with ready-to-use tools, planning guides, and ideas for adapting The Daily Mile to fit their unique school context. Whether you're looking to start small or scale across a district, this session provides a practical roadmap for making movement a meaningful part of your school’s climate and culture.

Evidence

The Daily Mile is supported by a growing body of international research demonstrating its positive impact on physical health, mental well-being, and academic engagement. Studies have shown that regular participation improves cardiovascular fitness, reduces sedentary behavior, and enhances mood and self-esteem in children. Evidence also suggests improvements in focus, behavior, and classroom readiness following implementation.

Field-tested in thousands of schools across diverse settings, The Daily Mile has proven adaptable, sustainable, and impactful. Educators report increased student engagement, stronger peer relationships, and improved school climate. Because it requires no equipment, training, or curriculum changes, it is accessible to all schools and easily integrated into existing routines.

This proposal builds on known research and field experience to offer participants practical strategies for implementation, alignment with school-wide frameworks, and long-term sustainability.

Learning Objective 1

Identify how The Daily Mile can be integrated into existing school-wide frameworks such as RTI, MTSS, PBIS, Conscious Discipline, and Restorative Practices to support student well-being and emotional regulation.

Learning Objective 2

Explore field-tested strategies for implementing The Daily Mile across diverse school settings, including overcoming barriers, building staff buy-in, and aligning with academic and social-emotional goals.

Learning Objective 3

Apply practical tools and planning resources to initiate or enhance The Daily Mile in participants’ own schools, promoting a healthier, more connected, and mindful school climate.

Start Date

6-1-2026 10:15 AM

End Date

6-1-2026 11:30 AM

Recommended Citation

Russell, William, "Moving Forward : The Daily Mile" (2026). Southeast Conference on School Climate. 84.
https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/secsc/2026/2026/84

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.