2025 Summer Symposium

Students who have experienced trauma often navigate the world with a heightened sense of caution, making it challenging for educators to build trust and connection. Yet, strong relationships are the foundation of healing and resilience. In this interactive breakout session, participants will explore practical strategies to foster meaningful relationships with students who may be guarded, skeptical, or struggling to trust adults.
Through real student insights—such as the powerful advice to "stay consistent, hear me out, and care about my well-being as a whole student"—we will unpack what it truly means to show up for students in ways that feel safe and supportive. Attendees will engage in discussions, scenario-based activities, and reflection exercises to better understand how consistency, active listening, and holistic care can transform interactions with students facing adversity.

Teaching is rewarding but also demanding. Together, we will explore practical strategies to create internal happiness, set healthy boundaries, and maintain a positive mindset. Learn how to harness gratitude, manage stress, and reclaim your energy to thrive both inside and outside the classroom. Let’s shift from surviving to thriving—because happy educators create happy classrooms!

Harness the power of brain science to transform learning and behavior in your school! Join Your Amazing Brain author Jessica Sinarski as she breaks down complex concepts into engaging, classroom-friendly strategies. Walk away energized, equipped, and ready to make neuroscience a powerful—and playful—part of your daily work.

This presentation will explore practical practices and activities designed to foster resilience in students.   Participants will learn how to implement co-regulation strategies that gradually scaffold toward self-regulation, empowering students to manage emotions and challenges with confidence.   The session will also highlight restorative conversations for conflict resolution and accountability, along with rounding to build connections and support student well-being.  Attendees will leave with practical tools and techniques that can be immediately integrated into their school spaces to support student growth and resilience.

"Start Strong to Stay Strong!" is a session designed to equip educators with the tools and strategies necessary to establish a conducive learning environment right from the beginning of each school day. The program emphasizes the implementation of rituals and routines aimed at fostering a sense of safety, belonging, community, and self-efficacy among students. By incorporating elements such as personalized greetings, purposeful partnering, community building activities, dedicated family time, and goal setting exercises, educators will learn how to create a nurturing atmosphere that sets the stage for successful learning experiences.

Participants will explore the significance of each component of the "Strong Start" framework and discover practical techniques for seamlessly integrating them into their daily routines. By prioritizing relationship-building and social-emotional development, educators will not only enhance student engagement but also cultivate a classroom culture where every individual feels valued and supported.

Moreover, "Strong Start" recognizes the crucial role of a positive classroom climate in optimizing tier one instruction. By laying the groundwork for a cohesive learning community, educators can facilitate more effective teaching and learning experiences, ultimately leading to improved academic outcomes for all students.

Join us in "Start Strong to Stay Strong!" and embark on a journey towards creating a classroom environment where students thrive, relationships flourish, and learning happens from the very first bell.

In today’s classrooms, emotional intelligence (EQ) is just as essential as academic knowledge.   We, as teachers, have to understand our 
own emotional intelligence and then leverage that in our classroom community.  This engaging and interactive session will 
explore how educators can harness the power of emotional intelligence to build stronger relationships, manage stress, and create a more 
supportive learning environment. Participants will gain practical strategies to enhance self-awareness, regulate emotions, and foster 
meaningful connections with students and colleagues. 

This session is led by the executive function experts of The Goalden System. As former educators Krissy and Kate are aware of the demands of overcoming obstacles and incorporate their understanding into this mindset-shifting presentation. Experience an interactive session and learn about what executive function skills are, how they help us thrive, and how improving these skills can support a more resilient community. Executive function skills are life-long foundational skills that can help empower individuals and improve overall well-being. By incorporating executive function skill development into community support structures, school districts and community agencies can become more aware of their own needs, identify resources and develop a toolbox of strategies that build confidence and resiliency.