2025 Summer Symposium

Post COVID, educator burnout and disruptive student behavior has soared to record highs. It has left fragile educational systems stretched to the max. In this session, audience members will gain a new lens, the Polyvagal Theory, through which to interpret the current state of education. Not only will participants be able to view the current crisis differently, they will begin to understand what needs to be done differently to effectively address the current moment.

Twice a year, Sycamore Middle School collaboratively implements a school-wide day focused on SEL.  We call this, our SEL-ebration Day.  This is a day we put action behind the culture we intend to collecively create with emphasis on positive relationships, mindful community, and joy of learning.  The video below will give you a good sense of what we set out to accomplish with one of these SEL-ebrations days:


Introducing the SMS SEL-ebration Day


Our hope is to share the vision and value behind this day as well as provide the tools you might need to start planning a day like this for your school too!

Students who have experienced trauma often navigate the world with a heightened sense of caution, making it challenging for them to build trust and connections with adults in the education setting. Strong relationships are the foundation of healing and resilience. Seeing the student for who they are, rather than noticing what they do because of their possible trauma, is paramount to supporting them in building resilience. We want to develop victors, not create victims. In this breakout session, participants will explore practical strategies to foster meaningful relationships WITH students who may be guarded, skeptical, or struggling to trust adults.
We will unpack what it truly means to show up for students in ways that feel safe and supportive. We will define and reflect on resilience, discuss the 4 trauma responses, and reflect on how belonging is the key to creating “Brave Spaces” for our students. 

By the end of the session, participants will walk away with:

• A deeper understanding of trauma’s impact on student trust and relationships.
• Restorative strategies to build trust through consistency, empathy, and student-centered support.
• Tools for fostering a safe, inclusive environment that nurtures resilience and well-being.

This session is ideal for educators, school leaders, and support staff who are committed to creating brave spaces where every student feels heard, valued, and empowered to thrive.