2025 Summer Symposium: Full Schedule

10:15am CDT

Words that Fuel: Empowering Students through Affirming Interactions

Thursday June 12, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am CDT

Words have impact! Harness the power of affirmations to enhance student relationships and classroom morale. In this workshop, learn how intentional affirming interactions can cultivate empathy, build trust, nurture students' strengths, and deepen connections, fostering inclusion and a sense of belonging. Using a healing-centered, strengths-based approach, you’ll master the art of delivering affirmations effectively and guiding students to support one another. Create a more affirming, inclusive, and positive classroom and school culture.

Speakers

TJ Jordan

Owner, Authentic Connections

TJ Jordan, LCPC is a dynamic facilitator, trainer and Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor who has mastered the art of engaging and empowering youth and training the adults who serve them. His innovative approach to youth empowerment is a culmination of over 15 years of direct... Read More →

Thursday June 12, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am CDT
Talcott Room C

Breakout #1

global Y

12:15pm CDT

Building a Connected Campus: A Whole-School Approach to Social-Emotional Learning

Thursday June 12, 2025 12:15pm - 1:15pm CDT

Talcott Room C

In this engaging session, you will learn how to design, implement, and adapt a comprehensive school-wide Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) program tailored to meet the unique needs of your school community. We will explore practical programs, proven strategies, and innovative ideas that drive meaningful SEL integration. Attendees will leave with clear, actionable steps and personalized action plans to support SEL success within their schools. Throughout the session, there will be opportunities for interactive Q&A to ensure that your specific questions and challenges are addressed. Join David Lerch, Principal of ROE 45 Safe School, for an informative experience on building and sustaining an impactful SEL initiative.

Speakers

David Lerch

Safe School Director & Educational Programs Coordinator, ROE 45 - Red Brick Safe School

David Lerch has been teaching for 17 years. He graduated with his bachelor’s degree from Illinois College in 2007, his master’s degree from SIUE in 2010 and his EDS in Principalship from SIUE in 2023. He’s taught a variety of grades from 5th grade to 8th grade. He has also... Read More →

Thursday June 12, 2025 12:15pm - 1:15pm CDT
Talcott Room C

Breakout #2

1:30pm CDT

Practical Strategies for Building Resilience in Students

Thursday June 12, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm CDT

Talcott Room C

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.

Speakers

Faith McNamee

Summit Academy-Assistant Director of School Improvement, ROE #4

After spending 3 years teaching special education at the elementary level and 7 years as a middle school teacher in an alternative school serving students with significant emotional needs, McNamee jumped on board at Summit Academy this year in an admin role. This new adventure began... Read More →

Thursday June 12, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm CDT
Talcott Room C

Breakout #3