This thought provoking webinar explores the challenges facing today’s schools and how educators can work toward creating meaningful systemic change. As students’ needs become increasingly complex, we need to examine how our schools can grow to meet those needs. Too often, educators work within isolated roles, often creating gaps where the most complex challenges emerge. Schools must strengthen collaboration between General and Special Education to provide coordinated, effective support for all students. Many current practices no longer align with today’s educational realities, a disconnect that is especially evident in our approach to behavioral interventions. Join us for an engaging discussion as we examine the systemic challenges contributing to educator stress, explore how today’s education system has evolved, and identify collaborative solutions to create healthier, more sustainable learning environments for both educators and students.
To receive PDPs and CEUs, participants must attend all 5 sessions, either live or via the recording, and successfully pass a quiz following Session 5. Within 24 hours of the live webinar, registrants will be emailed a link to view the recorded webinar. The recording will be made available for 7 days after each session.
All sessions will include educators and administrators who will participate in a panel discussion about their experiences in education. The format of this webinar will not be lecture-based; it will be a dialogue among educators and administrators, and workshop participants can ask questions or offer their thoughts and views on the topics discussed.
Sample questions below will be posed to the panel participants by the facilitator.
- How did you begin working in education?
- Have you thought about leaving education? What are your reasons?
- Why is there a divide between IDEA and general education?
- When did special education and general education teachers compartmentalize their roles, and is this best for students with special needs?
- Is SEL really working? How do you see it being practiced in your school? District?
- How do Internal vs. External stresses impact our school cultures?
- How is Leadership influencing the culture in your school?
- How has your job changed in the last 5, 10, 15 years? As a teacher, paraprofessional, and administrator.
- What needs to change to attract more educators into our public schools?
Speakers
- Speaker 1
- Speaker 2
- Session 1: April 2, 2027
- Session 2: April 9, 2027
- Session 3: April 16, 2027
- Session 4: April 30, 2027
- Session 5: May 7, 2027
About the Speakers
Patric Barbieri, M.Ed.
Patric Barbieri, M.Ed., (he/him) has dedicated 40 years to special education and administration. Although he graduated with a degree in business, Patric found his true calling in education, beginning his journey as a paraprofessional. He subsequently served as a special education teacher before moving into leadership roles as an educational coordinator, program director, and ultimately, the Executive Director of the LABBB Collaborative, from which he retired in 2021.
Patric remains deeply active in the field as a consultant and speaker. Drawing on over 40 years of personal mindfulness practice, he leads workshops on organizational behavior and developing mindful school cultures. He is particularly known for his innovative framework for managing stress, which he calls “Positive Anxiety.” Additionally, Patric continues to support public school districts through comprehensive program evaluations and professional development training.
Membership Information
Most MPY webinars are available ONLY to current staff from member districts and organizations. Public school memberships include police and fire personnel. Former and retired employees and members of committees, including but not limited to, PTO/PTA, PAC, School Improvement Councils, Health Councils, Drug/Alcohol Councils, and school volunteers, are not considered MPY members.
PDPs and CEUs
MPY is an approved Professional Development Provider through the Massachusetts Department of Elementary & Secondary Education (Provider No. F20180079). Professional Development Points (PDPs) are offered for most MPY professional development webinars. PDPs are issued in 10 hour increments, per DESE requirements.
Continuing Education Units (CEUs) are available for clinical staff through the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) and the Massachusetts Mental Health Counselors Association, Inc. (MaMHCA). The NASW and the MaMHCA approve each event individually. CEUs may be given in hourly increments.
To receive PDPs and CEUs, participants must pass the quiz.
Event Cancellation Policy
If you are unable to attend a MPY webinar you must cancel, through Bonnie Mullen at bonnie@mpyinc.org, one business day before the webinar.
For MPY hybrid conferences, the date in-person registration closes will be posted on MPY’s website. Virtual conference registration will close one business day before the hybrid conference. You cannot cancel or switch your registration from in-person to virtual after in-person registration closes. Please email Bonnie Mullen with any questions regarding registration.