The Connected Classroom: Social Emotional Learning and Wellness (Series Begins Jan. 8, 2027)

For this webinar series, participants will automatically be enrolled in all 5 sessions.

Speaker

Colleen Hogan-Mazzola, M.Ed., CAGS

Description

The Connected Classroom: Social Emotional Learning and Wellness is designed to help educators integrate social-emotional learning (SEL) into their daily instructional practices rather than treating it as a standalone subject. Through this webinar series, participants will explore strategies for creating connected classroom environments where both students and educators feel supported, valued, and emotionally regulated. By fostering these conditions, educators can increase engagement, strengthen relationships, and promote academic success.

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.

 This session will introduce educators to mindfulness—the practice of being fully present and aware of one’s thoughts, feelings, and surroundings without judgment. Through practical strategies and activities, particpants will learn simple, accessible ways to be mindful throughout the school day. The presenter will share strategies such as mindful breathing, intentional pauses, and reflective practices will be highlighted to promote focus, emotional regulation, and stress management while fostering a calm, inclusive learning environment that supports well-being and academic engagement.

This session will introduce educators to trauma-informed teaching principles, helping them to recognize the impact of adverse experiences on student learning and behavior. Participants will explore strategies to create safe, supportive classroom environments, building strong relationships, and responding to student needs with empathy and consistency, fostering resilience and academic success.

 This session explores the foundations of resiliency—the ability to adapt and bounce back from challenges—and self-esteem, a student’s overall sense of self-worth and confidence in their abilities. Participants will explore practices to promote self-regulation and co-regulation, normalize mistakes, establish connections, cultivate a sense of belonging, promote autonomy and validate emotions. Educators will learn practical strategies to foster a growth mindset, encourage positive self-talk, and create supportive learning environments that help students navigate setbacks, build confidence, and develop the skills needed to thrive both academically and personally.

 This session will help educators understand the principles of a growth mindset—the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through effort, persistence, and learning. Participants will explore strategies to encourage risk-taking, normalize mistakes as part of the learning process, and use feedback and language that promote students’ resilience, motivation, and continuous improvement.

This session will emphasize the importance of educator well-being as the foundation for effective teaching and a positive school climate. Educators will explore practical self-care strategies for managing stress, setting healthy boundaries, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance to support personal wellness, prevent burnout, and sustain energy and enthusiasm in their professional practice. Educators will explore practical self-care strategies for managing stress, setting healthy boundaries, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance to support personal wellness, prevent burnout, and sustain energy and enthusiasm in their professional practice.

About the Speaker

Colleen Hogan-Mazzola, M.Ed., CAGS (she/her) has over 30 years in the field of education in Massachusetts, including public school teaching, directing and Early Childhood Education program in a Vocational Technical High School and as an Education Instructor at a community college. She also taught preschool and owned and operated a small home child care and preschool when her own children were young. Colleen holds Bachelor’s, Master’s and Post-Master’s degrees in Early Childhood and Elementary Education and Early Education Leadership. Recently retired from the public school system, Colleen works as an Educational Specialist presenting  workshops as well as continuing to teach college courses in Education. 

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 at bonnie@mpyinc.org with any questions regarding registration.

 

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All sessions are 9:30 – 11:30 am

  • Session 1: January 8, 2027, Cultivating a Mindful Classroom
  • Session 2: January 22, 2027, Trauma-Informed Pedagogy 
  • Session 3: February 5, 2027, Helping Students Develop Resiliency and Self-Esteem
  • Session 4: February 26, 2027, Fostering a Growth Mindset
  • Session 5: March 12, 2027, Teacher Self-Care