In-Service Workshops

Helping Children Develop Resiliency and Self-Esteem is a professional development workshop designed to support educators in nurturing children’s emotional strength and positive sense of self. The workshop explores how supportive relationships, responsive teaching practices, and inclusive learning environments help children manage challenges, build confidence, and develop perseverance. Participants will reflect on their own interactions, learn practical strategies to foster independence and self-regulation, and gain tools to promote resilience and healthy self-esteem in everyday classroom experiences. This workshop is intended for PreK - Gr. 2 staff.

Perhaps the most important part of a person’s identity is their name and the story behind it. Pronouncing one’s name correctly (by practicing it when necessary) is an authentic connection with both students and adults. In my experience, when learning, using and sharing the story of their name, students and teachers are afforded the opportunity to be in a learning community that is welcoming and supportive of the academic achievement and success of the entire community.

Through this interactive session, attendees will work toward the following outcomes:

• Practice and bring to life the Peace and Justice Institute Principles of “How We Treat Each Other” to promote an equitable, welcoming and inclusive community.
• Develop trust and sensitivity among people who might otherwise not interact with one another.
• Use authentic storytelling to build bridges between different groups, and identify ways to be “allies” so as not to collude through silence.
• Identify specific action steps and realistic goals going forward.

Many building-level school administrators enter the role unprepared to make adaptive, emotionally responsive decisions when faced with behavioral, social-emotional, and functional challenges. Traditional preparation programs emphasize academic leadership and operational management but often neglect the emotional intelligence, co-regulation, and crisis-response skills that are essential in today’s school environments.

Teaching is not just about lessons and grading. Most teacher training focuses on content and classroom management but provides little training in emotional intelligence, co-regulation, and restorative responses. These skills are essential for making adaptive, emotionally responsive decisions in the moment when students present behavioral, social emotional, or functional challenges. In this workshop, we will use the REAL Framework and CORE practices to help you stay calm, support students, and create a classroom where everyone feels safe and ready to learn.