In-Service Workshops

What are some of the challenging behaviors you are dealing with as you teach? Traditional discipline does not always have the desired outcomes we seek. Conscious Discipline utilizes everyday events to cultivate emotional intelligence through a self-regulation program that integrates social-emotional learning and discipline. Learn what Conscious Discipline is all about and how to apply the concepts in your role as a teacher or as a parent. This workshop is recommended for Preschool through Elementary staff.

Many children who may be identified as having behavioral struggles, may actually be managing the needs of their sensory systems. These systems process all of the internal and external stimuli that enter the body and brain throughout the day. By uncovering how each sensory system may be impacted, we can better understand the needs of the children we work with and more easily support their development and success in the classroom.

Many of our students have been exposed to trauma before ever entering our classroom. When children experience or are exposed to domestic violence and other forms of trauma, it can have a dramatic impact on their brain development. Every child has the incredible capacity to heal, and every child deserves a learning environment that fosters healing and resilience. This workshop will focus on the impact of child exposure to domestic violence and other forms of trauma; to help us better understand the behaviors a traumatized child may exhibit in the classroom and develop strategies to offer support.

This workshop will focus on seeing the value of many minority groups. It acknowledges the importance of understanding anti racism through the lens of equity. It centers on why cultural inclusivity and race matters.

When children have a genuine say in how they play and learn, something remarkable happens — curiosity ignites, creativity flourishes, and engagement becomes effortless. This dynamic, hands-on workshop explores why joy and agency are not just feel-good additions to the classroom — they are the conditions under which young children learn best. Grounded in current research and the growing play-based learning movement, participants will discover how guided play strikes the perfect balance between child-led exploration and purposeful teaching. Leave inspired, energized, and equipped with practical strategies you can use immediately.

Ideal for educators in Pre-K through Grade 3.

Creating awareness about mental wellness can begin in elementary school. This interactive presentation teaches children how to identify their emotions, develop coping skills, and build empathy. Suitable for grades K-4 and facilitated by a licensed clinician from Minding Your Mind. Recommended for Grades K - 4. Available in Spanish.

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.

Do you have a student or know a person who has "Given up” on trying to learn, feels like they are just not good enough, or outside or internal criticism has led them to believe that no matter what they do, their circumstance will not improve? They may be a struggling learner, and the pain of dealing with their disability, even though they feel they have tried to learn, has led them to constant failures, shame, and the inability to progress. This is a state called "Learned Helplessness." The person feels that whatever they do, they have no power to change their current circumstances. This can also lead to anxiety, stress, depression, and substance abuse. Dr. Martin Seligman theorized learned helplessness, which can leave a person feeling hopeless, passive, and lacking motivation or internal drive. Change can happen if we help a person rewire their brain. Changing the negative story they have been telling themselves is the first step in this process.

For many of us, we define ourselves by what we do professionally. This can be good, but also detrimental if we lose focus on everything else that life has to offer. In this workshop, you will assess your life in 18 areas – career and 17 others – to get a sense of your LIFE/work balance. You will also go through exercises to prioritize some other areas and set goals in them too. Finally, you will leave with a personalized, color-coded bar chart that reflects your 18 areas, which can be an excellent source of motivation, inspiration, and validation.

Get familiar with the newly revised English Language Development Framework (WIDA 2020) Standards, gaining practical insights and strategies to effectively support the linguistic and academic development of multilingual learners. This is an overview of the key elements of the framework including what has changed, what has remained, and how it applies to K-12 educators with multilingual learners.

This presentation is designed to educate students on the risks and consequences associated with marijuana use, particularly during adolescence. Through a combination of current research, real-life stories, and interactive discussion, participants will explore the effects of marijuana on the brain, academic performance, mental health, and decision-making. The presentation also addresses myths and misconceptions, peer pressure, and the impact of legalization on youth. Students will gain practical strategies for making healthy choices, resisting pressure, and supporting friends who may be struggling. Empowering and age-appropriate, this session encourages critical thinking and personal responsibility while promoting a drug-free lifestyle.

The Young Adult Speaker program is geared for youth grades 6+ and features young adults who provide educational programs built around lived experiences. Through sharing their experience with a mental health condition and related crisis, they challenge negative stereotypes, give hope and skills to audience members, and encourage students to reach out for help. Students also learn the signs and symptoms of mental health challenges and conditions, negative versus positive coping skills, the similarities between mental health and physical illness, the language and skills needed to have a conversation about mental health, and how to create a supportive school environment. This is facilitated through Minding Your Mind.

School personnel will receive an introduction of mindfulness exercises and learn how to use them with students. This training can be tailored for any staff although most often geared toward counselors and teachers

Teachers and parents will learn the “Power Down for Presence” process, proven to increase attention and focus for more efficient and productive homework time. As the ubiquity of the 24/7 digital world increases, the appeal of technology becomes even greater. The brain science supports the power of mindfulness to pause one’s use of technology and be present for greater mental and brain health. This workshop shares evidence-based research tools and skills.

In this workshop, you will explore your personal and professional motivation and happiness. Rate your current state and brainstorm on how to increase these. We will also discuss internal vs. external motivation and the Platinum Rule. Learn how to tap into others’ motivation and happiness too!