Archive: Professional Development

Vitamin N and Nature Based Wellness

Join Kim Hinzy, LCSW and certified Nature and Forest Therapy Guide to hop out from behind your screen and into nature for an introduction to promoting wellness and reducing stress and anxiety (for you and your kiddos) through engagement with nature and sensory experiences. Outdoor session will be dependent on ...read more

Addressing Compassion Fatigue and Burnout

We will discuss the signs & symptoms of compassion fatigue & burnout, evaluate your own level of burnout, and develop strategies to address compassion fatigue and methods of implementing self-care for you, your peers, and your students. Facilitated by Trevor Kramer, B.A. MHP, Manager of Behavioral Health Services DeKalb County (AID)

Practical Tips for Engaging and Supporting Families

Participants will have opportunities to understand risk factors and identify parental protective factors to improve outcomes with children/families. Facilitated by Dahlia Roman, NIU Child Development and Family Center

Lighten your Load with Laughter Yoga

Enjoy the lighter side of life and take time to laugh because these things are good for you!! Learn about the physical and psychological benefits of laughter and ways to build emotional habits that keep you smiling. The workshop will include Laughter Yoga exercises, which can be done in casual ...read more

Supporting Students with Trauma

Learn about trauma, how trauma manifests in children, and how to best support students that you feel may be experiencing trauma in and out of the classroom. Facilitated by Lynnea Erickson Laskowski

Local Support and Resources for Surviving & Thriving During a Pandemic

Join us for the kickoff of our FREE weekly brain health and wellness series where you will learn about local resources and strategies for addressing the many challenges to brain health and wellness as we live & teach through a pandemic. Facilitated by Patrick McMillion, AdventureWorks

The Science of Surviving & Thriving Despite the Pandemic

Yes, we know 2020 was traumatic. Now what do we DO with that trauma? This session will bring together SEL, equity, and neuroscientific concepts that help support a growth mindset in the face of fear, uncertainty, and change. Facilitated by Mimi Ojaghi, DeKalb ROE

Words, Words, Words: Their Importance in Literacy Development

This session will briefly examine the research surrounding language and literacy development from birth through 5th grade.  It will explore instruction that honors cultural practices and supports literacy achievement. Facilitated by Anne Almburg, DeKalb ROE

Less is More in Math Instruction

As we plan and facilitate math instruction, we want to ensure that we provide high impact strategies to engage our students quickly. We will discuss four strategies that include students in the learning the entire time so that we minimize distraction. Facilitated by Crystal Wash, DeKalb ROE