Creating a classroom where students feel safe, accepted, and supported is essential to their personal and academic growth. Join Jim Kestner, a nationally recognized specialist in classroom management and youth character development, for a practical, hands-on professional learning experience focused on supporting students impacted by trauma and challenging life circumstances.

Participants will explore the science of trauma and learn strategies for building positive classroom environments grounded in empathy, consistency, predictability, and hope. Through practical approaches to classroom management and character development, educators will learn how to address challenging behaviors, strengthen student relationships, and empower students to develop self-respect, communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.

Topics will include:

• Understanding the science of trauma and its impact on students
• Using character-based discipline to support positive behavior and personal growth
• Facilitating interpersonal communication, collaboration, and problem-solving
• Responding to confrontational student situations
• Maintaining consistency while accounting for exceptional circumstances
• Incorporating trauma-informed practices into everyday classroom policies
• Establishing a safe, trusting, and supportive classroom environment
• Encouraging open communication and developing student self-respect
• Adapting the physical classroom environment to promote safety and success
• Helping students set goals and navigate uncertainty
• Supporting students experiencing changes in parent and custodial relationships

Who should attend?

This session is for teachers, school administrators, school counselors, social workers, and other student support professionals who want to strengthen their classroom management approaches and better support students experiencing adversity.

Join us to explore practical strategies to build classroom environments where students can develop positive relationships, navigate challenges, and feel safer, more connected, and more hopeful.

Time will be provided to take lunch on your own. Registration closes on Monday, Feb. 22nd, at 3:30 p.m.