Moments Matter: How Pivotal Moments Impact School Culture

Seemingly ordinary moments during childhood can have a dramatic impact on our lives - for better or worse. School districts must understand the importance of pivotal childhood moments, and explore opportunities for intentionally creating positive memories for their students. During this interactive presentation, attendees will:

• Discover the power of emotion when it comes to forming childhood memories

• Examine current research on how life’s defining moments are created

• Revisit and analyze the “turning points” of their own K-12 career

• Explore examples of how schools are intentionally creating positive moments for their students

• Create a lasting moment for at least one student or employee in their current school district

 

Growth Mindset: Changing Attitudes About Failure

Growth mindset is the idea that individuals can be successful as mastering a concept regardless of background and educational history. All of us have that one aspect of our life where we say “I’ve never been good at this, and never will be!” This presentation will challenge those false assumptions, and dive deep into the “art” of growth mindset. Specifically, during this interactive presentation, participants will:

• Reflect on their on their own perceived learning limitations 

• Examine current research on growth mindset

• Challenge perceptions that some aspects of learning are fixed

• Understand that mastery is possible when the conditions for learning are right

• Most importantly… have fun!!

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The Voice in Your Head: Dealing with Anxiety in Today’s World

Seemingly overnight, the number of students seeking mental health counseling has increased exponentially. While the medical community is working hard to combat this recent trend, societal forces such as smartphones and social media are making it nearly impossible to protect students from ongoing chatter in their lives. I have dealt with generalized anxiety for over two decades, and am excited to share my personal journey with you. During this interactive presentation, attendees will:

• Learn about my personal struggles and successes in dealing with anxiety

• Examine how smartphones and social media play a role in anxiety

• Explore the possible warning signs of anxiety in adolescents

• Understand why it’s important to acknowledge anxiety-related issues

• Receive practical methods for helping individuals of all ages deal with anxiety

 

Culture Hacks: Transform Your Organization Overnight

There is a famous quote that says, “Culture eats strategy for breakfast.” Transformational school leaders know this to be true, and are always looking for opportunities to promote and enhance their school’s culture. This fast-paced presentation covers dozens of ideas and suggestions for creating a culture where students look forward to coming to school and staff enjoy coming to work. Leaders at all levels will leave this presentation fired up and ready to implement a number of practical, creative ideas for improving school culture in their districts.

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The Power of Habits

Many people realize the power of compounding interest. But how about compounding habits? Effectively identifying and tracking habits may seem insignificant, but when practiced daily habit management have a dramatic impact on our lives. This presentation highlights years of psychological research on the topic of habits - how to form habits, how to break habits - and everything in between. Audience members will leave with actionable steps that will immediately improve day to day life.