Presented by Carolyn and Ever Strong on September 1, 2026

This webinar is designed to equip educators with the mindsets, strategies, and tools needed to foster student voice and advocacy within and beyond the classroom. The session is presented by the inspiring team of Dr. Carolyn Strong and her 10-year-old daughter, Ever Strong, of Strong Conversations, whose personal journey highlights the power of intergenerational collaboration and the incredible impact a young person's voice can have on policy and practice.

Presented by Robby Clark-Stokes on August 25, 2026.
Taking notes often involves sticky notes, notebooks, or writing on whatever is nearby. But what happens if those items get lost? What if you have an idea but no place to record it? Join us to discover how Google Keep can help you organize all your notes and ideas and ensure you never lose them again.

Presented by Dr. Christopher Graves on August 11, 2026
Join presenter Christopher Graves for a discussion about practical strategies to start the year off with a plan for addressing attendance habits, and how evolve this plan throughout the year. A variety of evidence-based interventions will be presented, along with adaptable structures with which to implement them. We know we all want students to be in school to learn, so let’s discuss what works.

Presented by Robby Clark-Stokes on May 5, 2026.
The days of keeping a paper calendar are fleeing. Appointments, meetings, kids sports, and every other event in life have left us forgetting some of life’s most important moments. Join us and learn how Google Calendar can help you better track events and own your timeline!

Presented by Ali Tarokh on April 28, 2026
This professional development session will help educators, administrators, and school leaders deepen their understanding of refugee and immigrant students’ unique experiences and challenges. Presenter Ali Tarokh will provide practical strategies for creating equitable educational pathways, trauma-informed classrooms, and inclusive learning environments that support both academic success and emotional well-being.

Presented by Robby Clark-Stokes on April 14, 2026.
Whether at home, work, or somewhere in between, keeping track of everything we need to accomplish can be overwhelming. We email ourselves, write down lists, and tell ourselves to make “mental notes”... and still get it all mixed up. Join us and learn how Google Tasks can help you stay organized no matter where your feet are.

Presented by Andrew Marotta on April 9, 2026.
Want to get started podcasting but don’t know how? Though about the blog, but just not sure what/how to do it? Want to do more, reach more, be more? Come join Andrew Marotta as he takes you on an energetic and fun ride exploring podcasting, blogging, and more – Surviving & Thriving though it all. Andrew is a 20-year+ school leader in Port Jervis, NY as an Assistant Principal, Principal, and now Director of Communication & Academic Services. He uses podcasting, blogging, and other creations to uplift his district, Port Jervis Schools, NY, and spotlight the amazing educators and students he is blessed to serve. This will be fun, interactive & more!

Presented by Dr. Kevin Brown on April 7, 2026
This webinar addresses measurable and emerging disparities impacting boys in our schools, including literacy underachievement, disproportionate disciplinary outcomes, executive functioning deficits, trauma exposure, special education placement trends, and postsecondary enrollment gaps.

Grounded in presenter Kevin Brown's forthcoming book, Shadows of Power: One Gender Rose. One Lost Its Way. A Zero-Sum Reckoning for Us All, and informed by contemporary research including Of Boys and Men by Richard Reeves, this academy equips school leaders with practical, systems-level strategies to:

Analyze gender-based achievement and behavioral trends through a trauma-informed lens
Examine noncognitive skill development and self-regulation challenges affecting boys
Evaluate discipline, special education, and intervention frameworks for unintended disparities
Develop actionable building- and district-level leadership plans

Presented by Kevin Spainhour on March 31, 2026
School leadership is rewarding work, but the pace, pressures, and expectations can easily diminish the joy that brought you into education. In this session, Kevin Spainhour, a 12-year high school principal and current assistant superintendent, shares simple, high-impact habits that help leaders stay grounded in connection, authenticity, and purpose. Through relatable stories and practical tools, participants will learn how to refill their “joy bucket,” strengthen relationships with staff and students, and rediscover meaning in daily leadership. Perfect for leaders who want to lead with clarity, calm, and a renewed sense of joy.

Presented by Charles Williams on March 3, 2026.
Every strong school begins with a strong leader. This interactive session led by Dr. Charles Williams will help you cut through the noise of daily demands and focus on what truly matters. You’ll learn how to lead with clarity, reclaim your capacity, and cultivate care for both your team yourself.

Presented by Dylan Farley on September 24, 2026
The Whole School Approach (WSA) is a research-based framework that engages the entire school community including teachers, staff, families, and administrators to support both students’ academic growth and social-emotional learning (SEL). Rather than isolating interventions to specific programs or personnel, WSA integrates curriculum, school culture, and community partnerships to ensure all students have equitable access to support. The research conducted by presenter Dylan Farley and others shows that schools implementing WSA see improvements in academic outcomes, student engagement, and emotional well-being. By fostering shared responsibility and coordinated strategies, WSA creates a consistent, supportive environment where students can thrive academically and socially. This approach is practical and adaptable, providing schools with actionable strategies to address diverse student needs effectively.

Presented by Dr. Neil Lesinski on February 10, 2026
Effective communication is one of the most powerful tools school leaders have to shape culture, build trust, and strengthen community partnerships. In this session, Dr. Neil Lesinski will explore strategies for aligning internal and external communications so that messages are clear, consistent, and engaging. Participants will also learn how to empower staff, parents, and students to serve as authentic ambassadors, amplifying your district’s story and reinforcing a shared vision. Practical examples and actionable takeaways will help your team elevate communications from routine updates to meaningful connections.

Presented by Jeff Sefcik on January 27, 2026.
During this session, presenter Jeff Sefcik will share Stanton School's story of being a targeted school due to chronic absenteeism to earning a commendable status in just one year. Last year, with Jeff at the helm, Stanton School received its second consecutive commendable rating because of the committed work he and his staff did and continue to do as a trauma-informed school. Jeff will share how his staff, including the bus drivers, became certified trauma-informed specialists, how to improve daily routines and practices by being resilience-focused, and how changing the mindset from punitive to "Opportunities to Be Better" have impacted the student's behavior and social emotional growth. Stanton School's growth is validated by the data through significant improvements in student behaviors and daily attendance.

Presented by Desi Kobayashi on January 20, 2026.
This professional development session led by Desi Kobayashi will support school leaders in building knowledge, language, and strategies to effectively respond to harmful identity-based language and behaviors. Through this interactive session, participants will gain both conceptual understanding and practical tools to recognize and interrupt harmful language by cultivating practices that build empathy, cultural competence, and community responsibility. Using restorative circles, community agreements, and language resources, participants will learn how to speak up, listen deeply, repair harm, and strengthen relationships across differences.

Presented by Tracy Harrison on 1/13/26
Are you spending more time correcting challenging behaviors than acknowledging positive ones? Do you find yourself caught in a cycle of negativity that seems impossible to break? Are you supervising teachers and support staff who struggle to find the good in students?

Join presenter Tracy Harrison to discover how the science-backed ratio of positive to corrective interactions can dramatically transform your classroom climate and student behavior. You'll learn practical strategies to assess your current interaction patterns and implement simple techniques to achieve the ideal 5:1 positive-to-corrective ratio. Through data collection tools, technology aids, and specific praise techniques, you'll develop skills to "catch students being good" and pivot your attention strategically. Leave with ready-to-use methods that not only improve student behavior but also enhance your relationships with students and increase your own job satisfaction.

Presented by Dr. Brandi Kelly on Deember 16, 2025
Discover how hope can transform your leadership. In this 60-minute webinar presented by Dr. Brandi Kelly, you’ll explore the science of hope, learn the H.O.P.E. System for building resilience, and gain practical strategies to overcome obstacles and lead with purpose. Walk away inspired, equipped, and ready to turn challenges into opportunities for growth.

Presented by Dr. Mark Lahr and Zach Kettlekamp on December 4, 2025.
The Illinois State Police (ISP), Office of Firearms Safety (OFS) is proud to announce the launch of the Firearms Restraining Order (FRO) Outreach and Training Program, a new statewide initiative designed to strengthen public safety and save lives. Through this program, OFS will provide training and education to law enforcement agencies, school administrators, and community resource centers across Illinois. The goal is to raise awareness of the Firearms Restraining Orders as a viable tool for preventing gun violence and self-harm, while also ensuring that those who may petition for or enforce a FRO have the knowledge and resources to do so effectively. The program will also work to promote statewide consistency in how FROs are implemented. Special attention will be given to addressing inequities, ensuring that high-risk individuals and communities facing barriers to support have access and information to the protection FROs can provide. This initiative reflects the Illinois State Police's commitment to preventing tragedies before they occur and fostering strong partnerships with communities across the state.

Presented by Jane Kim on December 2, 2025
Devices, social media, and AI are designed to hook us into overuse, and no one is immune. This has snowballed into a time-consuming, costly burden on schools. This session, led by Jane Kim, shares a systems approach to social media and AI literacy that can change behaviors and school culture.

Presented by Dr. Stephanie Fike on November 18, 2025
This webinar, led by Dr. Stephanie Fike, is designed to help school districts understand the significant advantages of hiring and supporting second-career educators. Attendees will learn how these professionals bring diverse perspectives, a wealth of real-world experience, and a unique set of skills that can enrich the learning environment. The session will highlight the value of tapping into this untapped talent pool, emphasizing how second-career educators often possess strong communication, problem-solving, and leadership abilities. Additionally, the webinar will provide strategies for school districts to better support, and retain these educators, ensuring that they feel valued and equipped to thrive in their new roles. Participants will leave with a clearer understanding of how second-career educators can strengthen their teaching teams and positively impact student outcomes.

Presented by Dr. Stacie Chana on November 6, 2025
Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly shaping the future of education, yet without critical engagement, it risks reinforcing systemic biases and widening technological inequities. This session, led by Dr. Stacie Chana, empowers educational leaders to approach AI with a lens of equity and cultural responsiveness, ensuring that all learners are protected and informed about the challenges and opportunities AI presents. Participants will explore practical strategies for identifying AI bias, implementing responsible AI-driven decision-making, and developing policies that support ethical AI integration. This session will equip leaders with the knowledge needed to critically assess AI tools, advocate for fair and just technology use in schools, and guide students in becoming discerning users of AI.

Presented on November 4, 2025 by Denise Mytko
The world of work is changing fast. As school leaders, we have a unique opportunity to help students not just keep up but thrive by developing the skills they will need to navigate an ever-changing future.
Denise Mytko from Northwestern University's Center for Talent Development invites you to a webinar that will introduce labor market trends likely to shape future job opportunities and share strategies for fostering career exploration within a school community. You’ll learn practical ways to help students identify their strengths, explore a range of career paths, and prepare for the challenges and opportunities in the workforce.
This session is perfect for school leaders looking to build a culture of career readiness and equip educators with tools to actively engage students in their career exploration at any age.

Presented by Andrew Marotta on October 28, 2025
It is a whirlwind! An emergency room. A speeding highway of events, happenings, moving parts, and more--and you are in charge of it! You need this course in your life--Your Systems, Your Leadership by Andrew Marotta. This course has the "top 10" of techniques, strategies, and mindsets you need to survive and thrive in your day, week, month, and school year. Join Andrew for this fun, practical, and purposeful session.

Presented by Ilana Sherman on October 7, 2025
A recent study on Youth Help-Seeking Around Mental Health examines the impact of mental health education curricula in grades 5-12. The data is from student pre/post evaluations focusing on the identification of trusted adults and the students comfort in speaking with a trusted adult. The study and presentation from Shantal Saldaña provide clear recommendations for educators, classrooms and schools. Participants will learn about the latest data, impact of classroom-based interventions, and how to leverage data in their own classrooms to improve outcomes.

Every young person should have a trusted adult in their life. The Erika’s Lighthouse universal, Tier-1 depression education programs are effective at increasing help-seeking behavior by helping youth recognize additional prospective trusted adults and increasing their comfort level in speaking to a trusted adult about mental health.

Presented by Kimber Larson on September 30, 2025
This powerful presentation explores the lived experiences of elementary school principals who have faced unexpected, traumatic loss—and how those experiences influenced their emotional intelligence and leadership style. Through their deeply personal narratives, four key themes emerged: the importance of human connection, emotional insight, service to others, and finding purpose beyond loss. Join presenter Kimber Larson to discover how these leaders transformed grief into growth, offering fresh insights for leadership development, self-awareness, and the role of empathy in education.

Presented by Rebecca Francis and Devon LaRosa on 9/23/25
This experience, led by Rebecca Francis and Devon LaRosa, is designed for educators and educational leaders who seek to deepen their impact by leading with authenticity, empathy, and intentionality. At its core, "Unlocking Human Potential" recognizes that storytelling is one of the most powerful tools we possess to humanize education and re-center connection in a system that too often prioritizes compliance over compassion.
Through storytelling, we move beyond transactional interactions and into transformational relationships. Stories invite us to name our struggles, celebrate our resilience, and embrace the complex, beautiful work of becoming. When educators and leaders share stories—of growth, challenge, identity, and change—we open the door for:
Resilience to take root in our school cultures,
Character to be modeled and nurtured in real, human ways,
Trust to be built authentically, not assumed,
And transparency to become a cultural norm, not an exception.
This session offers more than theory—it offers space. Space to reflect, to tell truth, to listen deeply, and to grow. It is an invitation to recognize the stories we carry and the stories our students and colleagues carry, and to use those narratives as bridges—toward belonging, equity, and possibility.
Because when we share our stories, we don’t just build community—we unlock human potential.

Presented by Barbara Applebaum on September 16, 2025
Technology is evolving faster than ever, and school leaders must navigate innovation while fostering a strong school culture — without feeling overwhelmed. This interactive session, led by Barbara Applebaum at The Social Institute, will explore how education leaders have adapted to past technology shifts and provide practical strategies for tackling today’s digital challenges, from A.I. in student work to misinformation and evolving school policies. Through real-world examples, engaging discussions, and hands-on activities, attendees will strengthen their leadership skills and ensure their school’s approach to technology remains proactive, not reactive.

Presented by Greg Christian on September 9, 2025.
This webinar is for principals who care about student well-being and want to explore what’s possible in the cafeteria. You’ll hear how school leaders are making small, smart changes that lead to fresher, healthier meals for kids, without needing to be food experts. Join presenter Greg Christian for easy next steps, real examples, and ideas you can use right away.

Presented by Jason Major on August 28, 2025
In this webinar, Jason Major of Chicago will go through each component of the wellness wheel and give practical tips and resources to help keep you fresh and mindful throughout the school year. He likes taking science-based ideas and making practical recommendations based on the webinar participants. Anyone looking to keeping themselves grounded or to do something different in the new school year would bet something from this webinar.

Presented by Jason Booher on August 26, 2025
As a 13-year-old teenager, Jason Booher survived the nation’s worst drinking and driving crash—the Carrollton Bus Crash—where 27 lives were lost in a fiery tragedy. With the support of public educators, he overcame unimaginable adversity and went on to achieve his dream of winning the KHSAA Sweet 16 Kentucky high school boys basketball state championship as a head coach. Now a superintendent, Jason shares his powerful journey of resilience, leadership, and the life-changing impact educators have on students, especially those facing hardship. This session will inspire, motivate, and remind educators that their influence extends far beyond the classroom—it can shape lives, build dreams, and create champions.

Presented by Kevin Spainhour on May 6, 2025
As the school year winds down, effective principals face the unique challenge of finishing strong while strategically planning for what’s next. This session led by Kevin Spainhour provides school administrators with practical tools, reflection templates, and leadership habits to help balance end-of-year priorities while helping to set a clear vision for the upcoming school year.

Participants will walk away with ready-to-use resources, a system for leadership planning, and actionable strategies to ensure the final months of school build momentum rather than burnout. Finish strong, plan smart, and lead your school with confidence.

Presented on April 29, 2025 by Patrick Wildman and Jessica Vargas
This presentation will explore the vital role of school counselors in fostering student success by collaborating effectively with administrators and teachers. Presenter Patrick Wildman will highlight how counselors support academic achievement, social-emotional development, and career readiness through proactive communication, data-driven interventions, and a team-based approach. Strategies for building strong partnerships, addressing student needs holistically, and creating a positive school climate will be discussed. Attendees will leave with practical insights on maximizing collaboration to ensure the success of all students.

Presented by Chad Dumas on April 22, 2025
Join presenter Chad Dumas to uncover the role, responsibilities, assumptions, and mindsets of effective teacher team leaders, plus explore a handful of simple, go-to moves, techniques, and strategies that will transform team collaboration. As a result of this experience, participants will…
- Understand the three key responsibilities of the team leader in a PLC
- Uncover assumptions and mindsets for successful team collaboration
- Explore a handful of simple actions that transform team functioning

Presented by Rebecca Francis on April 15, 2025
Authentic leadership isn’t about titles—it’s about influence, integrity, and self-awareness. This session explores how leading with authenticity unlocks potential in both leaders and those they serve, fostering deeper connections and sustainable impact.
1. Define and cultivate authentic leadership practices that align with personal values and organizational mission.
2. Empower others to reach their full potential by fostering a culture of trust, psychological safety, and accountability.
3. Apply reflective leadership techniques to continuously grow, adapt, and make purpose-driven decisions.

Presented by Shantal Saldana on April 8, 2025.
This session will provide attendees with practical tools to create inclusive school cultures around mental health, introduce auxiliary resources such as student and staff awareness into action activities, and offer opportunities to engage in activities that can be brought into school classrooms. These activities can be implemented in school buildings as part of a strategy to strengthen Tier 1 universal programming. Participants will learn how utilizing student voice can promote meaningful conversations around the topic of mental health and promote help-seeking as an early identification and prevention strategy. Participants will receive access to free Tier 1 mental health programs and resources.

Presented by Andrew Marotta on March 5, 2025
Speaking and leading a presentation is a skill. Why are some great and some tough to sit through? Join Andrew Marotta for this engaging and practical session on creating amazing presentations. Canva, Google Slides, flow, timing, interactive, using props, telling stories, and more. Andrew will break down the presentations and share usable tips, tricks, and strategies to make your next presentation AWESOME!

Presented by Phil Boyte on February 13, 2025
Ready to create a PEOPLE FIRST culture where everyone feels valued and energized? Join Phil Boyte—creator of Link Crew and the Breaking Down the Walls program—for an engaging webinar packed with simple, practical ideas to help leaders take care of themselves and their teams.

Phil will share real-world strategies to strengthen relationships, build trust, and make small moments matter. You’ll leave with fresh inspiration and tangible tools to foster a thriving, people-centered culture.