Engaging Educators 2025

This professional development session is designed to empower paraeducators with foundational skills in supporting student behavior within the classroom. Participants will explore essential concepts such as understanding behavior expectations, monitoring and documenting student behavior, and reinforcing positive behavior. Through structured guidance, paraeducators will learn proactive strategies to prevent non-compliance and respond effectively to challenging behaviors. Additionally, the session will introduce data-driven decision-making, enabling paraeducators to use behavior information to support individualized interventions and promote a positive learning environment. This training is ideal for paraeducators seeking practical tools to enhance their effectiveness and contribute to a supportive, structured educational experience for students.

Supporting early literacy is critical for student success. This session will help K-3 teachers navigate the Nebraska Reading Improvement Act by focusing on understanding common reading challenges and utilizing approved screeners to identify students in need of support. Participants will also explore tools and resources aligned with the Act to guide intervention planning. Additionally, the session will highlight practical strategies for collaborating with families, empowering them to reinforce reading growth at home.

In this breakout session, participants will explore the stages of the crisis cycle and the profound impact of trauma on the brain and subsequent behavior. Attendees will gain invaluable insights into the dynamics of crisis situations within educational settings.
Utilizing the "hand model of the brain," participants will visualize the brain's complex structures and how they relate to emotional regulation. By dissecting the brain's response to various stimuli, attendees will uncover the root causes of behavioral manifestations during crises, fostering a deeper comprehension of student reactions.
Furthermore, the session will equip attendees with practical strategies to effectively intervene during crisis moments, aiming to restore students to a state of calm and stability. From de-escalation tactics to trauma-informed practices, attendees will access strategies to address crisis behaviors proactively and constructively. Armed with this knowledge, educators will be empowered to foster safer and more supportive learning environments conducive to student well-being and academic success.