Session Title: A Comprehensive Approach to Young Children's Social-Emotional Development

Session Description:

Educare Central Maine has a suite of tools that has helped them work with families, focusing on trauma informed practices. During this session we will overview Educare's use of these tools, data, family input and impact, linking ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences) and staff professional development. Data from Elevate Maine in Somerset will be shared as well as how they have tied Educare Beyond the Walls into their programming.

Speakers:

Rhonda Kaiser, Director, Educare Central Maine

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Session Title: Using Trauma Informed Practice in a Multitiered System: SEL for the 2020 Classroom

Session Description:

Covid-19 has changed so much in our world, including the needs of our students and our instructional strategies. This session will review trauma informed practice through the lens of the pandemic and will introduce this practice in a multi-tiered system. To end the session, we will look at the implications of data and equity on SEL best practices.

Speakers:

Kelly Weaver, Coordinator of School Counseling, RSU 22

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Session Title: Working with and Supporting Aspiring and Current Students in Recovery

Session Description:

This panel presentation will focus on supporting aspiring and current students who are also in recovery from alcohol and/or drug addiction. It is estimated that over 800,000 college students are considered to be in recovery across the nation, but what services are institutions of higher education providing and how may we best support student success? In addition, how may we support aspiring students currently in recovery programs to improve access to education and training programs?

Speakers:

Joanna Russell, Executive Director, Northeastern Workforce Development Board

Susan Mingo, President, Washington County Community College

Nikki Sawyer, Dean of Workforce and Professional Development, Washington County Community College

Erica Watson, Program Director Education & Workforce, Maine Development Foundation

Jennifer Mascaro, Director for the Center of Student Success and Development - Bangor Campus, University of Maine at Augusta

Terri Reiter, Director for the Center of Student Success and Development - Augusta Campus, University of Maine at Augusta

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Session Title: Centering Racial Equity in Social Emotional Learning

Session Description:

A student's racial, ethnic, and other cultural identities inform both "who" they are and "how" they are when they show up in our classrooms. Come learn how we can become better equipped to foster supportive environments that don't simply tolerate diversity but nourish it.

Speakers:

Lawrence Alexander, Search Consultant, Diversity, Equity, And Inclusion Practice, Carey, Sandoe and Associates

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Session Title: STEM Classrooms: Recognizing and Addressing Social-Emotional Learning Needs

Session Description:

During this session we will explore multiple examples in which social and emotional learning (SEL) impacts the teaching and learning environment in the STEM disciplines and the connections to providing equitable learning experiences for students. Five panelists representing perspectives spanning all grade bands will each share an experience where SEL impacted student learning and what they believe we can learn from this example. We will also provide guidance on key strategies for SEL in STEM. Following the panel discussion, we will provide time for questions and discussion to further explore how educators can better meet the SEL needs of all Maine students in a way that equitably supports them in achieving their educational and career goals, particularly in the STEM disciplines.

Speakers:

Marina Van der Eb, Maine STEM Partnership Coordinator, RiSE Center at University of Maine

Helene Adams, High School Science Teacher, Cheverus High School

Drew Meyers, High School Math Teacher, Old Town High School

Taylor Pierce, Grade 2 Teacher, Brewer Community School

Kathy Dixon-Wallace, Middle School Teacher, Penquis Valley Middle School

Jennifer Wright, Middle School Teacher, Great Salt Bay Community School

Jennifer Fronczak, Middle School Teacher, East Grand School