Port Clinton Social Emotional Learning & Mental Wellness Symposium

You have likely heard The Starfish Story, and the first time you did, it likely brought you to tears. Then, survival mode kicked in like it tends to for educators. We try to be everything for everybody, put out fires, and as a bonus, maybe stay sane. We think about our students, though, as individuals, all the time; it's why we got into this work. Alas, though, it may not seem to them like we do. There are ways, though, to show this to them without fanfare, and without major time, financial, or emotional expense to us. No matter how long you have taught, you remember the students for whom you made a small, positive difference even if, at the time, you were not really even trying. Rest assured, they remember you, too. Helping a student feel loved, valued, and appreciated is perhaps the most significant win-win that exists in education, with everyone's buckets getting filled. Let's explore and share ways to do this for our students at a time when all other noise in our lives may seem more pressing.

In this session, participants will explore strategies to build staff morale and address teacher burnout through a focus on relationships, culture, and support. It will provide actionable tools and real-world examples to help educational leaders create a school culture that values its educators, inspires collaboration, and enhances overall morale. Walk away with strategies to transform challenges into opportunities for growth and ensure your school is a place where staff feels valued, supported, and empowered to succeed.

This session will offer a unique perspective from the future teachers at Port Clinton High School. Inspired by their book study of I Wish My Teacher Knew by Kyle Schwartz, these aspiring educators will share ways teachers and staff can support students through grief and explore ideas for schools to create a culture that develops character. However, none of this is possible if teachers and school staff members don't take care of themselves first. While these can be tough topics and conversations, this session will celebrate the transformative power of public education.  

The unexpectedly heartwarming show Ted Lasso subtly introduced millions to key principles of good teaching, social-emotional learning and team-building. Step onto the pitch and discover new ways to connect with students, model respect and score a few pointers along with tips to make it easier to engage your students where they are at. Inspired by the presentations of Delanie Johnson and Mike Lawrence, join us on a magical journey through the world of positivity as this session will provide participants with ready-to-use ideas for the classroom and reflect on key principles found throughout Ted Lasso! NOTE: You don’t have to have seen the show to learn from our session…but light spoilers may be ahead.

Join us for a time of collaboration between a university and an elementary classroom to see the outcome of the implementation of social emotional learning curriculum and interventions that have been tried in a lower elementary classroom. What worked and what didn't! Let's go beyond the classroom and discuss how to create a more positive school culture.