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2026 Summer Symposium
Tuesday June 9, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
Relationships are often cited as the heart of effective schools—but too often, relationship-building exists as isolated strategies rather than intentional, sustainable systems. This session explores how schools can move beyond individual practices to create cohesive, school-wide structures that prioritize connection, collective efficacy, and shared responsibility for student and staff well-being.


Grounded in evidence-based SEL and leadership research, participants will examine how relational practices can be embedded into existing systems such as behavior supports, instructional routines, professional learning communities, and staff collaboration structures. Through real-world scenarios and guided reflection, attendees will identify leverage points within their own schools to strengthen relational culture without adding “one more thing” to already full plates.


Participants will leave with practical tools to assess current systems, align relational practices across roles, and design next steps that elevate the collective impact of educators—because sustainable change happens when we lead together.
Speakers
avatar for Amanda Mathews

Amanda Mathews

5th Grade Teacher, Rockton School District 140 - Whitman Post Elementary School
Amanda Mathews is an experienced elementary educator and instructional leader with over 10 years of classroom teaching experience. She holds a Master’s degree in Special Education as well as a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership, and brings a practitioner’s lens to... Read More →
Tuesday June 9, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
Talcott 416 S Main St, Rockford, IL 61101

Attendees (5)


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