Loading…
2026 Summer Symposium
← Back to schedule
Unconditional Positive Regard: Leading and Learning Through Relationship
Tuesday June 9, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
Ziock Ballroom A
What if supporting students—and one another—wasn’t just about responding to trauma, but about building unwavering, positive relationships? This session explores Unconditional Positive Regard as both a classroom practice and a leadership stance: the commitment to see and value people—students and adults alike—beyond behavior, performance, or productivity.


Participants will shift from a deficit-based focus on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) toward cultivating Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs) and positive adult experiences by prioritizing connection, care, and joy. Educators and leaders don’t need to be clinicians to create healing spaces; therapeutic moments happen when people feel genuinely seen and supported.


Through interactive activities and reflection, we’ll explore how relationship-centered teaching, coaching, and leadership can transform schools into human-centered communities where both students and adults can thrive.


Speakers
avatar for Amy Besida

Amy Besida

Chief Program Officer, Embarc Chicago
Amy Besida is the Chief Program Officer of Embarc Chicago. She joined the Embarc team in 2016 with over a decade of experience in instructional coaching, teaching, and mentoring. Her journey in education spans from urban classrooms to school leadership positions, where she has consistently... Read More →
avatar for Joe Schupbach

Joe Schupbach

Head of Coaching, Embarc Chicago
Joe Schupbach is an educator, writer, and director with 22 years of experience in public education, experimental theatre, and nonprofit administration. Joe is a facilitator and instructional coach and currently serves as Head of Coaching at Embarc. Joe has been a frequent artistic... Read More →
Tuesday June 9, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
Ziock Ballroom A
  Breakout 3

Attendees (17)


Sign up or log in to save this to your schedule, view media, leave feedback and see who's attending!

Tweet Share

Get help with the event

Contact event planner Event login
View support guides Find upcoming events
Create an event you'd love to attend!
Explore why organizers choose Sched • Success stories
Event App • Event scheduling • Event registration • Event ticketing • Sched forms • Call for papers • Badges • Conferences
© 2026. SCHED LLC - All rights reserved - Helping events since 2008
Conference Scheduling Software • Privacy • Terms
Share Modal

Share this link via

Or copy link