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2026 Summer Symposium
Type: Breakout 3 clear filter
Tuesday, June 9
 

1:00pm CDT

From Silent to Vocal: The Power of Unlocking Student Voice is Within You
Tuesday June 9, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
Munthe Room
In this session, we'll explore the power of vulnerability and connecting in the PK-12 grade classroom. By reading aloud my short story, "Joyce, Joyce...There's Power In Your Voice," we'll step into the shoes of an African American student navigating educational spaces while learning how moments of silence can hold profound lessons. We'll discuss what it takes to engage both our quietest and most vocal students and reflect on how positive, authentic student teacher relationships can create a sense of belonging and trust. Together, we'll uncover practical strategies and craft action plans to implement TWO specific techniques that will amplify student voice in your classroom. 
Speakers
avatar for Tamiko Nettles

Tamiko Nettles

CEO & Founder, Let Go-Be Great, LLC
Tamiko Nettles is a seasoned educator, author, coach, and motivational speaker with over 20 years of experience empowering mission-driven leaders and teams across education, nonprofit, and corporate sectors. Known for her dynamic storytelling and practical strategies, Tamiko helps... Read More →
Tuesday June 9, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
Munthe Room
  Breakout 3

1:00pm CDT

More Than a Program: Social-Emotional Practices that Improve School Culture and Climate
Tuesday June 9, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
Talcott
Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) is most impactful when it is embedded into the daily practices and systems of a school rather than implemented as a stand-alone program. This session explores how schools can intentionally integrate SEL practices into all aspects of the school day, including Tier 1 universal supports, Tier 2 targeted interventions, and Tier 3 intensive supports. Participants will learn how SEL can be woven into instruction, behavior systems, and intervention processes to strengthen school culture and climate for both students and staff. Real-world examples will illustrate how schools can intentionally align SEL practices with existing structures to build stronger relationships, reduce conflict, increase engagement, and cultivate a climate where both students and staff can thrive.
Speakers
avatar for Heather Baker

Heather Baker

Principal, Dorothy Simon Elementary: Winnebago School District
Dr. Heather Baker is a sudden cardiac arrest survivor, Elementary School Principal, Adjunct Professor, Certified CPR Instructor, and a Mom to a three-year-old with a congenital heart defect. Her research and advocacy work helped to pass cardiac emergency response plans in schools... Read More →
avatar for Sarah Nauman

Sarah Nauman

School Counselor, Dorothy Simon Elementary: Winnebago School District
Sarah Nauman, MSEd, LCPC, PEL is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and an ISCA 2024 School Counselor of the Year Honoree that has spent over a decade in the field of counseling including roles within clinical and mental health counseling and school counseling.  She is currently... Read More →
Tuesday June 9, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
Talcott 416 S Main St, Rockford, IL 61101
  Breakout 3

1:00pm CDT

Ready, Set, Grow!
Tuesday June 9, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
Nelson Room
Get ready to create and inspire other like-minded educators using everyday materials from the dollar store. Each table team will work with identical sets of items from Dollar Tree to design an activity for your students aligned with one of the 5 SEL competencies. Leave feeling connected and empowered from sharing and exploring innovative ideas that showcase creativity, collaboration, and budget-friendly learning.
Speakers
avatar for Karen Brunner

Karen Brunner

Founder, Behavior Consultant, BCBA, Compassionate Schools
Karen is a behavioral scientist with over 30 years of experience supporting schools as a licensed school psychologist, board certified behavior analyst and university professor. Her work grounded in a strength-based approach, helps educators respond to student misbehavior with confidence... Read More →
Tuesday June 9, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
Nelson Room
  Breakout 3

1:00pm CDT

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
 
2026 Summer Symposium
From $128.36

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Tuesday, June 9
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Munthe Room
Nelson Room
Talcott
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Ziock Ballroom
Ziock Ballroom A
Ziock Ballroom B
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