Loading…
2026 Summer Symposium
Venue: Nelson Room clear filter
Tuesday, June 9
 

10:00am CDT

Joy is a Discipline: Leading with Light When the Work Feels Heavy
Tuesday June 9, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
Nelson Room
Most educators don’t need another strategy. They need a way to keep showing up without losing themselves.


When the work feels heavy, joy is often treated as something we’ll get back later, after things calm down. But for educators leading in constant pressure, that day never comes.


In this session, Dan Cox reframes joy as a discipline, not a mood or mindset; one that protects identity, strengthens connection, and keeps educators in the work with purpose. Drawing from decades of school leadership, adult SEL practices, and the lessons of endurance training, Dan offers a grounded, honest look at what it means to lead with light when you’re running on empty.


If you’re exhausted but still expected to lead with presence, patience, and care, this session isn’t optional, it’s fuel.
Speakers
avatar for Dan Cox

Dan Cox

Founder | CEO, Endurance Edge
Dan Cox is a former superintendent turned leadership coach and speaker who works at the intersection of adult SEL, resilience, and real-world leadership, where the work is heavy and expectations never let up.
With more than 25 years in education, including 15 as a superintendent... Read More →
Tuesday June 9, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
Nelson Room
  Breakout 1

11:00am CDT

Stop Chasing the Myth: Reclaim Your Work-Life Balance Today
Tuesday June 9, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
Nelson Room
They tell us work-life balance exists, but for most educators, it feels like a mythical creature—often talked about, but never actually seen. Between meeting the critical needs of your students and the mental weight that it carries, the boundary between work and personal life doesn’t just blur—it can altogether disappear. We will unpack the hidden pitfalls that drain your time, implement SEL strategies to settle classroom chaos, and create a practical self-care protocol. Join this interactive session to start developing a sustainable work-life balance today!
Speakers
avatar for Christine Schweitzer

Christine Schweitzer

School Support Specialist, Area 2 SEL Hub Specialist, Boone-Winnebago Regional Office of Education 4
With over 23 years of experience in education, Christine Schweitzer proudly represents ROE4 in her role as the Area 2 SEL Hub Specialist and School Support Specialist. In her career, Christy has served as an early childhood, elementary, and SEL teacher, a leader, advisor, and adjunct... Read More →
Tuesday June 9, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
Nelson Room
  Breakout 2

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

2:00pm CDT

Ready, Set, Grow!
Tuesday June 9, 2026 2:00pm - 2:50pm 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 2:00pm - 2:50pm CDT
Nelson Room
  Breakout 4
 
2026 Summer Symposium
From $128.36

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

Filter sessions
Apply filters to sessions.
Tuesday, June 9
Lobby
Munthe Room
Nelson Room
Talcott
TBA
Ziock Ballroom
Ziock Ballroom A
Ziock Ballroom B
  • Breakout 1
  • Breakout 2
  • Breakout 3
  • Breakout 4
  • Endnote
  • Keynote
  • Lunch
  • Registration
  • Popular