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2026 Summer Symposium
Venue: Talcott clear filter
Tuesday, June 9
 

10:00am CDT

The Power of Us in Action: Building Systems That Sustain Relationships
Tuesday June 9, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
Talcott
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
  Breakout 1

11:00am CDT

Let Them Grow: Empowering Amazing Students
Tuesday June 9, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
Talcott
Today's students are navigating unprecedented levels of anxiety, disconnection, and dependence. Yet, they are also creative, compassionate, and full of potential. Drawing on key ideas from The Anxious Generation, The Amazing Generation, and Let Grow, this session explores how schools can intentionally balance connection, independence, and belonging to better support student well-being and growth. 

Participants will examine how overprotection, reduced autonomy, and limited opportunities for meaningful responsibility impact student resilience and how relationship-centered, SEL practices can reverse these trends. Through reflection, discussion, and practical examples, educators will learn how to create environments that empower students take healthy risks, build confidence, and develop essential life skills, while maintaining strong, supportive relationships. 
Speakers
avatar for Grace Heimerdinger-Baake

Grace Heimerdinger-Baake

SEL + Family Education and Engagement Specialist, Regional Office of Education #47
Grace Heimerdinger-Baake is the SEL & Family Education and Engagement Specialist for the Regional Office of Education #47. She brings more than 13 years of experience as an educator, crisis counselor, and advocate supporting children, families, and communities. Grace specializes in... Read More →
Tuesday June 9, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
Talcott 416 S Main St, Rockford, IL 61101
  Breakout 2

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

2:00pm CDT

Supporting the Learning Brain Through Co-Regulation
Tuesday June 9, 2026 2:00pm - 2:50pm CDT
Talcott
This interactive session explores how co-regulation supports brain development, emotional regulation, and learning readiness in educational environments. Participants will examine how social experiences, adult presence, and environmental supports shape students’ nervous systems, particularly during times of stress or dysregulation.


Through guided discussion and practical examples, participants will learn how educators act as external regulators and how intentional co-regulation strategies can resource safety, connection, and engagement. 
Speakers
avatar for Mallory Wassmann

Mallory Wassmann

Elementary School Social Worker, Hinckley-Big Rock CUSD #429
Mallory Wassmann is in her thirteenth year as a social worker supporting the social emotional wellness of students. Although Mallory enjoys working with kids and empowering them to be their best selves, her passion is for helping colleagues and families better understand how to foster... Read More →
avatar for Sarah Kuperus

Sarah Kuperus

District School Psychologist, Hinckley-Big Rock CUSD #429
Sarah Kuperus is in her thirteenth year as a School Psychologist. Her role includes Special Education and Section 504 evaluations, providing social emotional support for students, coordinating MTSS services district-wide, and regularly consulting with teachers, administrators, and... Read More →
Tuesday June 9, 2026 2:00pm - 2:50pm CDT
Talcott 416 S Main St, Rockford, IL 61101
  Breakout 4
 
2026 Summer Symposium
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Tuesday, June 9
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