Webinars

Thursday, May 19, 2022

Communicating with Each Other Through a Healthy Digital Culture

Presented by:

• Richard Culatta, CEO, International Society for Technology in Education (ITSE)

Join us for this one-hour webinar as we reflect on how to support healthy communication for students across all digital communications. As we continue to increase our connections with each other across the globe, it is essential that educators share best practices for a healthy digital community when connecting with others. While some may have focused on what students should not do with technology, this webinar will highlight how we can empower students to be successful with their digital communications.

In this webinar, participants will

• Learn practical examples and conversation starters from Richard Culatta’s book Digital for Good: Raising Kids to Thrive in the Online World.
• Hear from a Harmony SEL partner who has successfully incorporated healthy online practices into their daily instruction.
• Connect this topic with the Lessons and Activities in our new unit, Communicating with Each Other in Harmony Third Edition.

Participants who join the webinar live will have an opportunity to win a copy of Richard Culatta’s new book Digital for Good: Raising Kids to Thrive in the Online World.

Richard brings vast experience in education policy, teacher preparation, educational technology and innovation to his role with ISTE. Richard is a longtime ISTE member and a past recipient of the ISTE Making IT Happen Award. As the director of the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Educational Technology, Richard focused on efforts to expand connectivity to schools across the country and develop the National Education Technology Plan. Richard began his career as a high school teacher.

Thursday, March 10, 2022

The True Value of Learning From Others: Prepare to Celebrate #SEL Day!

Join us for this one-hour webinar as we explore the true power of learning from others and celebrate what we each contribute to our communities. As we prepare to celebrate International SEL Day on March 11, we'll reflect on the SEL Day theme of Finding Common Ground, Pursuing Common Good. Presenters will discuss the importance of telling your own powerful stories and listening to other powerful stories in order to find common ground. You will learn strategies that allow others to feel empowered to elevate their voices within communities.

Viewers will:

• Hear how sharing your story contributes to valuing different perspectives and strengthens the power of one diverse community
• Gain a deeper insight on how to cultivate and elevate community voices
• Identify strategies to engage in outreach to other leaders on strategies to help others feel empowered, including those from National University System and SEL4CA, and other non-profits.
• Appreciate how compassionate outreach can make a tremendous difference for all communities

Speaker Bios:
Kimberly Mitchell leads the innovative efforts within the National University System for military, veteran, and military family educational degree and outreach programs. A 17-year Navy veteran, Ms. Mitchell has worked in the nonprofit veterans space assisting organizations focusing on veteran reintegration into the community after military service. Ms. Mitchell is a nationally recognized leading vocal advocate for our service members, veterans, military families, and Gold Star Families.

Accomplished educator, leadership guru, and author Dr. Jacqueline Sanderlin (Dr. Jackie) is an expert in developing meaningful community partnerships and is the Founder and CEO of the Why Not? Incubator. Her book The Why Not Challenge: Say Yes to Success with School-Community Partnerships shares her passion and practical takeaways for forming lasting community relationships between schools, organizations, and companies. Dr. Jackie proudly serves as a Steering Committee member for SEL4CA (Social Emotional Learning Alliance for California).

Join the live webinar for a chance to win one of Dr. Sanderline's new book!

Harmony Third Edition Connection: Learning from Others
In Unit 4, students will learn about different approaches to resolving interpersonal conflict and a step-by-step problem-solving approach. They discover that they can learn from each other by considering alternate perspectives and empathizing with others and that making amends for mistakes contributes to healthier relationships.

Presented by:

• Kim Mitchell, Senior Vice President for Military and Government Affairs, National University System (NUS)
• Dr. Jacqueline Sanderlin, Educator, Speaker, Author, and CEO of the Why Not? Incubator

Wednesday, February 23, 2022

The Power of Listening With Compassion and Mindfulness

Join us for this one-hour webinar as we explore the powerful and impactful ways to build equitable relationships and create psychologically safe spaces for transformational conversations through conscious, authentic listening. Many people unconsciously listen to respond instead of listening to reflect caring, understanding, and empathy. As you engage in this webinar, you will develop strategies that deepen quality human connections with others that are more collaborative, productive, and fulfilling.

Our presenter Carolyn McKanders, the Director Emeritus for Thinking Collaborative, is passionate about supporting quality human relationships by promoting self-love, communication, collaboration, and leadership skills development. Her new book, “It’s Your Turn: Teachers As Facilitators,” provides teacher-leaders with robust mental models and practical tools for conducting productive collaborative meetings. One of her new books will be raffled off during the live webinar.

Ms. McKanders will be joined by Melody Hawkins, our National University Southeast Regional Teacher of the Year, who will reflect on her experience with strong intrapersonal communication as both a teacher leader and high school administrator.

Objectives:

• Understand the power of listening with compassion and mindfulness in daily communications in the classroom and community.
• Reflect on how an awareness of diversity and difference influences understanding in conversations.
• Increase awareness of how reflective paraphrasing conveys empathy and enhances understanding.

Harmony Third Edition Connection: Communicating with Others

In Unit 3, students learn a range of social and communication skills, including ways to support effective communication and ways to avoid communication mishaps. They learn about verbal and nonverbal communication and how to adapt to different settings, including when participating in teamwork.

Presented by: Carolyn McKanders, Director Emeritus for Thinking Collaborative

Tuesday, January 25, 2022

An Inspirational Journey with our Award-Winning Teachers: Classroom Leaders to SEL Graduate Students

Join us as we celebrate the true power of inspirational teachers!

Dr. Robert Lee, the Dean of Sanford College of Education at National University, will kick off this inspirational webinar, and our panel of inspiring educators will share their journey from classroom leaders to award-winning teachers, recently recognized for their best practices in SEL.

Dr. Lee will be joined by Dr. Lori Piowlski, Acting Associate Dean and Chair of the Teacher Education Department, who is dedicated to advancing diversity, inclusivity, access, equity, and social and emotional learning in teacher education programs and clinical practice, and our award-winning panelists: Regan Duncan, Melody Hawkins, Dr. Maggie McHugh, Eric Hale, and Olivia Leone. Learn more about our

Inspire Connection

Inspire Teaching & Learning offers no-cost professional development modules celebrating inspirational teaching. We invite you to watch our on-demand modules, Be the Spark: Nurturing Student Inspiration, Teachers as Agents of Change for connections to this webinar.

Presented by: Dr. Robert Lee, Dean of the Sanford College of Education at National University

Thursday, October 21, 2021

Emotions Matter for All Learners: SEL for Traditionally Underserved Students and Educators

Join us for this one hour, no-cost webinar where Dr. Cipriano will share how social and emotional learning (SEL) should meet the needs of students who stand to benefit the most – underserved students with minoritized and often marginalized identities on the basis of culture, language, ability and orientation, and income. Dr. Cipriano will present evidence-based SEL strategies to maximize support for all students.

Objectives:

• Learn how we can best support all learners by shaping the needs and strengths of students and educators who are often marginalized by typical educational models
• Hear the practical significance of embedding SEL principles that attend to learner variability and diversity in all classrooms
• Explore evidence-based practices that can be adopted to optimize SEL implementation and evaluation in all classrooms

Harmony Connection:

Harmony SEL provides stories, lessons, and Everyday Practices to encourage connections between students, teachers, families, and communities. Meet Up and Buddy Up activities are designed to foster an attitude of acceptance, inclusion, and caring so that all students feel welcome and connected.

Participants who join live will receive a certificate of participation. If you are not able to join the live session, you can register, and we will send you a link to the recording after the webinar.

Presented by: Dr. Christina Cipriano, Assistant Professor at the Yale Child Study Center and Director of Research at the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence

Thursday, September 23, 2021

Cultivating Joyous and Just Educational Spaces for All

Now more than ever, students need opportunities to thrive in spaces with strong student and teacher connections. But what are some innovative and unique approaches to authentically engage the community back together? Engage in this one hour no-cost webinar where the 2021 CCSSO National Teacher of the Year Juliana Urtubey will share inspirational examples and stories that illustrate how creating joyous and just spaces are critical and beneficial for students, staff and parents in your school communities.

Join us for this one hour no-cost webinar where the 2021 CCSSO National Teacher of the Year Juliana Urtubey will share inspirational examples and stories that illustrate how creating joyous and just spaces are critical and beneficial for students, staff and parents in your school communities.

Objectives:

• Hear strategies to understand if learning spaces are inclusive and equity for all students.
• Learn how to apply different lenses for healthy relationship building with students, families, and communities.
• Determine which strategies are best suited to meet students where they are in terms of academic learning and social and emotional development.

Inspire Connection:

Inspire Teaching & Learning offers no cost professional development modules celebrating inspirational teaching. We invite you to watch our on-demand modules, Be the Spark: Nurturing Student Inspiration, Teaching Students Empathy, Strategies for Engaging with Parents for connections to this webinar.

Participants who join live will receive a certificate of participation. If you are not able to join the live session, you can register, and we will send you a link to the recording after the webinar.

Presented by: Ms. Juliana Urtubey, 2021 CCSSO National Teacher of the Year

(Photo Credit: Melissa Esparza)

Monday, September 20, 2021

Supporting School and Teacher Leaders to Rebuild Community Through Harmony

Much uncertainty still exists as students, educators, and families transition into the 2021-2022 school year. Research shows that strong relationships within the school community can help mitigate the effects of this uncertainty. Join us for this one-hour, no-cost webinar where esteemed author Dr. Doug Fisher will share recommended strategies that educators can use to support rebuilding school communities with students, families, and colleagues. Harmony SEL Ambassador Mr. Josh Pauly and Harmony SEL Strategic Accounts Advisor Ms. Larryelle Phillips will highlight approaches that partner districts are taking to rebuild communities and share resources aligned with this research in our newly released Back-to-School Resource Toolkits. Our ambassadors will also share a sneak peek of Harmony SEL Third Edition.

Objectives:

• Identify research-based strategies to rebuild your school community impacted by school disruptions, COVID-19, and social unrest over the past year.
• Understand how district partners leverage the power of Harmony and SEL to rebuild communities.
• Review Harmony SEL and Inspire Teaching & Learning resources that are highlighted in our Back-to-School Resource Toolkits, aligning with the research-based practices.
• Get a sneak peek of Harmony SEL Third Edition, highlighting our new features rolling out this school year to continue to support community, equity, and inclusion in our communities.

Presented by: Dr. Doug Fisher, Esteemed Author

Panelists:

• Ms. Larryelle Phillips, Harmony SEL Strategic Accounts Advisor
• Mr. Josh Pauly, Harmony SEL Ambassador

Wednesday, September 01, 2021

Rebuilding Our Communities: Harmony and Inspire Resources for Student and Educator Support

As educators, students, and out-of-school time programs kick off a new school year, we want to rebuild a sense of community. Harmony SEL and Inspire Teaching & Learning have collaborated on two toolkits that give schools and organizations the resources and insights you need to help students and staff feel safe, valued, and understood. In this webinar, members of the Harmony and Inspire team guide attendees through strategies and activities in the Rebuilding Our Communities back-to-school toolkits.

Presented by:

• Nick Yoder, Ph.D., Sr. Director of Research and Professional Learning
• Jakotora Tjoutuku, Harmony SEL Ambassador
• Veronica Calvo, Sr. Manager of Partnerships

Thursday, August 26, 2021

Stronger Together: Affirming And Reconnecting With Our Students, Families, And Communities

Join us for this one hour, no-cost webinar where Harmony SEL Director Lauren Puzen will host an engaging conversation with Dr. Susan Green from NYCDOE and Jaqueline Stedman & Jessy Cuddy of Communities in Schools. Their conversation will focus on research-based strategies to engage with and empower our students, teachers, families, and communities as we reconnect in the fall and bring attention to diversity and inclusion in our schools and communities.

Objectives:

• Rethink and refine strategies for connecting with students, families, and communities, particularly after the trauma so many have experienced as a result of COVID-19 and the disruptive schooling for many students this past year.
• Discover strategies to move from a deficit model to a strengths model in our interactions with students and families.
• Understand the positive impact of cultural humility and power sharing.

Harmony Connection:
Harmony SEL provides Stories, Lessons, and Everyday Practices to encourage connections between students, teachers, families, and communities. Meet Up and Buddy Up activities are designed to foster an attitude of acceptance, inclusion, and caring so that all students feel welcome and connected.

Participants who join live will receive a certificate of participation. If you are not able to join the live session, you can register, and we will send you a link to the recording after the webinar.

Host: Lauren Puzen, National Director, Harmony SEL

Presented by:

• Dr. Susan Green, Senior Administrator of SEL and Design, New York City Department of Education
• Jessy Cuddy, Senior Director, Learning & Practice, Communities in Schools
• Jacqueline Stedman, Senior Program Manager, Learning and Development, Communities in Schools

Wednesday, July 28, 2021

Tell Your Story Before They Do

In this webinar, viewers will:

1. Gain a deeper understanding of Transformative Social Emotional Learning (SEL) for Educators.
2. Be introduced to new strategies for EdTech and gamification to engage students at a deeper level.
3. Learn how poetry and narrative therapy can support issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Presented by: Nate Howard, Inspirational Speaker, Poet and Social Entrepreneur

Thursday, June 24, 2021

It’s Time to Celebrate What We’ve Accomplished and Be Inspired for the School Year Ahead!

Objectives:
Reflect on the incredible journey educators have taken in the 2020-2021 school year and celebrate all that has been accomplished in Prek-12th education during a once in a lifetime pandemic.

Think about the renewed focus on the importance of Social Emotional Learning as a result of the trauma so many experienced and social unrest nationwide.

Identify all that you know about SEL to approach the challenges that lie ahead so that you feel prepared and ready for a successful year with HarmonySEL and other resources in your toolkit.

Presented by: Dr. Sara Rimm-Kaufman, Commonwealth Professor of Education at the University of Virginia

Panelists:

• Sarah Frayer an award-winning teacher, education consultant, and public speaker with over 10 years of experience as a teacher
• Whitney Green an award-winning school counselor in Maryland
• Alejandro Diasgranados a fourth- and fifth-grade teacher in Washington DC. And recently the 2020 National University Teacher of the Year
• Dr. Monica Loyce, principal of Thurgood Marshall Elementary School in Chula Vista, CA

Thursday, June 17, 2021

Bridging SEL Assessments and Programs: Educators Speak on Using Harmony and Panorama

Implementing successful systemic social and emotional learning (SEL) relies on evidence-based programs and best practices as well as a strong foundation of actionable data and assessment. Harmony SEL co-hosted an interactive panel discussion with SEL assessment provider Panorama and Harmony educators to explore how SEL programs and tools help build a bridge between implementation and assessment.

Panelists:

• John A. Pickens, III, Interim Program Manager, Harmony SEL
• Tanya Thompson, Project Coordinator, Broward County Public Schools
• Vivianne Jenkins, SEL Specialist, Broward County Public Schools
• Juany Valdespino-Gaytán, Executive Director of Engagement Services, Dallas ISD
• Aileen Mokuria, SEL Professional Development Manager, Dallas ISD
• Dr. Susan M. Green, Senior Administrator of SEL and Design, New York City Department of Education

Thursday, May 27, 2021

Intersection of Greatness: How SEL Can Improve Climate and Mitigate the Effects of Trauma

As students are returning to in-person learning, we know that Covid-19 has had an impact on so children and families. Many educators and school leaders are seeking additional resources to support the educational and social emotional challenges the pandemic has caused for so many. During this hour-long no cost webinar, School Psychologist Dr. Barzanna White will address how Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) can have a tremendous impact on childhood learning. Dr. White will review the research behind how the brain functions from trauma. With her years of experience in supporting students in crisis, Dr. White will share how Social Emotional Learning tools such as Harmony SEL can help mitigate the impact of trauma. Professional development about trauma can also provide educators with the knowledge and skills needed to support students impacted by trauma. A strong SEL focus will help overcome the tremendous challenges presented by Covid-19 and lead to a healthier school environment.

We recommended viewing our no-cost Inspire modules to learn more about trauma informed instruction: Supporting Trauma Exposed Students & Understanding the Impact of Trauma on Students.

Presented by: Dr. Barzanna White, District School Psychologist and School Climate Transformation Grant Director, Caddo Parish Schools, Louisiana

Thursday, April 29, 2021

Building Student Friendships Across the Racial Divide

In this one-hour webinar, two award-winning educators Dr. Melissa Collins and Mr. Michael Dunlea will share how they have maximized HarmonySEL activities to achieve learning experiences that build both empathy and understanding. Participants will learn strategies to foster relationships and connect with a diverse group of students and others. The presenters will also share how their students’ perspectives continue to evolve on race relations given the current events that underscore inequities and continued protests to create more equitable institutions. You will not want to miss this inspirational story of how two classrooms with young students from very different backgrounds have collaborated and developed lifelong friendships, while learning how to advocate for equity for all.

Presented by:

• Dr. Melissa Collins, 2nd grade teacher, Memphis, Tennessee
• Mr. Michael Dunlea, 3rd grade teacher, Tabernacle, New Jersey

Wednesday, March 24, 2021

Shining a Bright Light on Educator SEL

As we prepare to celebrate international #SELday, we invite you to join us for our next one-hour, no-cost webinar. Dr. Patricia (Tish) Jennings, Professor of Education at the University of Virginia, will moderate a panel with our award-winning teachers to share the importance of SEL for educators and the ways in which the pandemic and social unrest in our communities have influenced educator well-being.

Presented by: Dr. Patricia (Tish) Jennings, Professor of Education, University of Virginia

Panelists:

• Tom Whisinnand, National University Grand Prize Teacher Award Winner 2019
• Alejandro Diasgranados, DC Teacher of the Year 2020, Top 4 NTOY 2021 Finalist
• Dr. Lori Piowlski, Acting Dean and Chair of the Teacher Education Department at National University

Thursday, February 18, 2021

Applied Improv For SEL And Trauma-Informed Practices

In this one hour, no-cost webinar, educator and trainer Christiana Frank will share how Applied Improvisation tools positively impact students who have experienced trauma or need support in social-emotional skills.
Presented by: Christiana Frank, Consultant, Trainer, Speaker

Wednesday, January 27, 2021

Looking into the 2021 SEL Telescope

As we look ahead in our telescope, we see a new way of interacting on the horizon. A way of interacting that takes our learning, our growth, our pain, our loss, and our healing into account. In this one hour, no-cost webinar, join moderator Dr. Nick Yoder in a discussion with SEL expert practitioners about what they see in the 2021 SEL telescope.

Presented by: Dr. Nick Yoder, Director of Strategic Initiatives at Harmony SEL
Panelists:
- Janna Moyer, SEL Specialist, Washoe
- Dr. Simyka Carlton SEL Coordinator, Nashville

Wednesday, October 28, 2020

The Neuroscience of Stress

Stanford Lead Researcher Dr. Victor Carrion will discuss the neuroscience of stress and anxiety and the impact on children and educators. Ms. Chi Kim will share the benefits of integrating mindfulness and yoga to reduce stress, improve focus and support social and emotional development. Please join this webinar to learn about the biological impact of stress and tips for healthy stress management.
Presented by: Dr. Victor Carrion, Professor of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Stanford Chi Kim, CEO of Pure Edge, Inc, and CASEL Board of Directors

Wednesday, September 23, 2020

Engaging in SEL Through Visual Arts Exploration

Join award-winning arts teacher Jonathan Juravich, as he shares how visual art experiences can prompt important SEL discussions, SEL can lead to rich art-making experiences for students and visual art experiences can lead to community building.
Presented by: Jonathan Juravich

Tuesday, August 25, 2020

Starting Again: Parent Connections After School Closures

In this webinar, we'll discuss the power of making social-emotional connections with families; consider ways to be intentional in planning for a “new normal” with family engagement and identify specific actions to facilitate authentic and ongoing family partnerships.
Presented by: Dr. Mary Conage, Director of Special Projects, University of Florida

Tuesday, August 11, 2020

Reopening Schools with a Focus on SEL and Equity Webinar Series

This five-part webinar series for educational leaders will address strategies for trauma response to meet the social and emotional needs of students, staff, and communities.

Founded in 2005, the National Center for Urban School Transformation (NCUST) is dedicated to helping urban school districts and their partners transform urban schools into spaces where all students achieve academic proficiency, demonstrate a love of learning, and graduate well prepared to succeed in post-secondary education, the workplace and their communities.

Thursday, July 16, 2020

The Contrasting Realities of Reopening Schools: Understanding Inequities to Support the Whole Child

Panelists: Linda Darling Hammond, Doug Fisher and Tyrone Howard

Moderator: Jackie Jodl

How to be an inspiring educator while facing challenges related to historic and current inequity, new procedures required for the reopening of schools, and the need for distance and blended instruction.

Tuesday, June 23, 2020

SEL And STEM: Building Empathy To Help Solve World Problems

In this webinar, you'll learn the purpose behind Social-Emotional Learning, why it is critical, how STEM is integrated and how to get started.
Presented by: Michael Soskil, Author, Teacher, Speaker, 2016 Global Teacher Prize Top 10

Thursday, May 21, 2020

Emotional Intelligence And Resiliency: Teaching During Covid-19

In this webinar, you'll receive various tools, tips and advice for teaching and emotional learning during Covid-19.

Presented by: Dorina Sachman-Ebuwa, 2014 Florida Teacher of the Year and Top-4 Finalist, National Teacher of the Year

Tuesday, May 12, 2020

Supporting the Whole Child in a Time of Crisis

On May 12, Dr. Hammond shared insights and strategies for supporting the whole child and their families as a unique educator during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Presented by: Dr. Linda Darling-Hammond

Wednesday, April 22, 2020

Strategies for Supporting Diverse Learners in a Digital World

In this webinar, you'll learn practical ways to support, understand, and build connections in your multi-cultural classroom using digital tools either in the classroom or in remote learning settings.
Presented by: Leah Juelke, 2019 North Dakota Teacher Award State Winner

Thursday, March 26, 2020

Mindfulness for Educators

In this webinar, you’ll learn how educators can cultivate greater mindfulness within themselves and their students will offer specific strategies to harness the power of mindfulness to increase well-being and classroom engagement.
Presented by: Christopher S. Reina, Ph.D. President and Founder Leading Without Ego, LLC

Thursday, February 20, 2020

Permission To Feel: Unlocking The Power Of Emotions To Help Our Kids, Ourselves, And Our Society Thrive

In this webinar, you'll learn to transform the way you think about emotions in the classroom. Dr. Marc Brackett will share his groundbreaking research and show how educators who understand the power and science of emotions can better support students.
Presented by: Dr. Marc Brackett, Founding Director of the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence

Wednesday, January 15, 2020

A Teacher’s Purpose: What the World Needs Now

In this webinar, Tom Whisinnand, a.k.a. Mr. Whiz, reflects on how caring learning environments have transformed learning spaces in his classroom and beyond. Mr. Whiz knows teachers are the key to our future. In this engaging presentation, he will inspire educators to continue changing the world.
Presented by: Tom Whisinnand, 2019 Grand Prize Teacher Award Winner

Wednesday, November 13, 2019

Caring Beyond Expectations

In this webinar, Dr. McDaniel will inspire you to dream big for all of your students. He will share how the importance of building relationships is the foundation for supporting student success in school and beyond. These relationships will help transform the ordinary to the extraordinary. He will share several case studies of how former students who once struggled became shining stars with his care and high expectations for all in his band class. Join this webinar to be inspired and motivated to support the amazing future of your students!
Presenter: Dr. Brian McDaniel, 2018 California Teacher of the Year and 2019 Global Teacher Prize Top Finalist