CCEA 2019 Conference "Moving into the Future Together"

Strong social connections strengthen our immune system, lower anxiety and depression, and even help us live longer.  Additionally, people who feel connected are more empathetic, trusting, and cooperative.  This engaging and interactive workshop, will provide participants with research, strategies, and structures for building belonging and cultivating connection in the classroom, the staff room, at home, and in the community.
If we want to increase the likelihood that our students will be successful, we have to “Maslow Before We Bloom.” Establishing a sense of belonging and connection in the classroom creates an academically safe environment where students are more likely to participate, ask questions and engage in the lessons.  Belonging can also strengthen hope and optimism, key factors in resilience, which is needed for academic success.
In this highly engaging and interactive workshop, participants will learn research explaining the biology of belonging, as well as strategies and structures that provide opportunities to build belonging and cultivate connection in classrooms, in staff rooms, at home, and in the community.