Learn how students are affected by trauma—and what you can do to reach them—at the 2019 VEA Instruction and Professional Development Conference, October 11-12 at the Richmond Marriott.
Dr. Lori Desautels of Butler University, an expert on how trauma affects growing brains, is the keynote speaker and will also offer workshops during the two-day conference. The conference theme is “Connecting with Students through Trauma-Responsive Practices.”
Desautels and other advocates of trauma-informed practices say that a child’s exposure to trauma, which can include factors such as hunger, abuse, or unstable living situations, activate stress responses that get in the way of learning. Desautels says explicitly teaching students about the brain, and about stress, while also applying classroom strategies designed to ease stress and focus the brain, can help students thrive.
“VEA members teach many students who face extraordinary circumstances,” says VEA President Jim Livingston. “We are very pleased that Dr. Desautels, an expert in the field of education and neuroscience, will be guiding our members on trauma-responsive practices.”
Phillip Hawkins, Jr. , Education Association of Norfolk
“The professional development that VEA offers is incomparable. The IPD conference offers tools that you can put right to work to help your students. You will hit the ground running!”
Carol Bauer, York Education Association
“Like most conferences sponsored by VEA, I’ve come back inspired. There’s so much networking going on, and it gives me ideas of what I can take back into my local to make a difference. You never know what’s going to happen at IPD Conference. You’ve got to be there to see it!”
Conference Sessions Including:
• Instructional techniques
• Community engagement
• Tips for managing your classroom
• Building diversity in the profession
• Best practices to increase student achievement
• How to prepare model lesson designs
• “Walk-away” tips you can use right away!
Your chance to benefit from first-rate professional development at affordable prices!
Presenters include VEA members from various local affiliates, as well as higher education faculty and community partners. Each participant will receive a certificate verifying 8 hours of professional development, which may be presented to the administration of his/her respective school division for consideration toward certificate renewal and/or continuing education credits.
Dr. Lori Desautels is featured speaker at a Community Forum October 10, the evening before the start of the IPD Conference. The Forum, meant to attract educators, parents, and representatives of community organizations, will include Desautels’ speech and a question-and-answer period. The Forum will also feature a Community Resources Fair.
According to the Economic Policy Institute, teachers in Virginia are paid 31% less than other college graduates. That is the third-worst showing of any state.
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