RefreshED 2025

In this session, we’ll explore the executive functioning skills essential for student success, such as organization, time management, and self-regulation. You’ll learn how these skills develop at different stages and practical strategies to support students in strengthening them. We’ll also discuss how teaching these skills can not only help students thrive but also make your classroom more manageable, saving both time and stress for educators.  

Many teachers think of a discipline plan when they think about classroom management. Perhaps a system of positive rewards and consequences to manage behavior come to mind. BUT classroom management is so much more than that. Having systems and procedures for everything your class does makes the class run so much better! Thinking about and developing those systems prior to the beginning of the year is key to having a smooth beginning. Teaching and practicing those with students will maintain a learning environment that is safe, accessible and efficient. During this session, we will develop systems for the management of your classroom, the development of classroom culture, and the management of student behavior. We will also analyze how the systems you develop are tied to dimension 3 of the T TESS rubric so that you can raise your own evaluation.

In this timely and transformative professional development session, educators will explore what it means to renew and evolve their teaching practices to meet the needs of today’s learners. With a spotlight on Gen Z and Gen Alpha students, participants will dive into Understanding the Modern Student—examining their digital fluency, mental health challenges, and expectations for relevance and connection in learning.
Educators will engage with current, high-impact practices such as:

• Differentiated and Personalized Learning to support academic growth and autonomy,
• Culturally Responsive Pedagogy that builds inclusive and affirming classrooms,
• AI and EdTech Integration to enhance instruction without overwhelming,
• Collaborative Learning Structures that strengthen communication and soft skills, and
• Authentic, Formative Assessment models that drive student ownership of learning.

This session equips educators with the tools and mindset to confidently navigate today’s educational landscape—balancing innovation with intentionality and student-centered design.

Managing challenging behaviors with empathy and skill is essential to creating a safe and supportive learning environment. De-Escalation Strategies for the Classroom is a practical, skill-building training designed to help educators respond confidently and effectively when students exhibit signs of emotional escalation. This training empowers educators to build strong relationships, reduce disruptions, and support students in developing lifelong self-regulation skills.

This presentation will explore the critical need for trauma-informed schools and the importance of understanding how trauma affects students; aimed at helping educators develop a comprehensive understanding of what it means to create a trauma-informed school environment—one that is safe, supportive, and responsive to the needs of all student. We begin by examining Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and their long-term impact on learning and behavior. Trauma, its various causes, and how it manifests in students are defined and explored. Participants will be introduced to various resources and supports available to help educators work effectively with traumatized students, emphasizing strategies that promote healing and learning. Self-care techniques for educators are discussed to ensure they maintain their well-being while supporting students through difficult experiences.

Every classroom has students who seem hesitant, disengaged, or unmotivated to participate in learning activities. Engaging Reluctant Learners (K–4) is a hands-on, interactive training designed to equip educators with effective, research-based strategies to spark interest, build confidence, and foster active participation in even the most hesitant learners.

This session equips teachers with practical strategies to build strong relationships with students, set clear classroom expectations, and differentiate instruction for SPED and EB learners. Focused on increasing student engagement, participants will leave with tools to create an inclusive and supportive environment.