2025 schedule will be emailed to participants one week prior to the conference.
*Schedule subject to change*
May 28-29, 2025
Atlantic City Campus, Stockton University
Conference Day 1 – May 28, 2025
Registration & Continental Breakfast
8:30 am – 9:00 am
Opening & Welcome
9:00 am – 9:15 am
Keynote Presentation: 9:15 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Keynote Presenter: Roger León, Superintendent of Schools Newark
Keynote Title: Improving Culture and Climate in New Jersey’s Largest School District
Concurrent Workshop Sessions I: 10:45 am – 12:00 Noon
Workshop I
Presenter: David Rubin, Esq
Workshop Title: The Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act: An Update on Legally-Compliant Implementation
Workshop Description: David Rubin, Esq., a highly experienced school board attorney and district anti-bullying coordinator will offer a nuts-and-bolts breakdown of the HIB definition, properly conducting investigations, the role of the school board, the rights of parents and staff and, most importantly, measures to prevent HIB in the first place.
Workshop II
Presenter: Dr. Darrell Detample, NJHeart
Workshop Title: Establishing Safe & Brave Spaces for Difficult Classroom Discussions
Workshop Description: Participants will be provided with specific talking points and strategies to teach students how to discuss difficult topics. From learning that it’s okay to make mistakes to understanding the difference between a legitimate and illegitimate argument, participants will be given the tools to foster open and honest discussions.
Workshop III
Presenter: Kimberly Valle, José Fernandez -Brtio (ImmSchools)
Workshop Title: Supporting Anti-Bullying in Immigrant and ESL Students at K-12 schools
Workshop Description: This training is intended for educators who work directly with students. Educators and school counselors are often the first adults that students come to when searching for answers and support about their wellbeing. Lastly, educators and school counselors will understand the bullying impacts of immigrant students, address those unique challenges, and gain best practices on how to prevent bullying and maintain a safe and welcoming space for students regardless of immigration status while fostering a more inclusive and supportive school environment.
Lunch: 12:00pm – 12:45pm
Concurrent Workshop Sessions II: 12:45pm – 2:05 pm
Workshop I
Presenters: Dr. Darrell Detample & Raymund Mantes
Workshop Title: Disrupting Microaggressions Against Asian Americans: An Anti-Bias Workshop for Educators
Workshop Description: In this workshop, educators from all disciplines come together to deepen their understanding of their AAPI students. Together, we explore the complex history and multifaceted identity of the AAPI community. Our work extends beyond generalizations as we unpack shared experiences and stories while respecting and honoring the unique narratives of individuals within this diverse group. We also address harmful stereotypes and misconceptions and the troubling issue of anti-Asian hate. Educators will leave with a better understanding of the AAPI diaspora, narratives, and lived experiences, empowering them to create more inclusive and culturally responsive educational spaces.
Workshop II
Presenter: Dr. Jane Webber & Dr. Jeanette Torruella
Workshop Title: The Silent Burden of Student Loneliness: Building Connection and Belonging Through Creative Group Activities
Workshop Description: The desire and need to belong and be accepted by peers is an important developmental marker of independence and identity that increases with the student’s journey from elementary school to high school. Loneliness does not discriminate and affects both victim and bully, the A-student and the struggling student. Loneliness and social disconnection can be insidious and invisible to school staff. It is essential that schools create intentional opportunities for students to connect and build empathy. In this session, we explore practical activities that mitigate the impact of loneliness and help students move from connecting to belonging. These interactive activities can be conducted in both small groups and class settings.
Workshop III
Presenters: Josh Barrett, Juan Ouviña, and Peer Mediators (Memorial High School)
Workshop Title: Building the U and I in Community
Workshop Description: Creating a strong sense of community within schools is essential for fostering positive relationships, improving school climate, and promoting student well-being. These students and faculty members have worked together to develop advanced communication, conflict resolution and mediation skills, and in the process have gained the tools and methods for building a true sense of community. In this interactive workshop, they will share some of the discussions and activities they have experienced.
Concurrent Workshop Sessions III: 2:15 pm – 3:30 pm
Workshop I
Presenter: Mercy Villa Copantitla
Workshop Title: Creating Safe and Healing Spaces for LGBTQ+ Youth
Workshop Description: Join us to explore how to create inclusive and supportive spaces for LGBTQ+ youth. In this session, we’ll focus on strategies for fostering environments that encourage self-expression, healing, and leadership, while strengthening peer support and resilience. We’ll also discuss how to advocate for the well-being of LGBTQ+ students in the face of a challenging political climate.
Workshop II
Presenters: Patricia Heindel, Ph.D & Liz Warner (School Culture and Climate Initiative) Workshop Title: Creating a School Environment Where All Can Thrive: The Importance of Connection and Belonging in Creating a Positive School Climate
Workshop Description: This session will explore the pivotal role a positive school climate plays in creating a school environment where all – both staff and students – feel a strong sense of connection and belonging and where they are all able to do their very best. Particular attention will focus on how an intentional, data-driven approach to school climate improvement, an overarching plan, and a framework all work together to ensure sustainability and greater long lasting impact. In this interactive session, we will also discuss common obstacles and share solutions.
Workshop III
Presenter: Jose Luis Posos, M.Ed, LPC & Rita Johnson, Psy.D.
Workshop Title: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Essential for Building Bridges and Creating Community
Workshop Description: A strong school is built on connections, understanding, and a commitment to inclusivity. This interactive session will explore practical strategies for fostering a school climate where all students, staff and faculty feel valued and heard. Participants will examine the impact of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) on student access and well-being, while gaining tools to create meaningful change in their schools. Through discussion and real-world examples, attendees will leave with actionable steps to break down barriers, build relationships and cultivate a culture of belonging for all.
Conference Day 2 – May 29, 2025
8:15 am – 9:00 am
Continental Breakfast/Registration
Concurrent Workshop Sessions IV: 9:00 am – 10:15 am
Workshop I
Presenter: Kalisha Smith & Stacy Brief (Society for Prevention of Teen Suicide)
Workshop Title: Building Bridges: Creating a Culture of Belonging
Workshop Description: This workshop will focus on the critical, but limited role educators play in identifying and supporting youth at risk of suicide; participants will be learn the risk factors, warning signs, and protective factors of suicide. With a focus on fostering a sense of belonging and building trusting relationships, we will explore the key qualities that youth seek in trusted adults. Participants will discuss actionable steps for creating safe, inclusive, and courageous school environments that help students feel seen, heard, and supported. Together, we’ll review practical strategies for connecting with students and cultivating a school culture that prioritizes mental health and well-being.
Workshop II
Presenter: Alisha Delorenzo
Workshop Title: Restoring Mattering in a Disconnected World
Workshop Description: This session dives into the science of mattering—a critical psychological need for feeling significant and valued—and its proven links to mental health and well-being. Participants will understand the paradox of connection in a digital age and learn actionable strategies to counteract isolation and loneliness and create environments where children feel deeply connected, supported, and valued.
Workshop III
Presenters: Scott Hirschfeld (NJ Division of Civil Rights)
Workshop Title: Protecting the Civil Rights of LGBTQIA+ Students
Workshop Description: In recent years, there have been widespread efforts to introduce new policies that would limit the civil rights of LGBTQIA+ students. In this session, participants will learn how these policies might adversely impact LGBTQIA+ youth. Participants will also receive practical guidance based on the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination, for addressing current issues, including supporting transgender and nonbinary students, inclusive books and curricula, and visual pride displays.
Concurrent Workshop Sessions V: 10:25 am – 11:40 am
Workshop I
Presenter: Kim Pinckney, PhD.
Workshop Title: Building Bridges: Weaving Connection to Combat Bullying
Workshop Description: “Building Bridges” explores building school belonging to combat bullying. Through interactive exercises like “Human Bingo” and reflective listening, participants uncover what belonging means and its impact. We’ll examine inclusive education practices, brainstorm solutions for isolated students, and create personal “Belonging Commitments.” This workshop empowers educators to foster connection, cultivate empathy, and build inclusive school environments where every student feels valued and safe.
Workshop II
Presenter: Erin Bruno, MA
Workshop Title: Creating a Culture of Belonging: Using SEL to Foster Trust and Safety in Schools
Workshop Description: A strong sense of belonging is essential for student well-being, engagement, and success. In this highly interactive session, participants will explore how Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) can be leveraged to build trust, psychological safety, and inclusive school environments where every student feels seen, heard, and valued. Through engaging discussions, hands-on activities, and real-world applications, attendees will gain practical strategies to cultivate meaningful relationships, promote emotional intelligence, and establish a culture of safety, respect, and connection in their schools. Walk away with concrete, ready-to-use tools that foster belonging, resilience, and a positive school climate for all students.
Workshop III
Presenters: Drs. Christopher Irving and Judith Springer
Workshop Title: Bias, Bullying, and the Isms
Workshop Description: In this thought-provoking workshop, Drs. Christopher Irivng and Judith Springer will explore the complex relationship between bias, bullying, and systemic discrimination in schools. The session will delve into how biases—whether based on race, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or other factors—fuel bullying behaviors and perpetuate harmful “isms” (racism, sexism, ableism, etc.). Through a combination of research, real-world examples, and interactive discussions, participants will gain a deeper understanding of how these issues manifest in educational settings and the impact they have on students’ social-emotional well-being. The workshop will also provide actionable strategies for identifying and addressing biases, fostering inclusive environments, and promoting anti-bullying practices that challenge these deeply ingrained prejudices.
Conference Closing/Evaluation/PD Certificates
11:45 am – 12:15 pm