Students’ sense of belonging in school can play a critical role in their academic and social-emotional learning and development. When students feel like they belong in their school community, they are more likely to engage in classroom instruction and activities, form positive relationships with their peers and teachers, and feel motivated to succeed.
This webinar will focus on the importance of creating a supportive and inclusive environment in schools, and will highlight research supporting best practices for fostering student belonging. Specific district- and school-level practices and policies that support this work will be discussed.
Join this webinar to learn:
- Why creating supportive environments for students is critical for today’s students
- How students’ sense of belonging is linked to academic success and well-being over time
- Practical approaches to making schools and classrooms places where students feel connected and accepted
👉 Access the Recording 👈
Note: this webinar is part of our series, "The Power of Community in MTSS." Click here to learn more about and register for the webinar series.
About the presenters:
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Trudy Bender Trudy Bender is the MTSS Content Marketing Manager at Branching Minds. She previously served as the Coordinator of District Behavior Intervention at Waco ISD, where she facilitated the implementation of a multi-tiered system of supports for behavior along with initiatives to improve school climate and to build teacher capacity in classroom management through peer coaching. She is passionate about helping teachers and administrators to develop a positive, restorative, instructional approach to behavior that reduces disproportionality in discipline while improving social-emotional and academic outcomes for all students. Trudy holds an Ed.S. in School Psychology from Baylor University. |
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Whitley Dozier Whitley Dozier is a Customer Success Manager at Branching Minds, where she supports district partners in implementing and enhancing their MTSS practice through use of the Branching Minds platform. Prior to this role, she served Cabarrus County Schools for eight years as a teacher, Community Resource Coordinator, MTSS Coordinator and Principal Intern. Whitley is passionate about equity and family engagement in MTSS and is currently working on her doctorate in Organizational Leadership. She holds a M.Ed. in Human Development and Family Studies from UNC Greensboro and a B.A. in Elementary & Special Education from Elon University. |
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Dr. Essie Sutton Essie Sutton is an Applied Developmental Psychologist and the Director of Learning Science at Branching Minds. Her work brings together the fields of Child Development and Education Psychology to improve learning and development for all students. Dr. Sutton is responsible for studying the impacts of the Branching Minds on students’ academic, behavioral, and social-emotional outcomes. She also leverages MTSS research and best practices to develop and improve the Branching Minds platform. |