Trainings
Featured Trainings
R.I.S.K.y Business Or, How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Kids
Perhaps the biggest obstacle to engaging students in rigorous learning experiences are defensive and avoidance behaviors that result from various fears in the classroom. In this session, David uses research, humor, and real-life experiences to illustrate these detrimental effects of fear and anxiety on classroom climates. David begins by examining the anxieties we bring to schools as professionals, then turns his attention to what is scary to students about our schools. Grounded in the latest research about the effect of anxiety on the mind and body, he provides an inspiring vision and practical solutions for creating a fearless learning zone for you and your students.
For K-12 educators and administrators
Keynote/Breakout Session or Half-Day Training
Is This Our Exit Strategy?:
Tough Questions About Traditional Discipline
“That’s it…go to the office!” How many hundreds of times must those words of frustration be uttered in our classrooms before schools really examine the usefulness and effectiveness of traditional, punitive disciplinary measures. David uses real data correlating disciplinary action to various academic, behavioral, social, and psychological outcomes to ask pointed questions about the logic of behavior management systems typically used by schools. David, then, guides an honest discussion of possibilities for change on classroom, school-wide, and system-wide levels. This is a perfect session for anyone asking themselves if schools are fulfilling their mission in our communities. Inspiring and eye-opening.
For K-12 educators and administrators
Keynote/Breakout Session or Half-Day Training
Making Tough Starts into Strong Finishes:
Building Optimistic Learning Environments
From bad days and embarrassing moments to severe emotional disturbances and mood disorders, teachers meet a range of psychological needs in their classrooms everyday. This session looks at the basic psychological needs of students and describes simple, yet effective ways to create a supportive, optimistic learning environment. Funny and touching, David’s stories and activities bring home the challenge and treasure of working through emotions and relationships to build nurturing classroom climates. Everyone leaves with a reminder that it’s not where you came from, but where you’re going…it’s not how you start, but how you finish!
For K-12 educators and administrators
Keynote/Breakout Session, Half or Full-Day Training
That’s Not How My Mama Did It:
Parenting With Positive Behavior Supports
With heavy doses of love and laughter, David guides parents through an approach to discipline at home that focuses on responsibility and respect, but supports children as they learn social and behavioral skills. Parents leave the session inspired to teach and manage their child’s behavior in ways that are reliable, affirming, and fun!