2025 Celebrating the Challenges

In this presentation, we will explore how our nervous systems are impacted by adversity, trauma, and experiences of resiliency through deepened connections and sensory regulation. Behaviors are only signals or indicators that the brain and body are struggling in survival states of functioning. In our time together, we will explore how we get out in front of the behavior through our procedures, routines, and transitions. We will also explore the differences between co-regulation and coercive regulation which is the foundation of discipline practices that move us through challenging moments while attending to our emotional, social, and physiological health.

Tired of endlessly searching for resources online? Sandra Anderson, Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA) librarian, will also reveal some of the great web resources that you can find at the ATA Library without searching.

Adult nervous system states drive child and adolescent social, emotional, and cognitive well-being. In this session, we will explore how trauma and adversity impact the developing brains and bodies of our students and the powerful implications that adult regulation states positively create for a student's social, emotional, and academic growth. I will share powerful regulatory practices for adults and students.

Co-Regulation is the Core of Relational, Preventative, and Brain Aligned Discipline
In this session we will explore co-regulation practices as these relate to healthy brain and body development in our students. When a calm nervous system can connect with a dysregulated nervous system, we can share an emotionally available safe space and presence that can upregulate positive emotions while down-regulating negative emotions.