During the AMLE conference in Nashville, Tennessee, Teachers Christina Henes, Theresa Wisniewski, Bridget Schaeffer, and Vice-Principal Michelle Smith presented an impactful session focused on empowering educators to support middle school students’ social-emotional and academic growth. The AMLE Annual Conference is the world’s largest gathering of middle-grade educators, dedicated to celebrating young adolescents and the educators who champion their development.
The presentation centered on developing a program to create safe spaces where students can regulate emotions, build healthy coping strategies, strengthen study skills, and cultivate character. This approach utilizes dynamic teacher leaders as both interventionists and advocates, placing social and emotional learning at the heart of academic support. Attendees were provided with a comprehensive framework, resources, and actionable strategies to implement targeted interventions in their schools. The aim is to address and reduce suspension rates, absenteeism, and underachievement by fostering environments that prioritize student well-being.
This session equipped educators with practical tools to establish restorative practices, build supportive school climates, and enhance students' social, emotional, and academic well-being. Through these initiatives, the educators highlighted a path to reimagine middle school education, prioritizing behavioral health, academic achievement, and sustainable success.
