Educators Connect and Learn at the Inaugural “Belonging & Wellbeing in Education: North Carolina Showcase”

Inspired by listening to educators from across the State of North Carolina talk about the importance of connection and belonging in their work led Dr. Beth Rice, Specialist for State Projects, Region 6 Comprehensive Center (RC6) at SERVE, to think about the what if’s. What if the RC6 could convene a centrally located event to foster connection and learning opportunities for educators? What if the event could help inspire and empower educators to look at their own wellbeing to better help students?

Rice got busy and brought her ideas to her colleagues and the leadership team at SERVE. The group collaborated and began planning a day-long event designed just for educators. Rice, along with Megan Orleans, Project Specialist, RC6, led the planning team, which included Anne Nixon, IABS Regional Strategic Support Consultant for the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, and team leaders from RC6.

“This showcase event came about when we realized during our district showcase events [held throughout NC] that the work of creating belonging and wellbeing needed to be expanded. Being connected to other educators would enable us to expand capacity and share how we can implement this important work,” said Rice.

The planning team’s efforts culminated in the “Belonging & Wellbeing in Education: North Carolina Showcase” (BWB), which convened on Monday, July 22, 2024, at the GTCC Conference Center in the Piedmont Triad. The in-person event featured a full day offering 12 workshops and related breakout sessions led by North Carolina-based school administrators, educators, and community partners, a keynote speaker, and 14 vendors—who specialize in MTSS and SEL tools for educators. With nearly 200 education professionals in attendance, the BWB Showcase was filled with vibrant conversations and meeting folks from different parts of the state. Several vendors provided prizes to participants and winners were selected through random drawings. Click link for complete information.

As one attendee noted, “Great information from all made me extremely happy to see how much work is being dedicated to adult SEL. I have already shared information with our admin team to review for planning.”

The day kicked off with opening remarks and a warm welcome from Dr. Maria Pitre-Martin, Executive Director, SERVE at UNC Greensboro.

“We all know that promoting safe and supportive environments in our schools and communities makes us all better. Wellness in schools is an approach that recognizes the many factors and non-academic barriers that can impact a student’s academic performance, and it is defined as the state of being well, especially as an actively sought out goal,” said Pitre-Martin.

Rice and Nixon introduced the sessions and presenters, and then turned to Dr. Nick Yoder, Associate Vice President of Whole Human Education & Research for the Harmony Academy at National University, who provided the keynote address remotely. Yoder’s inspiring message exemplified his commitment to equitable whole child development, underpinned by a strong foundation using research and data to improve educational outcomes.

“Educator wellbeing can be defined as an educator’s reactions (positive and negative), functioning and evaluations in response to the conditions in which they work,” noted Yoder in his presentation. 

Sponsored by RC6 at SERVE, presenters shared practical strategies and real-world examples for enhancing student academic outcomes by prioritizing educator wellbeing and positive school culture. Sessions enabled both presenters and attendees to experience the magic of wellbeing and belonging. Showcase sessions offered dynamic and engaging presentations. Participants chose which sessions to attend based on their interests.

“The big thing is that people are building connections and coming out of sessions feeling empowered. It is so encouraging to see the perseverance, the dedication, and the work of the people who are presenting. The attendees are here seeking more ideas and connections with other people in the field and connecting with their colleagues across the state. They want to be able to walk away with tools and resources to implement in their districts and charter schools,” said Nixon.

The format of the BWB Showcase utilized the SEL 3-Signature Practices system from Casel. The signature practices include an inclusive welcome, engaging strategies, and an intentional close. A popular strategy utilized was having participants share three key ideas that stood out during the presentations, two things they would like to explore further, and one question they still have or a point to ponder.

“The opportunity to go back for 3.2.1. was innovative. First time I’ve experienced that at a conference,” noted one attendee, and another remarked, “I really liked how the 3-2-1 activity set up for an active, relevant discussion in the afternoon.”

Many of the showcase sessions delved into practical strategies to nurture the wellbeing of educators and students. A popular activity for participants was learning a five-finger breathing technique that can be used to develop calmness and promote wellbeing by tracing one’s hand and focusing the breath.

As one educator noted, “I will use the knowledge to combat some of the seasonal ups and downs,” while another participant mentioned the possibility of using this mindfulness technique to assist students with wellbeing.

Rice and Orleans led an interactive and intentional closing activity in which attendees entered their individual takeaways for the day into Padlet, allowing participants to view shared reflections. 

“I loved the presentation/breakouts format, followed by discussion to dig deeper. I plan to share the knowledge gained with my team,” one attendee commented, while another noted that “The format was nice and provided time to process. I am recharged to keep the fight going for what is best for the kids.”

“We were struck by the feeling of hope expressed by educators as they left the showcase. We heard people express that they were returning to their work in the education field with a new sense of commitment. Doing the work of belonging and wellbeing leads to a collective resilience for educators,” Rice said in conclusion of the day.

Visit our shared photo album on Google Photos.

Visit the Belonging & Wellbeing in Education: North Carolina Showcase agenda, to find links to the session presentations.

Post and Photos by: Judi Rossabi