Social and Emotional Learning Conference
Join us at the fourth Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Conference offered on the University of Northern Iowa campus.
Friday, April 4, 2025
8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. CT
Lang Hall Auditorium and Schindler Education Center
Be part of the ongoing dialogue as we continue to dive into ways to promote the social, emotional and behavioral health of children and educators in ways that advance equity and excellence in education.
Special guest speakers this year include:
- Keynote Speaker: David Adams, MEd, CEO, The Urban Assembly, and on the board of directors of the Collaborative for Academic, Social and Emotional Learning (CASEL) .
- Guest Author: Marc Colagiovanni, JD, New York Times bestselling children’s book author and practicing attorney.
The schedule will include a full slate of breakout sessions. Hosted by the UNI College of Education, the conference will be held on site on UNI's campus with an online option for the keynote speaker and guest author talk at a reduced rate. Free to UNI faculty, staff and students.
Who should attend: Teachers, school counselors, school psychologists, school administrators and anyone who works with youth and children in the community!
REGISTER BY APRIL 2. If you have questions or need a reasonable accommodation to participate in this event, please contact coe-events@uni.edu prior to the event.
Register today!
2025 Keynote Presentations
Learning in the Age of AI: How the Social Emotional Dimensions of Learning Will Drive Education in 2030 and Beyond
As artificial intelligence continues to revolutionize education, the role of social emotional learning (SEL) will become increasingly vital. David Adams, a pioneering leader in SEL and education innovation, explores how both AI and SEL will shape the future of learning. By 2030 and beyond, schools will need to focus not only on academic achievement but also on fostering emotional intelligence, resilience, and belonging. This approach will prepare students for an increasingly complex and automated world, where adaptability, empathy, and human connection will be key drivers of success. Adams draws on his experience as a thought leader in public education and his groundbreaking work with Urban Assembly to imagine a future where the social emotional dimensions of learning lead the way.
A Writer's Journey
Marc Colagiovanni will share his journey of becoming a published children’s book author—a journey that was 10 years in the making! But through hard-work and perseverance, his efforts led him to publishing his first two children’s books, When Things Aren't Going Right, Go Left and The Reflection in Me, published by Scholastic and illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds. Both books were inspired by the author's three daughters and tackle issues that children, and adults as well, encounter on a daily basis. Colagiovanni's objective as a writer is to “create stories that both children and adults can connect to with the hopes of initiating conversations between the two. And if those conversations can result in a child being enlightened or finding peace in some way, then I’ll know that I have put something worthwhile into the world.” He is excited to share the inspiration for these stories and their connection to social and emotional learning.
At-A-Glance Conference Schedule
7:30 - 8:30 a.m. Registration
8:30 - 8:40 a.m. -- Welcome, Dean Colleen Mulholland, Lang Hall auditorium
8:40 a.m. - 10 a.m. -- Keynote: David Adams
10-10:15 a.m. -- Break
10:15 - 11 a.m. -- Author Talk: Marc Colagiovanni
11 - 11:20 a.m. -- Break/Walk to Schindler Education Center
11:20 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. -- Breakout Session 1, Schindler Education Center
12:15 - 1:30 p.m. -- Lunch, SEC 2nd floor lobby; Book signing, IRTS Lab (next to lunch)
1:30 - 2:25 p.m. -- Breakout Session 2, SEC
2:25 - 2:35 p.m. -- Break
2:35 - 3:30 p.m. -- Breakout Session 3, SEC
- Breakout Session 1: 11:20 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. CT
Fireside Chat
Marc ColagiovanniContinuation of Keynote Address
David Adams, The Urban AssemblyLeadership Strategies to Support Implementing Mental Health Policies
Brad Neibling, Scanlan Center, University of Iowa, and Lisa Remy, School Administrators of IowaSchool Counseling through the MTSS Framework
Bryana Caviness, Cedar Falls SchoolsIntegrating Social Emotional Learning and Standards-Based Grading: Principles and Future Directions
Nicki Skaar and Matt Townsley, University of Northern IowaWhat Is -- and What Isn't -- Inclusion and Why
Paul Greene, Inclusion ConnectionSurvive, Thrive & Shake It Off: Navigating Growth & Joy
Becky Lins, Courtney Cook, Iowa School Counselor AssociationFueling the Mind: Using Social Emotional Learning to Amplify Executive Function Skills
Marissa Schweinfurth, Mason Kuhn
- Breakout Session 2: 1:30 - 2:25 p.m. CT
Learning to Write Creatively: A Seriously Fun Arts Integration Approach to Writing Instruction
Reuben Sack, Children’s book author and teaching artistTaking a Trauma-Informed Approach When Addressing the Mental Health Needs and Challenging Behavior of Children in our SEBH practices
Sarah Bergthold, Mississippi Bend AEAPurposed Mindsets: A Teacher and Student Communication Pathway Through Academic Approach and Human Emotion
Cory Nikkel, Des Moines Christian School, Jen Webster, OneBody3Seamless SEL Integration: Elevating Student Well-Being and Learning Through Practical Strategies
Katie Simpson, University of Northern Iowa, Kristen Schrock, Dike-New Hartford Elementary SchoolHero Huddle: Using Creative Drama to Teach Social Awareness in the Elementary Classroom
Kendra Kahl, University of Northern IowaNurturing Young Minds: Strategies for Early Childhood Guidance
Allison Barness, Allison Pattee, University of Northern IowaPrincipal Panel: Open Discussion about SEL in Schools Across Iowa
Tara Tolly, Cedar Rapids Prairie Ridge Elementary; Zach Zimmerman,Central Middle School Waterloo ; Spencer Lueders, Central DeWitt Intermediate SchoolUtilizing Relationships to Transform Behavior
Jessica Sass, Cedar Falls Schools
- Breakout Session 3: 2:35 - 3:30 p.m. CT
PechaKucha Session
Student Mentors as SEL Ambassadors, Alysa Mozak, UNI Center for Violence Prevention
Implementing Anti-Racist Teaching and Curriculum in Higher Education, Nicholas Payton, Simpson College
Voice and Choice, Kim Klyczek, Wild Rose Elementary SchoolSchool Counseling Through the MTSS Framework
Bryana Caviness, Cedar Falls SchoolsUtilizing Relationships to Transform Behavior
Jessica Sass, Cedar Falls SchoolsCommunicating Emotions Through Art and Conversations
Samantha Doyle, Paige Kayvan, Waterloo Schools; Traci Jolley, Jesup Schools; Payton Cannon; Iowa City SchoolsNAMI: Ending the Silence
Diego Arevalo Molina and Lisa King, NAMI IowaBuilding Community with Restorative Circles
Jill White, Cedar Falls SchoolsTaking a Trauma-Informed Approach When Addressing the Mental Health Needs and Challenging Behavior of Children in our SEBH practices
Sara Bergthold, Mississippi Bend AEAHero Huddle: Using Creative Drama to Teach Social Awareness in the Elementary Classroom
Kendra Kahl, University of Northern Iowa
Discover Our Speakers' Books
