Social and Emotional Learning Conference
Join us at the fifth Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Conference offered on the University of Northern Iowa campus.
Friday, April 17, 2026
8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. CT
Maucker Union (keynotes) / Schindler Education Center (sessions)
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: Stephanie M. Jones, PhD, Harvard Graduate School of Education, Gerald S. Lesser Professor of Childhood Development and Education
- Guest Author: Susan Verde, New York Times bestselling children’s book author and mindfulness practitioner
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! CEU's are available for social workers upon request and educators with class enrollment.
The 2026 Social and Emotional Learning Conference is supported by the generous support of Judy Finkelstein and an anonymous donor to the UNI Foundation.
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!
2026 Keynote Presenters
“The Science and Practice of Social and Emotional Learning in Preschools and Schools”
Stephanie Jones is the Gerald S. Lesser Professor in Early Childhood Development and faculty co-chair, early childhood concentration, Harvard University. A Yale University PhD graduate, Jones has focused over the last decade on evaluation research addressing the impact of preschool- and elementary- focused social-emotional learning interventions on behavioral and academic outcomes and classroom practices as well as new curriculum development, implementation and testing. Her developmental and experimental research investigates the causes and consequences of social-emotional problems and competencies; strategies for altering the pathways that shape children’s social-emotional development; and programs, interventions and pedagogy that foster social-emotional competencies among children, adults and environments.
“The Power of Picture Books!”
Susan Verde is a New York Times bestselling children’s author, children’s yoga and mindfulness expert, former teacher and parent. She grew up in the West Village of Manhattan, New York, and much of her inspiration comes from the magic and wonder of the city and her own childhood as well as the children she has met along the way. She believes every child's experience is unique and should be celebrated! Her best-selling and award-winning stories tell tales of magical museum visits, share the keys to lasting friendships, help to cultivate empathy and self-love and compassion.
At-A-Glance Conference Schedule
Tentative Schedule (subject to change)
7:30 - 8:30 a.m. Registration
8:30 - 8:40 a.m. -- Welcome
8:40 a.m. - 10 a.m. -- Keynote: Stephanie M. Jones
10-10:15 a.m. -- Break
10:15 - 11 a.m. -- Author Talk: Susan Verde
11 - 11:15 a.m. -- Break
11:20 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. -- Breakout Session 1
12:15 - 1:30 p.m. -- Lunch
1:30 - 2:25 p.m. -- Breakout Session 2
2:25 - 2:35 p.m. -- Break
2:35 - 3:30 p.m. -- Breakout Session 3
Discover Susan's Books
There will be a book signing opportunity. Bring your own or purchase at the conference.
Associated Campus Event: Gone Guys Documentary
Registration to participate in this exclusive screening using this link: https://cim.uni.edu/standupguy
What is Leader In Me?
Leader Valley, a Cedar Valley nonprofit committed to leadership, life, and employability skill development for pre-K-12 students, is excited to partner with the UNI SEL Conference. Leader Valley will be showcasing its premier leadership program- Leader in Me, which focuses on personal growth, academic achievement, and a culture of leadership across schools.
As part of the agenda, a special Leader in Me workshop session is offered for UNI teacher education students and will introduce the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. Interested faculty and visiting professionals are welcome to participate as well. Participants will learn about the principles and practices of effectiveness.
Leader in Me student leaders will also be demonstrating their leadership as greeters, providing introductions of speakers, and chatting with participants at the Leader Valley vendor table.
Leader Valley provides coaching, collaboration, and implementation support for Leader in Me schools. Leader Valley currently partners with 31 schools in 10 districts across the Cedar Valley.