Social and Emotional Learning Conference
Join us at the sixth Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Conference offered on the University of Northern Iowa campus.
Friday, April 23, 2027
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 explore 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: Summer Braun, PhD, Center for Youth Development and Intervention, The University of Alabama Department of Psychology
- Guest Author: Trudy Ludwig, Children's Book Author
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 2027 Social and Emotional Conference welcomes donor support. If interested, please email nathan.clapham@uni.edu. Judy Finkelstein and an anonymous donor to the UNI Foundation generously provided support for the 2026 conference.
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!
2027 Keynote Presenters
Summer Braun's program of research focuses on understanding the associations between teachers’ occupational health and well-being and their students’ social, emotional and behavioral development using a variety of methodological approaches. Her work bridges research and practice by studying interventions designed to support the well-being of teachers and students, such as mindfulness-based wellness programs.
"Using Literature to Promote Empathy & Social-Emotional Learning"
Trudy Ludwig is an acclaimed children's advocate, speaker, and award-winning author of numerous children's books. She has collaborated with Sesame Workshop, the International Bullying Prevention Association, Committee for Children, ConnectSafely.org and more to help kids connect and engage with their peers in more inclusive ways. She has received rave reviews from educators, experts, organizations, and parents for her passion and compassion in addressing peer aggression and promoting social-emotional learning (SEL) skills.
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: Summer Braun
10-10:15 a.m. -- Break
10:15 - 11 a.m. -- Author Talk: Trudy Ludwig
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
2027 Full Schedule
Presenters are actively submitting proposals right now!
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.
