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
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, Harvard Graduate School of Education, Gerald S. Lesser Professor of Child 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!
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! Pricing increases after March 15, 2026
2025 Keynote Presenters
Over the last 10 years, Stephanie Jones has focused 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.
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, Dean Colleen Mulholland, Maucker Union Ballrooms
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
11:15 a.m. - 12:10 p.m. -- Breakout Session 1
12:10 - 1:10 p.m. -- Lunch
1:10 - 2:05 p.m. -- Breakout Session 2
2:05 - 2:15 p.m. -- Break
2:15 - 3:10 p.m. -- Breakout Session 3
3:15 - 3:30 p.m. -- Leader In Me Student Keynote & Closing
Submit your RFP to be a breakout session presenter before October 31, 2025.
Presenters will be chosen no later than December 1, 2025.
Discover Susan's Books
There will be a book signing opportunity, bring your own or purchase at the conference.
