SESSION DESCRIPTIONS & SPEAKER BIOS
SESSION #1 (10:30 - 11:55)
Efficiency & Innovation: Leveraging AI to Enhance SEL Best Practices and B-MTSS Interventions for a Positive Learning Environment (Chris Gibson and Joe Cipfl) - Explore how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can transform SEL embedded learning and evidence-based interventions to seamlessly integrate social-emotional learning (SEL) into everyday practice. Join SEL Coordinator and Director of Behavioral Supports Chris Gibson and Educational Technology Director Joe Cipfl to discover practical strategies for using AI to streamline SEL best practice, standards alignment, CASEL-approved frameworks, and workflow efficiency. Participants will learn to leverage AI tools; improving evaluation and data collection to bring intentionality to the classroom. This will allow educators more time to nurture students' social-emotional development, and when necessary, develop more robust behavior interventions. Through hands-on demonstrations and real-world examples, attendees will leave equipped with actionable insights for integrating AI into SEL practices, fostering empathy, personalized learning, and emotional growth in diverse educational environments.
Wired for Wellness: A Blueprint for Balance (Emily Flach) - Navigating the digital age requires a balanced approach to technology, for both students and educators. This workshop provides practical strategies for fostering healthy technology use, digital safety, and well-being. We'll explore screen time management, online safety, and digital citizenship, equipping participants to guide students in becoming responsible digital citizens. Recognizing the importance of personal and professional well-being, we'll also delve into self-care techniques for educators, helping them set boundaries and maintain balance in a tech-heavy world. Gain the tools and strategies needed to thrive in today's digital landscape.
Fit to Lead the: HEARTWORK (Dr. Kacy Shahid) - In today’s volatile and uncertain world, effective leadership demands more than strategic acumen and operational efficiency. It requires HEARTWORK - the emotional resilience, empathy, and unwavering commitment to guide teams through crises and beyond. "Fit to LEAD - The HEARTWORK" is a transformative 85-minute session designed for leaders who are determined to navigate turbulent times with strength and compassion. Our journey begins with understanding the importance of the 5 stages of crisis management with an emphasis on preparedness. Participants will learn to develop emotional intelligence and proactive crisis management strategies. This segment covers risk assessment, resource allocation, and building a crisis-ready culture within the organization. Through interactive discussions, leaders will explore real-world scenarios, preparing them to anticipate and mitigate potential crises.
Create a Calmer Classroom: Attention-Training, Breathwork, Mindfulness, and Meditation Techniques for Everyone (Erin Asher) - Distraction is a problem for us all. Screens, especially, have disproportionately hijacked our time and attention, creating a host of mental health concerns. The antidote to this is developing a Calm Practice, an essential mental health support for anyone. Learn to incorporate a Calm Practice into any classroom, with tried and tested technology– and free– resources. Hear about the many physical and mental health benefits to a Calm Practice, and get in-session training and ideas to put to use today. Being able to calm the mind and focus our attention is a skill that can be developed and made stronger with practice. It is more important than ever to teach students how to develop these skills. Refresh on the basics, level up, or layer something new to what you are already doing and build a Calm Practice for yourself and your students now.
AI and SEL: A Powerful Partnership for Student Growth (David Lerch) - Discover how AI can transform Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) practices to create more supportive and inclusive learning environments. This interactive session will explore how AI tools can personalize SEL by analyzing student responses, offering tailored strategies for emotional growth, and providing educators with valuable insights to support student needs. Participants will engage with examples of AI-powered SEL tools, collaborate in group discussions to brainstorm practical applications, and address potential challenges. By the end of the session, you'll leave with actionable ideas and resources to integrate AI into your SEL practices effectively.
SESSION #2 (12:55 - 1:50)
Bringing SEL to Life: Unlocking Personalized, Visual Learning with AI (Rex Duval) - Personalized, visual learning can make social-emotional development more accessible, engaging, and effective for young children. In early childhood and elementary settings, visual supports play a key role in helping students understand emotions, routines, and relationships. But for many educators, creating these materials is time-consuming and difficult to scale. This session explores how AI is transforming that challenge into an opportunity. Learn how tools like Nookly use AI to generate personalized, visual SEL resources in minutes—helping educators save time while better supporting diverse learners. The session will highlight the benefits of visual learning, share real-world use cases, and offer practical strategies for integrating AI into your SEL programming.
Incorporating SEL Into Classroom Discussions With Engaging Application Techniques (Annette Rau) - Do Social Emotional connections seem difficult or awkward to add into classroom discussions? Learn some fun ways to add SEL into your lessons that kids and you will enjoy.
SEL for beginners/DIY is possible! (Angie Huels) - Join us for an engaging and practical workshop designed to help administrators and educators seamlessly integrate Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) into their daily routines through POP Morning Meetings and the One School, One Book program. This session will explore how these two powerful tools can create a cohesive and supportive school community while fostering students' emotional well-being, communication skills, and a love for reading.
Bridging the Gap: Integrating SEL into Secondary Classrooms—Because Social-Emotional Learning and Academic Success Can Thrive Together. (Erin Shook) - In this session, middle & high school teachers will discover how to integrate Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) strategies into content-heavy classrooms. Often seen as an "either/or" relationship, this session shows how SEL and academic instruction can work together. Teachers will leave with practical, research-backed strategies that can be easily incorporated into their existing curriculum, enhancing both student well-being and academic success. By blending SEL with content, teachers can create a more supportive, engaging classroom without sacrificing rigor.
Connecting Behavior Intervention, SEL, and AI (Callie Jackson) - In this session we will dive into some brief explanations of the functions of behavior, and then how this knowledge can be applied to SEL strategies, and how you can use AI to help implement these strategies.
Creating Your Own Happiness in Education (Mae Scott) - Teaching is rewarding but also demanding. Together, we will explore practical strategies to create internal happiness, set healthy boundaries, and maintain a positive mindset. Learn how to harness gratitude, manage stress, and reclaim your energy to thrive both inside and outside the classroom. Let’s shift from surviving to thriving—because happy educators create happy classrooms!
Efficiency & Innovation: Leveraging AI to Enhance SEL Best Practices and B-MTSS Interventions for a Positive Learning Environment (Chris Gibson and Joe Cipfl) - Explore how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can transform SEL embedded learning and evidence-based interventions to seamlessly integrate social-emotional learning (SEL) into everyday practice. Join SEL Coordinator and Director of Behavioral Supports Chris Gibson and Educational Technology Director Joe Cipfl to discover practical strategies for using AI to streamline SEL best practice, standards alignment, CASEL-approved frameworks, and workflow efficiency. Participants will learn to leverage AI tools; improving evaluation and data collection to bring intentionality to the classroom. This will allow educators more time to nurture students' social-emotional development, and when necessary, develop more robust behavior interventions. Through hands-on demonstrations and real-world examples, attendees will leave equipped with actionable insights for integrating AI into SEL practices, fostering empathy, personalized learning, and emotional growth in diverse educational environments.
Wired for Wellness: A Blueprint for Balance (Emily Flach) - Navigating the digital age requires a balanced approach to technology, for both students and educators. This workshop provides practical strategies for fostering healthy technology use, digital safety, and well-being. We'll explore screen time management, online safety, and digital citizenship, equipping participants to guide students in becoming responsible digital citizens. Recognizing the importance of personal and professional well-being, we'll also delve into self-care techniques for educators, helping them set boundaries and maintain balance in a tech-heavy world. Gain the tools and strategies needed to thrive in today's digital landscape.
Fit to Lead the: HEARTWORK (Dr. Kacy Shahid) - In today’s volatile and uncertain world, effective leadership demands more than strategic acumen and operational efficiency. It requires HEARTWORK - the emotional resilience, empathy, and unwavering commitment to guide teams through crises and beyond. "Fit to LEAD - The HEARTWORK" is a transformative 85-minute session designed for leaders who are determined to navigate turbulent times with strength and compassion. Our journey begins with understanding the importance of the 5 stages of crisis management with an emphasis on preparedness. Participants will learn to develop emotional intelligence and proactive crisis management strategies. This segment covers risk assessment, resource allocation, and building a crisis-ready culture within the organization. Through interactive discussions, leaders will explore real-world scenarios, preparing them to anticipate and mitigate potential crises.
Create a Calmer Classroom: Attention-Training, Breathwork, Mindfulness, and Meditation Techniques for Everyone (Erin Asher) - Distraction is a problem for us all. Screens, especially, have disproportionately hijacked our time and attention, creating a host of mental health concerns. The antidote to this is developing a Calm Practice, an essential mental health support for anyone. Learn to incorporate a Calm Practice into any classroom, with tried and tested technology– and free– resources. Hear about the many physical and mental health benefits to a Calm Practice, and get in-session training and ideas to put to use today. Being able to calm the mind and focus our attention is a skill that can be developed and made stronger with practice. It is more important than ever to teach students how to develop these skills. Refresh on the basics, level up, or layer something new to what you are already doing and build a Calm Practice for yourself and your students now.
AI and SEL: A Powerful Partnership for Student Growth (David Lerch) - Discover how AI can transform Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) practices to create more supportive and inclusive learning environments. This interactive session will explore how AI tools can personalize SEL by analyzing student responses, offering tailored strategies for emotional growth, and providing educators with valuable insights to support student needs. Participants will engage with examples of AI-powered SEL tools, collaborate in group discussions to brainstorm practical applications, and address potential challenges. By the end of the session, you'll leave with actionable ideas and resources to integrate AI into your SEL practices effectively.
SESSION #2 (12:55 - 1:50)
Bringing SEL to Life: Unlocking Personalized, Visual Learning with AI (Rex Duval) - Personalized, visual learning can make social-emotional development more accessible, engaging, and effective for young children. In early childhood and elementary settings, visual supports play a key role in helping students understand emotions, routines, and relationships. But for many educators, creating these materials is time-consuming and difficult to scale. This session explores how AI is transforming that challenge into an opportunity. Learn how tools like Nookly use AI to generate personalized, visual SEL resources in minutes—helping educators save time while better supporting diverse learners. The session will highlight the benefits of visual learning, share real-world use cases, and offer practical strategies for integrating AI into your SEL programming.
Incorporating SEL Into Classroom Discussions With Engaging Application Techniques (Annette Rau) - Do Social Emotional connections seem difficult or awkward to add into classroom discussions? Learn some fun ways to add SEL into your lessons that kids and you will enjoy.
SEL for beginners/DIY is possible! (Angie Huels) - Join us for an engaging and practical workshop designed to help administrators and educators seamlessly integrate Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) into their daily routines through POP Morning Meetings and the One School, One Book program. This session will explore how these two powerful tools can create a cohesive and supportive school community while fostering students' emotional well-being, communication skills, and a love for reading.
Bridging the Gap: Integrating SEL into Secondary Classrooms—Because Social-Emotional Learning and Academic Success Can Thrive Together. (Erin Shook) - In this session, middle & high school teachers will discover how to integrate Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) strategies into content-heavy classrooms. Often seen as an "either/or" relationship, this session shows how SEL and academic instruction can work together. Teachers will leave with practical, research-backed strategies that can be easily incorporated into their existing curriculum, enhancing both student well-being and academic success. By blending SEL with content, teachers can create a more supportive, engaging classroom without sacrificing rigor.
Connecting Behavior Intervention, SEL, and AI (Callie Jackson) - In this session we will dive into some brief explanations of the functions of behavior, and then how this knowledge can be applied to SEL strategies, and how you can use AI to help implement these strategies.
Creating Your Own Happiness in Education (Mae Scott) - Teaching is rewarding but also demanding. Together, we will explore practical strategies to create internal happiness, set healthy boundaries, and maintain a positive mindset. Learn how to harness gratitude, manage stress, and reclaim your energy to thrive both inside and outside the classroom. Let’s shift from surviving to thriving—because happy educators create happy classrooms!
SPEAKER BIOS
ERIN ASHER - Erin has been an English teacher at Freeburg High School for 17 years and is passionate about bringing SEL and wellness to all classrooms. She is a certified yoga instructor as well.
REX DUVAL - Rex Duval is the co-founder and CEO of Nookly, an AI-powered platform that helps educators, therapists, and parents create personalized visual supports for children. As a neurodiverse learner, Rex experienced firsthand the challenges of traditional education. His mother, a former kindergarten teacher, navigated the IEP process as a parent for his sister, shaping his deep compassion for both educators and families. After building a career in technology and consulting, Rex was inspired to launch Nookly when he saw his wife, a child therapist, struggling with the limited tools available to personalize learning materials for her patients. Now, he’s dedicated to making early education more accessible, engaging, and effective through AI-powered social-emotional learning (SEL) tools.
EMILY FLACH - Emily believes tech integration should be driven by purpose, not just flashy tools. Her background as a technology director and history teacher gives her unique insight into creating meaningful, intentional tech experiences that prioritize student learning, and the well-being of both students and educators. As a Regional Educational Technology Coordinator, she strives to deliver PD that actually sticks and guidance for effective technology use.
CHRIS GIBSON - Chris Gibson serves as the SEL Coordinator and Director of Behavioral Support Services for Belleville Public School District #118. Chris has over 25 years of experience working with children requiring high need behavioral supports, interventions, and SEL instruction. As a central office administrator Chris work throughout all eleven District 118 schools to provide SEL curricular supports that align with Illinois state standards, meet the state guidance for Behavior-MTSS, and create learning environment where students can use SEL skill sets to thrive both academically and social-emotionally.
ANGIE HUELS - I have almost a decade of administrative experience, but my first love is my life as a reading and writing teacher. I love books, writing, anything SEL, and my family.
CALLIE JACKSON - Hi! I am a 2nd year administrator in the Paxton-Buckley-Loda school district. My specific role is behavior intervention- which means I spend a lot of time observing, asking questions, and understanding the function of behavior from all students that I work with. From there, I provide strategies and coaching on ways to help all students be the most successful within the classroom.
DAVID LERCH - David Lerch has been teaching for 17 years. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Illinois College in 2007, a master’s degree from SIUE in 2010, and an Ed.S. in Principalship from SIUE in 2023. Over the course of his career, David has taught a variety of grades, from 5th to 8th, and subjects including ELA, Math, Science, and Social Studies. He also coached basketball and football for 10 years. In 2020, David transitioned out of the classroom into an instructional coach position that combined technology coaching, professional development, administrative work, SEL coaching, and community outreach. In 2023, he became the Safe School Principal and Educational Programs Coordinator at ROE 45, where he continues to focus on technology best practices, SEL implementation, school programs, and advocating for students in credit-recovery programs. David is a Google for Education Certified Trainer and Coach. He has presented at various conferences across Illinois and Missouri, including IETC, IDEA Con, and IDEAU. He has worked with numerous school districts and ROEs to support teachers, provide training on a range of topics, and help educators improve their technology and instructional practices. David has also contributed to the Illinois State Board of Education by helping to develop Remote Learning Standards and serving as part of a Teacher Advisory Group to update Illinois State Museum resources and exhibits. In addition to his professional roles, David is a Global Google Education Group Leader, Southern Illinois Google Education Group Leader, and co-host of the Ed Tech Distilled podcast with Adam Geisen. He has been recognized with several awards, including the Illinois Principal Association Pipeline Program Scholarship in 2022, the Emerson Excellence in Teaching Award in 2019, and the Those Who Excel Award for Student Support Personnel in 2023 from the Illinois State Board of Education. David is a lifelong learner and a fan of the St. Louis Cardinals, St. Louis Blues, and basketball. He is also an avid music fan with a love for U2 and Wilco. David lives in Red Bud, Illinois, with his wife Stephanie and daughter Nora, as well as their two dogs, Bert and Rollo.
ANNETTE RAU - Art Specialist for 26 years, Masters in Art Education, NBCT since 2009, My specialty is still loving my job by setting goals and new challenges to stay engaged.
MAE SCOTT - Mae Scott is an innovative instructional coach and passionate educator with over 20 years of experience in teaching and professional development. She has dedicated her career to empowering educators with practical strategies that integrate technology and social-emotional learning. Mae has worked across various grade levels, predominantly in special education, where she has been a strong advocate for inclusive learning environments. With expertise in curriculum design, instructional technology, and professional development, Mae has led district-wide initiatives to enhance digital learning and student engagement. A Google Certified Trainer and Canvas Certified Educator, Mae specializes in creating impactful learning experiences that foster connection, resilience, and growth in both students and educators. Her deep commitment to special education drives her mission to ensure all learners—regardless of ability—receive the tools and support they need to thrive. Mae’s dynamic approach to professional development inspires teachers to embrace change and cultivate inclusive, thriving learning environments. In her free time, Mae enjoys reading, going to concerts, and traveling with her husband of nearly 20 years and their two daughters, Abby and Emily.
DR. KACY SHAHID - Dr. Kacy Shahid transitioned from substitute teacher to principal in a six year period, as she was hyper focused on accomplishing her mission and calling. Dr. Shahid has made significant contributions to the field of education through her written works. She is the author of the book "Know Your Place, Run Your Race…meaningful nuggets for educators who aspire to be resilient leaders”. This book was particularly significant as it was written during the COVID 19 pandemic, aiming to encourage and support educators during challenging times. Additionally, she has authored the 90-day journal titled "HEARTWORK." This unique journal has been instrumental in helping leaders focus on the self-awareness needed in developing the emotional intelligence that is required to lead with passion, courage and empathy. Dr. Shahid had the full circle moment to lead Central Visual and Performing Arts High School, her beloved alma mater ( after a gunman shot through a locked door, leaving a 15 year old student and 61 year old teacher deceased and several students injured). Currently, she serves as the Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction for the Cahokia School District. She is also a member of the Principal Recovery Network (PRN) , a team of current and former school leaders that advocate to help leaders in the immediate aftermath of shootings or other violence.
ERIN SHOOK - Erin Shook is an energetic high school teacher with a deep passion for creating a supportive and balanced environment where students can thrive academically and personally. With over 16 years of experience in the classroom, she has become known for her innovative teaching methods that engage students not only in their psychology-related coursework but also in building critical life skills, from time management to resilience. In addition to her role as an educator, Erin is a proud mom of four energetic boys, which has given her a unique perspective on balancing family, career, and personal well-being. Her experiences as a mom and teacher have driven her commitment to promoting both physical and mental well-being for other teachers in and outside of the classroom.
REX DUVAL - Rex Duval is the co-founder and CEO of Nookly, an AI-powered platform that helps educators, therapists, and parents create personalized visual supports for children. As a neurodiverse learner, Rex experienced firsthand the challenges of traditional education. His mother, a former kindergarten teacher, navigated the IEP process as a parent for his sister, shaping his deep compassion for both educators and families. After building a career in technology and consulting, Rex was inspired to launch Nookly when he saw his wife, a child therapist, struggling with the limited tools available to personalize learning materials for her patients. Now, he’s dedicated to making early education more accessible, engaging, and effective through AI-powered social-emotional learning (SEL) tools.
EMILY FLACH - Emily believes tech integration should be driven by purpose, not just flashy tools. Her background as a technology director and history teacher gives her unique insight into creating meaningful, intentional tech experiences that prioritize student learning, and the well-being of both students and educators. As a Regional Educational Technology Coordinator, she strives to deliver PD that actually sticks and guidance for effective technology use.
CHRIS GIBSON - Chris Gibson serves as the SEL Coordinator and Director of Behavioral Support Services for Belleville Public School District #118. Chris has over 25 years of experience working with children requiring high need behavioral supports, interventions, and SEL instruction. As a central office administrator Chris work throughout all eleven District 118 schools to provide SEL curricular supports that align with Illinois state standards, meet the state guidance for Behavior-MTSS, and create learning environment where students can use SEL skill sets to thrive both academically and social-emotionally.
ANGIE HUELS - I have almost a decade of administrative experience, but my first love is my life as a reading and writing teacher. I love books, writing, anything SEL, and my family.
CALLIE JACKSON - Hi! I am a 2nd year administrator in the Paxton-Buckley-Loda school district. My specific role is behavior intervention- which means I spend a lot of time observing, asking questions, and understanding the function of behavior from all students that I work with. From there, I provide strategies and coaching on ways to help all students be the most successful within the classroom.
DAVID LERCH - David Lerch has been teaching for 17 years. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Illinois College in 2007, a master’s degree from SIUE in 2010, and an Ed.S. in Principalship from SIUE in 2023. Over the course of his career, David has taught a variety of grades, from 5th to 8th, and subjects including ELA, Math, Science, and Social Studies. He also coached basketball and football for 10 years. In 2020, David transitioned out of the classroom into an instructional coach position that combined technology coaching, professional development, administrative work, SEL coaching, and community outreach. In 2023, he became the Safe School Principal and Educational Programs Coordinator at ROE 45, where he continues to focus on technology best practices, SEL implementation, school programs, and advocating for students in credit-recovery programs. David is a Google for Education Certified Trainer and Coach. He has presented at various conferences across Illinois and Missouri, including IETC, IDEA Con, and IDEAU. He has worked with numerous school districts and ROEs to support teachers, provide training on a range of topics, and help educators improve their technology and instructional practices. David has also contributed to the Illinois State Board of Education by helping to develop Remote Learning Standards and serving as part of a Teacher Advisory Group to update Illinois State Museum resources and exhibits. In addition to his professional roles, David is a Global Google Education Group Leader, Southern Illinois Google Education Group Leader, and co-host of the Ed Tech Distilled podcast with Adam Geisen. He has been recognized with several awards, including the Illinois Principal Association Pipeline Program Scholarship in 2022, the Emerson Excellence in Teaching Award in 2019, and the Those Who Excel Award for Student Support Personnel in 2023 from the Illinois State Board of Education. David is a lifelong learner and a fan of the St. Louis Cardinals, St. Louis Blues, and basketball. He is also an avid music fan with a love for U2 and Wilco. David lives in Red Bud, Illinois, with his wife Stephanie and daughter Nora, as well as their two dogs, Bert and Rollo.
ANNETTE RAU - Art Specialist for 26 years, Masters in Art Education, NBCT since 2009, My specialty is still loving my job by setting goals and new challenges to stay engaged.
MAE SCOTT - Mae Scott is an innovative instructional coach and passionate educator with over 20 years of experience in teaching and professional development. She has dedicated her career to empowering educators with practical strategies that integrate technology and social-emotional learning. Mae has worked across various grade levels, predominantly in special education, where she has been a strong advocate for inclusive learning environments. With expertise in curriculum design, instructional technology, and professional development, Mae has led district-wide initiatives to enhance digital learning and student engagement. A Google Certified Trainer and Canvas Certified Educator, Mae specializes in creating impactful learning experiences that foster connection, resilience, and growth in both students and educators. Her deep commitment to special education drives her mission to ensure all learners—regardless of ability—receive the tools and support they need to thrive. Mae’s dynamic approach to professional development inspires teachers to embrace change and cultivate inclusive, thriving learning environments. In her free time, Mae enjoys reading, going to concerts, and traveling with her husband of nearly 20 years and their two daughters, Abby and Emily.
DR. KACY SHAHID - Dr. Kacy Shahid transitioned from substitute teacher to principal in a six year period, as she was hyper focused on accomplishing her mission and calling. Dr. Shahid has made significant contributions to the field of education through her written works. She is the author of the book "Know Your Place, Run Your Race…meaningful nuggets for educators who aspire to be resilient leaders”. This book was particularly significant as it was written during the COVID 19 pandemic, aiming to encourage and support educators during challenging times. Additionally, she has authored the 90-day journal titled "HEARTWORK." This unique journal has been instrumental in helping leaders focus on the self-awareness needed in developing the emotional intelligence that is required to lead with passion, courage and empathy. Dr. Shahid had the full circle moment to lead Central Visual and Performing Arts High School, her beloved alma mater ( after a gunman shot through a locked door, leaving a 15 year old student and 61 year old teacher deceased and several students injured). Currently, she serves as the Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction for the Cahokia School District. She is also a member of the Principal Recovery Network (PRN) , a team of current and former school leaders that advocate to help leaders in the immediate aftermath of shootings or other violence.
ERIN SHOOK - Erin Shook is an energetic high school teacher with a deep passion for creating a supportive and balanced environment where students can thrive academically and personally. With over 16 years of experience in the classroom, she has become known for her innovative teaching methods that engage students not only in their psychology-related coursework but also in building critical life skills, from time management to resilience. In addition to her role as an educator, Erin is a proud mom of four energetic boys, which has given her a unique perspective on balancing family, career, and personal well-being. Her experiences as a mom and teacher have driven her commitment to promoting both physical and mental well-being for other teachers in and outside of the classroom.
