Professional Development #2 - Changing Perspectives

Professional Development #2

Ongoing Professional Development

Contact Us

OUR APPROACH

Our customizable professional development workshops are designed to engage educators in dialogue and learning about essential topics related to social-emotional learning and inclusion. We offer a range of programs to elevate educators’ knowledge and practice for supporting students.

OUR OUTCOMES

Through strategic partnership, we build lasting capacity within classrooms, across campuses, and throughout school communities.

Develop
Common
Knowledge


Change
Mindsets


Ignite
Action


Build
Sustainable
Systems

DELIVERY FORMATS

• In-person and virtual single workshops
• In-person and virtual workshops series
• Half-day or full-day options
• Keynote presentations

WORKSHOPS

Social-Emotional Learning

Inclusion

SEL Foundations

Building a shared understanding of social- emotional learning and the language educators use to support students.

Social-Emotional Learning: What Does It Mean for Educators?

Educators’ emotional well-being significantly influences their ability to support students’ SEL development. This workshop encourages participants to reflect on their motivations, personal wellness, and the impact of growth mindsets in teaching. Through self-reflection and discussion, educators will explore how their experiences shape classroom environments and relationships with students. By prioritizing their own emotional health, participants will gain insights and strategies to foster stronger social-emotional connections with students, ultimately enhancing their teaching effectiveness.

What Is SEL?

Social-emotional learning equips students with the tools they need to navigate emotions, relationships, and personal growth. This workshop introduces and unpacks the five core SEL competencies, exploring their impact on academic success and overall well-being. Participants will build a common language and understanding of what social-emotional learning really is. By understanding the transformative power of SEL, educators will be prepared to create environments that nurture lifelong learning and success for all students.

Instructional Practices

Embedding social-emotional learning into everyday teaching through academic instruction and classroom routines.

SEL Embedded as Curriculum

Social-emotional learning is a fundamental aspect of education and is most effective when seamlessly woven into daily instruction. This workshop provides educators with strategies to integrate SEL into standard curricula, ensuring it becomes a natural part of students’ learning experiences. Participants will explore case studies, practical tools, and resources while reflecting on the supports they need to succeed. By embedding SEL into their teaching, educators can create environments that nurture academic achievement, emotional growth, and positive classroom culture.

SEL for Complex Learners

Supporting complex learners in their social- emotional growth requires intentionality and tailored strategies. This workshop helps educators identify diverse learning needs and explore the “why” behind designing purposeful SEL approaches. Participants will gain specific tools to address the unique challenges of complex learners, ensuring all students can succeed socially, emotionally, and academically. By focusing on individualized strategies, educators will leave with practical solutions to create inclusive and supportive learning environments for every student.

Integrated Practices

Connecting social-emotional learning with complementary frameworks and approaches that strengthen implementation and school climate.

Building Belonging: Proactive Circles in the Classroom

Proactive circles create structured opportunities for connection, voice, and shared understanding. This workshop explores how regular circle practices build trust, strengthen relationships, and prevent conflict. Participants will learn how to facilitate circles effectively and align them with instructional goals. By incorporating proactive circles into classroom routines, educators will foster inclusive environments where students feel heard, valued, and connected to their learning community.

Building Inclusive Communities To Support Social-Emotional Growth

Inclusive learning communities are vital for meaningful social-emotional growth. In this workshop, participants will reflect on their school’s practices, identifying barriers to inclusion and leveraging existing strengths. Through open dialogue and collaboration, educators will explore actionable strategies to create environments where all students feel valued and supported. By prioritizing inclusion as a component of social- emotional learning, participants will leave equipped to strengthen their school’s culture and build stronger student connections.

Introduction to Restorative Practices in Schools

Restorative practices provide a proactive approach to building community and addressing harm in schools. This workshop introduces the principles and foundational practices that promote accountability, empathy, and repair. Participants will explore how restorative conversations and structured dialogue strengthen relationships and reduce conflict. By integrating restorative approaches into daily routines, educators will build classroom communities grounded in respect and shared responsibility.

Transform Your Classroom: Build a Community of Respect and Repair with Restorative Practices

Restorative practices can transform classroom culture by centering accountability, empathy, and community repair. This workshop provides practical strategies for implementing restorative circles, reflection processes, and conflict resolution tools. Participants will examine how restorative approaches shift discipline from punishment to learning. By building consistent restorative structures, educators will create classrooms where relationships are strengthened and challenges are addressed constructively.

Proactive Behavior Supports

Using universal, proactive strategies to support student regulation, behavior, and emotional well-being.

The Value of Acknowledging: Relationships, Behavior, & Emotions

Strong relationships are critical for students’ emotional and academic success. This workshop emphasizes the importance of understanding and interpreting behavioral changes as indicators of students’ emotional needs. Educators will learn how to build meaningful connections, provide timely interventions, and support social-emotional development. By prioritizing building strong relationships with students, educators can continue to create a safe, nurturing environment where students feel supported, valued, and ready to learn and grow to their full potential.

Inclusive and Proactive Mindfulness in Schools that Meet All Students' Needs

Mindfulness and SEL are essential for fostering emotional well-being in all students. This workshop focuses on using these tools proactively to prevent and manage crises while ensuring accessibility for students with 504 plans or IEPs. Participants will engage in authentic discussions about equity, intersectionality, and inclusivity, gaining strategies to address diverse needs. By integrating mindfulness into school practices, educators can build inclusive environments that promote resilience, emotional regulation, and meaningful social-emotional growth.

Behavior Management

Proactive behavior management lays the groundwork for students to thrive socially and emotionally. This workshop delves into the impact of trauma on student behavior, teaching the ABCs of behavior to uncover underlying causes. Participants will explore proactive strategies that are practical and immediately applicable, empowering them to foster positive behaviors in their classrooms. By creating supportive, structured learning environments, educators can help students build resilience, manage emotions, and engage more effectively in their education.

Accommodations, Modifications, Differentiation

Supporting diverse learners requires clarity around accommodations, modifications, and differentiation. This workshop defines each term and explores when and how to apply them effectively in the classroom. Participants will analyze real classroom scenarios and identify strategies that maintain high expectations while providing appropriate support. By distinguishing these approaches clearly, educators will strengthen their ability to design instruction that ensures access, equity, meaningful participation, and academic growth for all students.
View Project

Access to Demonstration

Educators are responsible for assessing student performance, but we often overlook how students demonstrate their knowledge and the barriers they face in doing so. This workshop guides educators in identifying preexisting obstacles that may hinder students from fully expressing their learning. Participants will explore diverse and equitable strategies to offer students new ways to showcase their knowledge. By implementing these approaches, educators will create more inclusive assessment practices that empower all students to demonstrate their knowledge effectively.
View Project

Preparing for Our Inclusion Journey

Inclusive practices require continuous reflection, planning, and collaboration. This workshop provides a roadmap for educators, administrators, and school communities to strengthen their inclusion efforts. Participants will establish common definitions, identify barriers, and set clear goals for success. They will also explore timelines and actionable strategies to guide their inclusion journey. By working toward a shared vision, educators will be equipped to create lasting and meaningful inclusive practices.
View Project

Disability as Diversity

Disability enriches school communities and is the largest minority group worldwide. This workshop helps educators understand how students with disabilities contribute to diversity while challenging ableist perceptions. Participants will explore ways to integrate disability awareness into broader diversity efforts, including discussions on language and representation. By increasing awareness and appreciation, educators will leave with tools to ensure that disability is recognized as an integral and valued part of any school community.
View Project

Building an Inclusive Mindset

An inclusive mindset is the foundation for meaningful, inclusive practices and requires reflection, commitment, and growth. This workshop helps educators assess their current mindsets and explore ideas such as ableism, the medical vs. social model of disability, and the core elements of an inclusive mindset. Through discussions and practical exercises, participants will learn how to transition from intention to action. By embracing inclusivity, educators will create environments that foster diversity, equity, and a strong sense of belonging for all learners.
View Project

Person-First Language

Person-first language places the individual before their disability, promoting respect and dignity. This workshop introduces the concept of person-first language and explores when and how to use it effectively. Through interactive discussions, participants will examine the impact of language on behavior and learn practical strategies for incorporating inclusive terminology into their daily practices. By practicing thoughtful communication, educators can create environments that reflect respect, understanding, and a commitment to inclusion.
View Project

Disability and Intersectionality

Disability intersects with race, gender, sexuality, and other identities, shaping unique experiences of privilege and oppression. This workshop explores how overlapping identities impact individuals and how educators can apply an intersectional perspective to create equitable learning spaces. Participants will engage in discussions and activities to deepen their understanding and develop strategies for inclusive practices. By recognizing the unique identities of each student, educators can foster a more supportive and equitable learning environment.
View Project

Excellence for Executive Functioning

Executive functioning skills play a critical role in student success across academic and social settings. This workshop defines what executive functioning is and how educators can intentionally strengthen these essential skillsets in their students. Participants will examine strategies that build independence and reduce frustration for learners who struggle with executive functioning demands. By embedding supports into classroom routines and instructional design, educators will promote greater student confidence, ownership, and sustained engagement.
View Project

Access to Demonstration

Educators are responsible for assessing student performance, but we often overlook how students demonstrate their knowledge and the barriers they face in doing so. This workshop guides educators in identifying preexisting obstacles that may hinder students from fully expressing their learning. Participants will explore diverse and equitable strategies to offer students new ways to showcase their knowledge. By implementing these approaches, educators will create more inclusive assessment practices that empower all students to demonstrate their knowledge effectively.
View Project

Accommodations, Modifications, Differentiation

Supporting diverse learners requires clarity around accommodations, modifications, and differentiation. This workshop defines each term and explores when and how to apply them effectively in the classroom. Participants will analyze real classroom scenarios and identify strategies that maintain high expectations while providing appropriate support. By distinguishing these approaches clearly, educators will strengthen their ability to design instruction that ensures access, equity, meaningful participation, and academic growth for all students.
View Project

Bridges to Belonging

Belonging is a critical foundation for learning, yet it does not happen by accident. This workshop explores intentional practices that build connections, foster inclusion, and strengthen relationships within school communities. Participants will examine barriers that can limit belonging and identify strategies that create meaningful bridges between students, peers, and adults. By prioritizing belonging, educators will support student well-being, engagement, and identity, helping every learner feel valued, connected, and included.
View Project

Bringing Belonging to Life

In this workshop, educators explore belonging as an outcome of the systems that shape daily school life. Participants examine tangible evidence of belonging in their communities and use tools like the Belonging Barometer to assess strengths and areas for growth. Together, they identify barriers and design practical, sustainable adjustments. Educators leave with a shared language, clear insights, and actionable steps to ensure every student feels seen, respected, and fully able to participate.
View Project

An Integrated Approach to Inclusion & Social-Emotional Learning

SEL and inclusion often function separately, yet integrating them creates stronger, more supportive learning communities. This workshop explores their connection, offering strategies to align these practices for maximum impact. Participants will examine how an integrated approach enhances student well-being, fosters belonging, and strengthens school culture. By embedding inclusive and SEL-driven practices into daily routines, educators will gain practical tools to create equitable learning environments that promote growth, resilience, and a sense of community for all students.
View Project

Connecting the Dots of UDL

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) provides a powerful framework for meeting diverse learner needs and fostering inclusion. This workshop explores UDL’s core principles, such as multiple means of representation, action, and expression, and connects them to inclusive practices. Participants will gain practical strategies for creating flexible learning environments that address student variability. By embracing UDL, educators will leave with actionable ideas to ensure every student has equitable access to learning opportunities.
View Project

All Means All: Supporting Student Independence

Helping students develop independence is essential for their long-term success. This workshop explores strategies that foster self-advocacy, including peer-mediated interventions, self-advocacy skill-building, and fading prompting. Participants will learn how to balance support with opportunities for independence while addressing individual student needs. By equipping students with self-advocacy skills, educators will empower them to navigate challenges, communicate effectively, and build the confidence needed to succeed academically, socially, and beyond the classroom.
View Project

Empathy Interviews: A Strategy for Inclusion

Empathy interviews offer a powerful way to understand students’ lived experiences and better support their academic and social-emotional needs. This workshop introduces practical models for conducting empathy interviews, guiding educators through preparation, implementation, and reflection. Participants will explore how these interviews strengthen relationships, uncover barriers, and enhance inclusion efforts. By integrating empathy interviews into their practice, educators will create more equitable, student- centered learning environments that provide structured time and space for student voice and agency.
View Project

The presentations at staff meetings have been a huge value of working with Changing Perspectives.

Principal - Maryland

I appreciate the professional development and the training for our support staff. I would recommend that.
Teacher - California

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Contact Us

Accommodations, Modifications, Differentiation

Supporting diverse learners requires clarity around accommodations, modifications, and differentiation. This workshop defines each term and explores when and how to apply them effectively in the classroom. Participants will analyze real classroom scenarios and identify strategies that maintain high expectations while providing appropriate support. By distinguishing these approaches clearly, educators will strengthen their ability to design instruction that ensures access, equity, meaningful participation, and academic growth for all students.
View Project

Access to Demonstration

Educators are responsible for assessing student performance, but we often overlook how students demonstrate their knowledge and the barriers they face in doing so. This workshop guides educators in identifying preexisting obstacles that may hinder students from fully expressing their learning. Participants will explore diverse and equitable strategies to offer students new ways to showcase their knowledge. By implementing these approaches, educators will create more inclusive assessment practices that empower all students to demonstrate their knowledge effectively.
View Project

Preparing for Our Inclusion Journey

Inclusive practices require continuous reflection, planning, and collaboration. This workshop provides a roadmap for educators, administrators, and school communities to strengthen their inclusion efforts. Participants will establish common definitions, identify barriers, and set clear goals for success. They will also explore timelines and actionable strategies to guide their inclusion journey. By working toward a shared vision, educators will be equipped to create lasting and meaningful inclusive practices.
View Project

Disability as Diversity

Disability enriches school communities and is the largest minority group worldwide. This workshop helps educators understand how students with disabilities contribute to diversity while challenging ableist perceptions. Participants will explore ways to integrate disability awareness into broader diversity efforts, including discussions on language and representation. By increasing awareness and appreciation, educators will leave with tools to ensure that disability is recognized as an integral and valued part of any school community.
View Project

Building an Inclusive Mindset

An inclusive mindset is the foundation for meaningful, inclusive practices and requires reflection, commitment, and growth. This workshop helps educators assess their current mindsets and explore ideas such as ableism, the medical vs. social model of disability, and the core elements of an inclusive mindset. Through discussions and practical exercises, participants will learn how to transition from intention to action. By embracing inclusivity, educators will create environments that foster diversity, equity, and a strong sense of belonging for all learners.
View Project

Person-First Language

Person-first language places the individual before their disability, promoting respect and dignity. This workshop introduces the concept of person-first language and explores when and how to use it effectively. Through interactive discussions, participants will examine the impact of language on behavior and learn practical strategies for incorporating inclusive terminology into their daily practices. By practicing thoughtful communication, educators can create environments that reflect respect, understanding, and a commitment to inclusion.
View Project

Disability and Intersectionality

Disability intersects with race, gender, sexuality, and other identities, shaping unique experiences of privilege and oppression. This workshop explores how overlapping identities impact individuals and how educators can apply an intersectional perspective to create equitable learning spaces. Participants will engage in discussions and activities to deepen their understanding and develop strategies for inclusive practices. By recognizing the unique identities of each student, educators can foster a more supportive and equitable learning environment.
View Project

Excellence for Executive Functioning

Executive functioning skills play a critical role in student success across academic and social settings. This workshop defines what executive functioning is and how educators can intentionally strengthen these essential skillsets in their students. Participants will examine strategies that build independence and reduce frustration for learners who struggle with executive functioning demands. By embedding supports into classroom routines and instructional design, educators will promote greater student confidence, ownership, and sustained engagement.
View Project

Access to Demonstration

Educators are responsible for assessing student performance, but we often overlook how students demonstrate their knowledge and the barriers they face in doing so. This workshop guides educators in identifying preexisting obstacles that may hinder students from fully expressing their learning. Participants will explore diverse and equitable strategies to offer students new ways to showcase their knowledge. By implementing these approaches, educators will create more inclusive assessment practices that empower all students to demonstrate their knowledge effectively.
View Project

Accommodations, Modifications, Differentiation

Supporting diverse learners requires clarity around accommodations, modifications, and differentiation. This workshop defines each term and explores when and how to apply them effectively in the classroom. Participants will analyze real classroom scenarios and identify strategies that maintain high expectations while providing appropriate support. By distinguishing these approaches clearly, educators will strengthen their ability to design instruction that ensures access, equity, meaningful participation, and academic growth for all students.
View Project

Bridges to Belonging

Belonging is a critical foundation for learning, yet it does not happen by accident. This workshop explores intentional practices that build connections, foster inclusion, and strengthen relationships within school communities. Participants will examine barriers that can limit belonging and identify strategies that create meaningful bridges between students, peers, and adults. By prioritizing belonging, educators will support student well-being, engagement, and identity, helping every learner feel valued, connected, and included.
View Project

Bringing Belonging to Life

In this workshop, educators explore belonging as an outcome of the systems that shape daily school life. Participants examine tangible evidence of belonging in their communities and use tools like the Belonging Barometer to assess strengths and areas for growth. Together, they identify barriers and design practical, sustainable adjustments. Educators leave with a shared language, clear insights, and actionable steps to ensure every student feels seen, respected, and fully able to participate.
View Project

An Integrated Approach to Inclusion & Social-Emotional Learning

SEL and inclusion often function separately, yet integrating them creates stronger, more supportive learning communities. This workshop explores their connection, offering strategies to align these practices for maximum impact. Participants will examine how an integrated approach enhances student well-being, fosters belonging, and strengthens school culture. By embedding inclusive and SEL-driven practices into daily routines, educators will gain practical tools to create equitable learning environments that promote growth, resilience, and a sense of community for all students.
View Project

Connecting the Dots of UDL

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) provides a powerful framework for meeting diverse learner needs and fostering inclusion. This workshop explores UDL’s core principles, such as multiple means of representation, action, and expression, and connects them to inclusive practices. Participants will gain practical strategies for creating flexible learning environments that address student variability. By embracing UDL, educators will leave with actionable ideas to ensure every student has equitable access to learning opportunities.
View Project

All Means All: Supporting Student Independence

Helping students develop independence is essential for their long-term success. This workshop explores strategies that foster self-advocacy, including peer-mediated interventions, self-advocacy skill-building, and fading prompting. Participants will learn how to balance support with opportunities for independence while addressing individual student needs. By equipping students with self-advocacy skills, educators will empower them to navigate challenges, communicate effectively, and build the confidence needed to succeed academically, socially, and beyond the classroom.
View Project

Empathy Interviews: A Strategy for Inclusion

Empathy interviews offer a powerful way to understand students’ lived experiences and better support their academic and social-emotional needs. This workshop introduces practical models for conducting empathy interviews, guiding educators through preparation, implementation, and reflection. Participants will explore how these interviews strengthen relationships, uncover barriers, and enhance inclusion efforts. By integrating empathy interviews into their practice, educators will create more equitable, student- centered learning environments that provide structured time and space for student voice and agency.
View Project

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Changing Perspectives

Changing Perspectives is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization registered in the US under EIN 46-3115902

Changing Perspectives

P.O. Box 710
Montpelier, VT 05601
P.O. Box 340664
Sacramento, CA 95834

888-870-2210  •  info@cpne.org

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