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.

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.