Session: The Optimistic Classroom Experience
Presenters: Debra Burke
Description:
After almost two decades of teaching experience, Debra Burke has found that there are three key components to be
absolutely essential for creating optimistic learning experiences for all students within the classroom community. The three
key components include: 1. building positive and trusting relationships with students and their families; 2. utilizing braincompatible
instructional strategies, activities and routines for student engagement purposes; 3. incorporating trauma
responsive practices within the classroom.
In this session participants will learn 1. innovative ideas on how to go about building positive and trusting relationships with
students and their families; 2. how to incorporate brain-compatible instructional strategies and routines to engage even the
most disengaged students; 3. strategies and activities that will help to establish a trauma responsive classroom.
Participants will receive a resource packet directly from Debra's book in progress, The Optimistic Classroom Experience, to
utilize within their own classrooms. There will be opportunities for collaboration as well!
Grade Levels: PreK-2
Format: Workshop
Number of Participants: 51-100
Areas of Focus: Social Emotional Health, Pedagogy and Instructional Design, Instructional Design