Upcoming Webinars
Discipline policies play a critical role in shaping school culture, student success, and equity across a district. This webinar explores how a progressive discipline approach, one that emphasizes consistency, fairness, and care can help schools move away from punitive models and toward systems that build accountability, strengthen relationships, and support long-term behavioral growth. Designed for school board members, district leaders, and administrators, this session will share the principles and practices of progressive discipline, including tiered interventions, clear expectations, and restorative responses.
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Presenting this webinar is Stephanie Long, Chief Student Support Officer for the Pinellas County Schools in Florida. Her division encompasses the Exceptional Student Education, Educational Alternative Services, School Climate and Behavior, and Student Services divisions.
Participants will learn how Pinellas County School District implements a framework that ensures consequences are age-appropriate, instructive, and consistently applied, while also addressing root causes of behavior and keeping students connected to learning. Join us to discover how progressive, caring discipline can create stronger, safer, and more inclusive schools.
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Presenter bio:
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Stephanie Long began her career in education in 1991 as a teacher for students with emotional and behavioral disabilities in Hillsborough County, Florida. Over the course of a distinguished 28-year career, she has served students and staff across multiple school districts, including Hillsborough, Martin, St. Lucie, Pasco, and Pinellas Counties. Her work has spanned a variety of special education settings, with a primary focus on supporting students with emotional and behavioral disabilities, intellectual disabilities, and Autism. Throughout her career, she has maintained a strong commitment to behavioral support and to improving educational outcomes for all students.
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In 2005, after transitioning from the classroom, Mrs. Long took on the role of District Resource Teacher, later serving as an ESE Coordinator for Pinellas County Schools. Her expertise also extended into higher education, where she served as an Adjunct Professor at the University of South Florida from 2009 to 2010, teaching courses in behavior management and functional assessment.
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In 2017, she joined Pasco County Schools as Supervisor for Low Prevalence Programs. Following demonstrated success in that role, she was promoted to Senior Supervisor for Special Programs, and subsequently appointed as Assistant Director of Special Programs and Student Services. In this leadership capacity, she guided large-scale initiatives across both Exceptional Student Education and Student Services, driving systemic improvements and supporting district-wide progress.
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In 2023, Mrs. Long returned to Pinellas County Schools as the Chief Student Support Officer. In this executive role, she oversees a broad portfolio of student support services, including Exceptional Student Education, Educational Alternative Services, School Climate and Behavior, and Student Services. Her work continues to reflect a deep dedication to inclusive practices, positive student outcomes, and the continuous improvement of educational systems.
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​Joining Stephanie in presenting is Pinellas County School District Area Superintendent Dr. Dywayne Hinds.
Past Webinars
Integration of AI in Education
Join us for an insightful one-hour session designed specifically for board of education members, superintendents, educators, administrators, and staff to explore the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education. Gain a clear understanding of what AI is, its practical impact on teaching and learning, and strategies for addressing common concerns among educators. Discover approachable ways to comfortably integrate AI into your district's educational practices, empowering your teams to leverage technology confidently for enhanced educational outcomes. This informative session will equip you with valuable insights and actionable steps to embrace AI effectively within your educational community.
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​Presenting the webinar is Robert Joseph, Ph.D. Dr. Joseph is a Data Scientist, Educator, and Co-Founder of Team MindShift, focusing on talent transformation and workforce development. With degrees from MIT (B.S., M.S.) and Carnegie Mellon (M.S., Ph.D.), he brings extensive expertise from his tenure as a Senior Data Scientist and later a Director at Stanley Black & Decker and more than 19 years as a University Professor, teaching more than 5,000 students at GSU, Atlanta Tech, Emory, and Strayer. As a LinkedIn Learning instructor for “Causal AI Primer,” Dr. Joseph has developed over 100 applications, including a student management system for the Bering Strait School District, and holds a patent for an internet DJ system. Currently, Team MindShift is rolling out an IT Academy pilot for 6 Job Corps Centers in the Southeast. But his proudest achievement is being the father of two adult sons.
Building a Team to Foster Comprehensive Mental
Health Support Services
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, one in five individuals lives with a mental disorder, with early signs often appearing around age 14. However, many do not seek help until adulthood. An alarming 60% of high school students with mental health issues do not graduate, highlighting the urgency of early intervention and support. Join us for an impactful webinar for school board members to learn how to enhance the well-being of students, families and school staff by building a comprehensive student support program that focuses on mental health issues​
School Crisis and Tragedy: The Board's Role and Responsibility
This webinar will explore the critical role that school board members play during crisis and tragedies affecting educational institutions. It focuses on the responsibilities of board members in ensuring the safety, well-being, and emotional support of students, staff, and the broader community, highlighting the importance of preparedness, clear communication, decision-making under pressure, and post-crisis recovery.
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This webinar will be presented by Webinar Presenter: John McDonald, Chief Operation Officer for the Missouri School Boards’ Association, Center for Education Safety and The Council for School Safety Leadership. For additional information on Mr. McDonald, click here.
Meeting the Academic Needs of Your Homeless Students
Homelessness presents significant barriers to education, and it is essential for educators and stakeholders to understand how to support homeless students effectively.
Join us for an informative webinar to gain valuable insights and practical strategies for meeting the academic needs of homeless students and promoting their educational success. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of homeless students and ensure they have the support they need to thrive academically and beyond.
Social Economics and Its Impact on Students Academically
Understanding the intricate relationship between socioeconomic status and student achievement was imperative for policymakers and stakeholders.
Socioeconomic status encompassed a broad spectrum of economic and social indicators, including income, parental education level, employment status, and access to resources. These factors profoundly influenced the educational opportunities available to students, thereby shaping their academic performance and future prospects.
During this webinar, the presenter shared extensive research and evidence surrounding the impact of socioeconomic status on student achievement. Attendees gained insights into how disparities in wealth and resources created educational barriers, contributing to the achievement gap observed among students from different socioeconomic backgrounds, as well as how to eliminate barriers to ensure an equitable and quality education for all students.
Strategies for Addressing Equity in Your District
This webinar addresses the importance of fostering equity among students within your district. The presenter shares diverse strategies implemented within their district aimed at enhancing equity among students.
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Additionally, the pivotal role of school board members in championing and supporting the fruition of these strategies is discussed.
Dr. Terry Oatts shares the various strategies his district implemented to provide equity for students and staff.
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Unlocking Knowledge: Empowering Students Through Literacy
In this enlightening webinar, we delve into the fundamental right of every student to access the world of knowledge through proficient literacy. The session aims to underscore the pivotal role literacy plays in driving student achievement, drawing insights from successful initiatives in school districts in both Missouri and Mississippi.
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Our distinguished presenters will articulate strategies employed by these districts that resulted in significant advancements in student achievement through a comprehensive approach to literacy. Beyond the conventional realms of reading and writing, literacy is explored as a multifaceted skill encompassing communication, critical thinking, and cultural understanding. It serves as an anchor, grounding every academic subject, ranging from mathematics and the sciences to history and art.
Empowering Rural Education
Join us for an insightful webinar as we address the unique challenges faced by over 9.3 million public school students in rural environments in ensuring their consistent access to high-quality education. In this engaging session, we are privileged to host two distinguished speakers: Dr. Donya Ball, an author and Charter School superintendent from California, and Yolanda Valdez, an experienced district administrative leader and superintendent of a rural school district in California.
Drawing from their extensive experience, Dr. Ball and Ms. Valdez will share invaluable insights, practical strategies, and innovative solutions to bridge the gap in high-needs areas. Together, they will explore ways to enhance the educational experience for students, irrespective of their geographic location.
Food Insecurity and Public Education
This recording explores the issue of food insecurity and how it impacts children and families across the United States, along with practical steps that school districts can take to address opportunities in their communities.
