Program Description

Most professionals in our schools want to do good work with children; and we have some of the most dedicated teachers. However, many children are underserved, and experience difficulty coping and learning in their traditional school setting. Dr. Gunzelmann helps identify and respond to roadblocks that impede student success. She challenges those assumptions, attitudes, beliefs, policies and practices that may be detrimental while developing responses to these hindrances that benefit both students and professionals working in our schools.

Psychologists, counselors, educators, parents and students can participate in improving  schools so they  become  thriving, balanced settings in which  students choose  to learn and like to be; and where professionals can take pride  their  work and  have a positive impact on  society.

About the Presenter

Dr. Betsy Gunzelmann is chair of psychology at Southern New Hampshire University and author of several articles that focus on improving our schools. She is a psychologist and educator having worked in the field for over twenty five years. Additionally, she is a parent concerned with issues that hinder our children’s education.

Learning Objectives

Participants will:

1. be able to identify problematic assumptions, attitudes, procedures and situations which can interfere with academic success.
2. identify their own experience of hidden impediments to learning.
3. develop responses through brainstorming with colleagues.
4. learn how to short circuit the downward failing spiral.
5. have sufficient understanding to begin the process of developing healthy, thriving schools.