With less than 20 days before the start of the first National Conference for Creating Trauma-Sensitive Schools, organizers from the Attachment & Trauma Network (ATN) announce that attendees from three continents and 38 states will descend on Washington DC Feb 18-20 to explore the latest in best practices on trauma-informed education.
“We had no idea that teachers and administrators from nearly every state and so many other countries would join us in DC in mid-winter,” says Julie Beem, ATN’s Executive Director. “Most schools are sending a team of three or more, and the contingency coming from Hawaii is expecting to see snow.”
Regardless of the weather, conference organizers say the mood inside the Washington Hilton will be warm, relaxed, relational. “Being trauma-sensitive hinges on building connections and teaching ways to maintain calm,” explains Dr. Melissa Sadin, director of ATN’s CTSS Program. “Presenters, volunteers, staff – everyone is focused on not only presenting the latest in trauma-informed practices, but on modeling relationship-building and regulation throughout the event.”
The conference will kick off with a special screening on Sunday night of Paper Tigers, with Q&A afterwards with Jim Sporleder and Dr. Sadin. Monday and Tuesday will be packed with 40 workshops and 4 incredible general sessions. ATN’s Board also voted to award the first ever “Touching Trauma At Its Heart” awards at Tuesday’s luncheon, to honor the incredible trauma-informed work already being done by educators, parents and communities.
“Besides the history and beauty of the Washington Hilton, this hotel affords us an expansive space to host as many educators as can attend,” Ms. Beem reports. “We are excited that hundreds have already signed up. But there’s still space for those who haven’t been able to make their plans yet. The hotel rooms themselves are nearly full, but the conference registration will remain open.”
The National Conference for Creating Trauma-Sensitive Schools begins Sunday, February 18 thru Tuesday, February 20 at the Washington Hilton in Washington DC. You can learn more, see the schedule of events and register at: www.creatingtraumasensitiveschools.org/conference
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