ISBE School Wellness Conference

Today's students are navigating unprecedented levels of anxiety, disconnection, and dependence. Yet, they are also creative, compassionate, and full of potential. Drawing on key ideas from The Anxious Generation, The Amazing Generation, and Let Grow, this session explores how schools can intentionally balance connection, independence, and belonging to better support student well-being and growth. 


Participants will examine how overprotection, reduced autonomy, and limited opportunities for meaningful responsibility impact student resilience and how relationship-centered, SEL practices can reverse these trends. Through reflection, discussion, and practical examples, educators will learn how to create environments that empower students take healthy risks, build confidence, and develop essential life skills, while maintaining strong, supportive relationships. 


Participants will leave with an understanding of how current social, emotional, and environmental factors contribute to mental health disorders, strategies for fostering independence, resilience, and confidence through connection, and practical ways to elevate students' capacity to grow in academic AND essential life skills.

Explore the SEL and Well-being framework developed from a CASEL Fellows Capstone project. Reflect on the CASEL 5 competencies and core ideas of self-awareness (identity), self-management (agency), social awareness (belonging), relationship skills (collaborative problem-solving), and responsible decision making (curiosity). Consider areas of strength and growth of these concepts and how a deeper understanding of the SEL competencies can support well-being. This session is interactive with individual reflection, small and large group discussion.