ISBE School Wellness Conference

Students across Illinois are experiencing unprecedented levels of stress, trauma, and emotional dysregulation, impacting learning, behavior, and school engagement. This interactive session equips educators, clinicians, and school leaders with practical trauma-informed strategies that strengthen student relationships, emotional regulation, and resiliency. Participants will explore how trauma affects the brain and learning while gaining concrete tools to help students identify triggers, regulate emotions, and transfer coping skills from counseling and support sessions into daily classroom life. This session supports districts in building trauma-responsive systems aligned to MTSS, SEL, and school climate initiatives that improve outcomes for both students and staff.

This session presents a community-based model for supporting the whole child by addressing the social-emotional, physical, and basic needs that impact student success. Grounded in the U.S. Surgeon General’s warning about the youth mental health crisis, it highlights the importance of meeting foundational needs such as food, clothing,  healthcare, and emotional support. Participants will learn how early, strong community partnerships create a coordinated and sustainable system of care that promotes student stability, resilience, and long-term success. Attendees will leave with a practical blueprint for building and sustaining these partnerships to support students and families