Professional Development

Please check the most current issue of our newsletter for professional development offerings. It sometimes takes us longer to update this page.

Handling Upset: The Adult-First Mindset Shift

There’s a fundamental flaw in many discipline approaches: The expectation that adults can teach skills we struggle with ourselves. Curriculums that provide words and actions for children without providing the words and actions for adults will always fall flat. We cannot effectively teach skills we do not practice ourselves! Empower yourself to change the “do as I say, not as I do” dynamic with Handling Upset: The Adult-first Mindset Shift.
 
Conscious Discipline Certified Instructor Jill Molli’s uniquely conversational approach to the content creates a delightful exploration of:

  • The adult-first mindset shift: What it is and why it’s essential for children’s growth and our own

  • The foundation of upset: Where upset comes from and how to handle it

  • The Conscious Discipline Brain State Model: The key that unlocks an understanding of children’s behavior and our own

  • Active calming and wishing well: Two core strategies for regaining composure and bringing the best of ourselves to each moment

  • Noticing: A simple technique for replacing brain-depleting judgment with brain-building language

  • Brain integration strategies: An integrated brain is wired for learning, problem solving and achievement

  • Strategies for naming and claiming our feelings: Managing our upset improves every relationship in our lives, and models and teaches the skills we want children to use

How it will work: You will watch each of the 8 video lessons on your own. For the Tuesday evening group, there will be an online facilitated discussion for each video lesson. For the Sunday morning group, you will tackle two video lesson for each discussion session.
 
NCES is offering two options to participate. Please note that the Tuesday evening series has 8 sessions (16 hours of professional development awarded) and the Sunday morning series has 4 session (14 hours of professional development awarded):

  • Tuesday evenings, 6:30-7:30 PM with Chrissy Grant on January 7 and 21,  February 4 and 18, March 11 and 25, and April 8 and 22, 2025

  • Sunday mornings, 7:15 - 8:30 AM with Anne-Marie Gagne on January 12, February 16, March 9, and April 6.

Prerequisite: This series is intended for educators who have participated in the Conscious Discipline: Building Resilient Homes and School series.

Cost: Free for staff with full or associate membership with NCES ($149 for others). Most North Country schools are members, click here to check.

Register for educator series (select which group on the form): Online or call NCES, M-F, 8-4 at 603-466-5437.

Conscious Discipline Series for Parents and Caregivers

Information will be posted with details are finalized. Next group is expected to begin in January 2025.


Conscious Discipline Online Series: Building Resilient Schools and Homes

Conscious Discipline is a social‐emotional learning and classroom management approach. Developed by a teacher for teachers, the philosophy of Conscious Discipline emerged after years of working with children and experiencing the challenges of a broken system full of hurting children and frustrated adults. The methodology and best‐practices of Conscious Discipline offer a different – and proven – pathway to transformation.

Join colleagues for online discussions to reflect on the 10-lesson video series, Building Resilient Schools and Homes. The video series is lead by Dr. Becky Bailey, educator, author, and child development expert. 

Facilitator: TBA

Format: Watch video lessons on your own prior to facilitated online discussions.

Dates/Time:

Third Wednesday evenings of the month, 6:30-7:45 PM, from October through May with Gretchen Cook

Location: Online via Zoom.

Cost: Free for staff with full or associate membership with NCES ($149 for others). Most North Country schools are members, click here to check.

For: Any interested educator. Please note that the video content is geared to the elementary grades, but the practices can be applied for any age.

Professional Development Hours: For those who actively participate in the online discussions (with camera on), there will be 20 hours awarded--10 hours for watching the video lessons and 1.25 hours per online discussion participation. You must part in at least 6 of the online discussions to receive a professional development certificate.

Register online or call NCES M-F, 8-4PM at 603-466-5437.

 

Registration

Not sure if your school is a full member or associate member? Check membership status here.

Register by calling 603-466-5437 during office hours, M-F, 8:00-4:00.

Unless otherwise noted, all sessions held at:

North Country Education Services
300 Gorham Hill Road
Gorham, NH 03581
Directions & map

Registration questions may be directed to lisa@ncedservices.org or by calling 603-466-5437.

 

Cancellation Policy for Professional Development Events*

  • All received registrations are subject to Cancellation/Refund policy. A full refund will be made for cancellations sent via email 7 days before the event.

  • Refunds will not be given if the request is received less than 7 days prior to the event.

  • Refunds will not be given for “no shows”.

  • NCES accepts substitution of another person. 24 hour advanced notice is appreciated.*Registration fee or signed Purchase Order is due on or before the event.

  • NCES reserves the right to postpone or cancel events.

    *Some offerings may have additional requirements and more stringent cancellation rules.