Connecting in the Classroom:

Engagement Through Collaboration, Kindness, and Humility.

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Special Guest Speaker: Emily Norris, from Life, Less Hard

December 11, 2025 at 2:15pm - 3:00pm

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This session braids the day’s themes– kindness, attention, belonging, low-tech presence, authentic writing and more– into plans you can implement in every class. Students don’t automatically treat us as experts; they experience our expertise through how we listen, respond, and design. Because students’ expectations and attention have shifted, we’ll focus on meeting them where they are, not where we wish they were. Together we’ll name why these shifts matter for learning, reframe the course as an ongoing, two-way conversation, and shape a plan that strengthens connection, trust, and belonging– without lowering standards.  You’ll leave with a concise roadmap for the first weeks of class and renewed confidence in your ability to hold the room with care, curiosity, and integrity.

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