2025 Summer Administrative Workshop (SAW)

2025 Summer Administrative Workshop Banner

When: June 18, 2025, 7:30 am-4:00 pm

Where: NCC Monroe Campus

2411 PA-715
Tannersville, PA 18372
(570) 369-1800

Registration Fee: $75

SAW Event Schedule

7:30 am-8:45 am	Registration/Breakfast
8:45 am-9:00 am	Opening Remarks
9:00am-10:00 am	Keynote
10:00 am-10:15 am	Break
10:15 am-11:00 am	Morning Session 1
11:00 am-11:15 am	Break
11:15 am-12:00 pm	Morning Session 2
12:00 pm-1:15 pm	Lunch
1:15 pm-2:00 pm	Afternoon Session 1
2:00 pm-2:15 pm	Break
2:15 pm-3:00 pm	Afternoon Session 2
3:00 pm-3:15 pm	Break
3:15 pm-4:00 pm	Closing Remarks/ Raffle
4:00 pm	Conference Ends

Opening Keynote by Dr. Nikole Hollins-Sims

9:00 am-10:00 am

Nikole Y. Hollins-Sims, Ed.D., is an internationally recognized speaker, author and facilitator who serves as the senior educational consultant & strategist for Hollins-Sims Consultation. Nikole has formerly served as a technical assistance coordinator for the Midwest PBIS network and is a former Special Assistant to the Secretary of Education at the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE). Some of her career highlights are serving as the lead author of the book titled: Creating Equitable Practices in PBIS and serving as a presenter at the 2024 MTSS Forum at the United States Department of Education.

To learn more about Dr. Hollins-Sims, visit https://www.hollinssimsconsult.com/.

Opening Keynote: A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes - Building Belonging from Birth On

Belonging is the feeling of being appreciated, validated, and treated fairly (Cobb & Krownapple, 2019). It is the goal of comprehensive educational frameworks to create climates and cultures in schools, where learners of all ages are able to obtain a sense of belonging and connection. By dreaming out loud, we have the ability to create these spaces with the practices we employ to honor dignity and affirm those we serve.

Click on each title to expand session description. Room locations will be finalized closer to the event.

Morning Session 1 - 10:15 am-11:00 am

Assessment and Treatment of School Phobia

Speaker: Ira Hayes, Founder & Owner - Hays Health and Wellness

In this session, we explore school nonattendance, differentiating between avoidance, refusal, and phobia. Participants gain a comprehensive perspective for effective evaluation, receiving actionable insights for treating refusal and avoidance. The course delves into various school phobia subtypes, equipping participants with skills for assessment, nuanced questioning, and engagement techniques. Special attention is given to supporting students facing severe challenges. The course introduces exposure therapy, a valuable approach for students with school phobia, providing participants with skills to positively impact students' educational journeys.

I'm Right, You're Wrong, Now What? – Strategies for Building Stronger Partnerships

Speaker: Dr. Christopher Wolfel, Executive Director and Certified LEAP Trainer & Kasey Kinney, Director of Special Education and Certified LEAP Trainer - CIU 20

This session will explore key strategies from Dr. Xavier Amador’s book, I'm Right, You're Wrong, Now What?, and how its principles can foster effective collaboration among education staff, administrators, and families.
A central focus of the presentation will be the LEAP (Listen, Empathize, Agree, Partner) program, an evidence-based approach designed to turn conflict into cooperation. Attendees will gain valuable insights into how LEAP techniques can be applied in educational settings to navigate challenging conversations, build trust, and achieve common goals.

Through practical takeaways from the book, participants will learn:

How to improve communication and active listening skills

Ways to find common ground in difficult situations

Strategies to resolve impasses and strengthen teamwork

This session will provide actionable tools to enhance collaboration and create positive, solution-focused interactions in schools and beyond. Don't miss this opportunity to develop skills that will lead to more productive and meaningful partnerships!

Leading STEELS Implementation: What Administrators Need to Know

Speaker: Shaun McElmoyle, Training and Consulting Staff - CIU 20

This session provides an overview of the newly updated STEEL standards, focusing on the key changes and their impact on administrative processes. Participants will gain a clear understanding of the updated requirements for material properties, testing, and compliance, and how these changes affect documentation, reporting, and everyday administrative tasks. Through interactive discussions and scenario-based activities, attendees will be equipped with practical knowledge and tools to ensure seamless implementation and adherence to the new standards within their organizations.

Making Dreams into Reality - Centering Belonging in Systems Change

Speaker: Dr. Nikole Hollins-Sims, Owner - Hollins-Sims Consultation

This session will delve into the intricacies of building understanding and trust through clear, authentic, and empathetic communication. Participants will explore a range of communication techniques tailored to address the unique needs and challenges faced by educational leaders. Attendees will learn how transparent communication practices can lay the groundwork for trust and collaboration among stakeholders, discover strategies for effectively sharing information about educational policies, decisions, and initiatives, explore the art of active listening and discover how empathetic listening can foster deeper understanding, empathy, and trust, and gain insights into managing feedback, addressing concerns, and building a positive culture rooted in open communication.

Preparing a Capital Plan and Strategies for Successful School Construction Projects

The Year in Tech

Morning Session 2 - 11:15 am-12:00 pm

Assessment and Treatment of School Phobia

Speaker: Ira Hayes, Founder & Owner - Hays Health and Wellness

In this session, we explore school nonattendance, differentiating between avoidance, refusal, and phobia. Participants gain a comprehensive perspective for effective evaluation, receiving actionable insights for treating refusal and avoidance. The course delves into various school phobia subtypes, equipping participants with skills for assessment, nuanced questioning, and engagement techniques. Special attention is given to supporting students facing severe challenges. The course introduces exposure therapy, a valuable approach for students with school phobia, providing participants with skills to positively impact students' educational journeys.

Building Safe and Connected Schools: Restorative Practices in a Multi-Tiered System of Support

Speaker: Courtney Fenner, Training and Consulting Staff - CIU 20

School and district leaders play a vital role in creating a positive school climate where students, staff, and families feel seen, heard, and valued. This session will equip leaders with an understanding of the core principles of restorative practices and how to integrate proactive and responsive approaches within a trauma-informed Multi-Tiered System of Support. Learn how to foster safety, reduce discipline disparities, strengthen relationships, and increase student engagement to drive lasting change.

Fostering Belonging in Staff Recruitment and Retention

Speaker: Dr. Nikole Hollins-Sims, Owner - Hollins-Sims Consultation

This session will provide participants with the opportunity to describe the concept of belonging in education. Belonging is the "north star" along the journey of creating welcoming environments. While most of the focus on belonging in education has been on students, a necessary component is staff belonging. Participants in the session will be provided with strategies and ideas to foster belonging for staff to enhance and support recruitment and retention efforts.

Leading the Transition: Supporting Your School Through Online State Testing

Speaker: Keri Ramsay & Heather Heimer, Assistant Directors of Professional Learning - CIU 20

As the 2026 online state testing mandate approaches, administrators play a pivotal role in ensuring a successful implementation. This workshop will empower you with the leadership skills and practical strategies needed to guide your staff and students. Learn how to effectively integrate digital tools, prepare students for the online platform, and address potential challenges. We’ll provide a wealth of resources to support your school in building a positive and effective online testing experience.

Termination of a Tenured Professional Employee: What Protections Are in Place and What Process Is Due to an Employee Who Has Tenure

Speaker: Elizabeth Kelly, Attorney - KingSpry

Liz Kelly, Esquire, of King Spry, LLC, will provide a presentation on the process of terminating public school employees for misconduct. The presentation will identify the types of actions or failure to take action for which termination is authorized under the Public School Code for professional and nonprofessional employees, the due process that is owed to tenured professional, temporary professional and nonprofessional employees before termination, the appeal process in which the affected employee can contest the termination and the labor arbitration process. The discussion will also include the role of mitigating factors in the process and a discussion of some of the cases that have been handed down by the Pennsylvania courts in cases involving employee misconduct.

The Year in Tech

Afternoon Session 1 - 1:15 pm-2:00 pm

Beyond Self-Care: Building Sustainable Educator Wellbeing

Speaker: Patty McLain M.Ed. - Teen Educator for WRC Trauma-Informed Schools Trainer and Advocate
SEL Consultant for Edtrove, Author of This is Hard and I'm Tired: A Brief Guide for Overwhelmed Educators

Educator burnout isn’t just an individual issue—it’s a systemic challenge that impacts students, staff, and school culture. In this session, we’ll move beyond traditional ""self-care"" narratives and explore well-being as a professional responsibility. Learn how stress regulation, habits, and mindset shifts can mitigate burnout, improve resilience, and create a ripple effect of stability and support in your school community. Participants will learn practical, evidence-based strategies that transform daily challenges into opportunities for growth, creating a sustainable approach to educator wellbeing that benefits the entire school community. Join us to learn more and sign up for an exclusive information session with Shawnee Institute for ongoing wellbeing support!

Bridging Experience and Aspiration: Veteran Principals Guide New Leaders

Speaker: CIU 20 Regional Principals

Stepping into a leadership role in education comes with challenges, opportunities, and countless lessons to learn. In this engaging panel session, experienced K-12 principals will share practical insights, time-tested strategies, and real-world advice to help new administrators navigate the complexities of school leadership. Topics will include building strong relationships with staff and students, managing daily operations, handling difficult situations, and fostering a positive school culture. Whether you're a first-year administrator or someone who is looking to refine your leadership approach, this session will provide valuable takeaways to set you up for success.

De-Escalation for Critical Infrastructure Owners and Operators

Speaker: Arturo Mendez - Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)

This session follows the "Employee Vigilance Through the Power of Hello" to help critical infrastructure owners, operators, and staff identify and navigate suspicious activity or potentially escalating situations to safely dis-engage and report to local law enforcement or their organization's multi-disciplinary threat management team. The products contain a small list of examples of potential stressors, changes in baseline behaviors, observable behavioral indicators, observable physical behaviors, and potential warning signs of an escalating person; these are not intended to be taken as single indicators but should be observed to support a holistic assessment of the person of concern's circumstances and stressors.

Educating for Growth Mindset

Speaker: Ira Hayes, Founder & Owner - Hays Health and Wellness

Explore the power of a growth mindset—the belief that intelligence and abilities can be developed through effort, learning, and perseverance. We’ll examine the impact of mindset on motivation and resilience, highlight real-life success stories, and provide practical strategies for fostering a culture of growth in schools and beyond. By shifting our perspective, we can unlock potential, embrace challenges, and create environments where learning and improvement thrive while also reducing anxiety and behavioral concerns.

Special Education – A Year In Review

Speaker: Alyssa Hicks & Rachel Sokolsky, Attorneys - KingSpry

In this workshop, the presenters will discuss a multitude of notable issues with respect to special education over this past year. The goal is to provide a general overview of the same while also providing an in-depth discussion of hot topics. For instance, one area to be covered is trauma-informed approaches to special education which focuses on creating a supportive learning environment by acknowledging the impact student trauma has on behavior and learning. Namely, how this approach is being utilized, the collaboration both inside and outside the district for student success, an overview of curriculum and resources, and more. The unique protections provided to special education students regarding discipline will further be discussed along with several real-world examples. Lastly, the presenters will discuss updates on recent challenges to special education legislation, including Section 504, and other key court decisions at both the state and federal levels.

Afternoon Session 2 - 2:15 pm-3:00 pm

De-Escalation for Critical Infrastructure Owners and Operators

Speaker: Arturo Mendez - Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)

This session follows the "Employee Vigilance Through the Power of Hello" to help critical infrastructure owners, operators, and staff identify and navigate suspicious activity or potentially escalating situations to safely dis-engage and report to local law enforcement or their organization's multi-disciplinary threat management team. The products contain a small list of examples of potential stressors, changes in baseline behaviors, observable behavioral indicators, observable physical behaviors, and potential warning signs of an escalating person; these are not intended to be taken as single indicators but should be observed to support a holistic assessment of the person of concern's circumstances and stressors.

Educating for Growth Mindset

Speaker: Ira Hayes, Founder & Owner - Hays Health and Wellness

Explore the power of a growth mindset—the belief that intelligence and abilities can be developed through effort, learning, and perseverance. We’ll examine the impact of mindset on motivation and resilience, highlight real-life success stories, and provide practical strategies for fostering a culture of growth in schools and beyond. By shifting our perspective, we can unlock potential, embrace challenges, and create environments where learning and improvement thrive while also reducing anxiety and behavioral concerns.

Framework for Equitable MTSS

Speaker: Stephanie Toporcer, National Academic Advisor - Renaissance

Join colleagues and educational experts for a collaborative discussion about the resources educators need to kickstart or enhance your MTSS. Together, we’ll explore strategies for taking a data-informed approach to accelerating learning, promoting equity, and meeting whole child needs.
Here’s what we’ll focus on:
• Explore how to overcome some of the most common challenges associated with MTSS
• Strategies for supporting the whole child through data-driven academic and non-academic instruction and intervention
• How to collaborate effectively around data to drive decisions as a team
Join us as we work together to See Every Student and meet the needs of the whole child.

Leading STEELS Implementation: What Administrators Need to Know

Speaker: Shaun McElmoyle, Training and Consulting Staff, CIU 20

This session provides an overview of the newly updated STEEL standards, focusing on the key changes and their impact on administrative processes. Participants will gain a clear understanding of the updated requirements for material properties, testing, and compliance, and how these changes affect documentation, reporting, and everyday administrative tasks. Through interactive discussions and scenario-based activities, attendees will be equipped with practical knowledge and tools to ensure seamless implementation and adherence to the new standards within their organizations.

The Science of Thriving: Positive Psychology in Educational Leadership

Speaker: Patty McLain M.Ed. - Teen Educator for WRC Trauma-Informed Schools Trainer and Advocate
SEL Consultant for Edtrove, Author of This is Hard and I'm Tired: A Brief Guide for Overwhelmed Educators

When educators thrive, students do too. This session introduces key insights from Positive Psychology and Positive Education to help school leaders prevent burnout, combat compassion fatigue, strengthen relationships, and foster a culture where everyone—students, teachers, and staff—feels seen, heard, and valued. Discover how small, intentional changes in leadership approach can dramatically improve engagement, retention, and overall well being across your district, creating schools where both educators and students can flourish. Join us to learn more and sign up for an exclusive information session with Shawnee Institute for ongoing support!

Closing Remarks/Raffle

3:15 pm-4:00 pm

We look forward to having you join us for our CIU 20 Annual SAW!

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