Creating a Sense of Belonging in Schools
March 10 - April 28
Description:
Please join the GaDOE Office of Whole Child Supports for this webinar series on creating a sense of belonging to support student mental health, wellbeing, and attendance. Attendance for all four sessions is encouraged, but not required.
January 27, 2026 (Part 1): Designing Dignity & Belonging in Tiered Systems
Belonging is the feeling of being appreciated, validated, and treated fairly (Cobb & Krownapple, 2019). It is the goal of educational system 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. In particular, the session will offer ways to define dignity and belonging in education, while introducing ways to embed universal practices in academic, social, and behavioral systems. These include effective teaming, coaching, and shared ownership.
February 19, 2026 (Part 2): Elevating Student Voice to Strengthen Belonging and Wellbeing in Tiered Systems
When students know their voices matter, schools become places where they feel safe, connected, and ready to learn. This session offers real talk, real solutions for real impact, showing how elevating student voice is essential for stronger relationships, improved attendance, safer schools, and healthier minds. Drawing on Toshalis & Nakkula’s (2012) Student Voice Continuum, we will explore an approach to incorporating authentic student perspectives into Georgia’s MTSS framework. Participants will walk away with concrete ways to partner with students and families to create schools where every learner feels seen, heard, and valued.
March 10, 2026 (Part 3): Rooted in Belonging—Reframing Behavior as a Cry for Connection in Schools
In this engaging session, we will explore how schools can cultivate a culture of belonging that honors the rightful presence of all students—especially those with disabilities and those whose behaviors challenge conventional norms. Rather than viewing interfering behaviors as disruptions, we will reframe them and consider them as signals of disconnection. Participants will engage with practical strategies and reflective frameworks that support inclusive practices, relational discipline, and the creation of environments where every student feels seen, valued, and connected.
April 28, 2026 (Part 4): Join the Conversation—Belonging Expert Panel Discussion
Join us for a culminating conversation as our three featured experts on belonging return for a live, interactive panel discussion. Participants will have the opportunity to shape the conversation by voting for the discussion topics based on their most pressing challenges and interests. Through engaging directly with these experts, participants will leave feeling inspired, empowered, and prepared to create inclusive and relationship-centered school communities.
Duration: 1 hour
Intended Audience: Counseling Staff, District Leaders, Early Learning Teachers (Birth-5 yrs), Elementary Teachers, Gifted and Talented Teachers, High School Teachers, Mental Health and Wellbeing Specialists, Middle School Teachers, Paraprofessionals, PBIS Coordinators, Pupil Transportation Staff, RESA Mentors, School Leaders, School Nurses, Social Workers, Special Education Teachers, Special Student Services Staff, Teacher Leaders
DOE Office: Whole Child Supports
Topics: Mental Health, Wellbeing, Whole Child Supports
Event Type: Event - Multiday
Delivery Mode(s): Virtual
Event will be recorded: Yes
Primary Contact: Tabathia Baldy - tabathia.baldy@doe.k12.ga.us
Secondary Contact: Molly Sims - molly.sims@doe.k12.ga.us
To report an issue with the event link, please email the event contact.
Sessions: