Classroom Management & Behavior

Students do not put up walls to avoid relationships, but to see who cares enough to break the walls down. Research shows that building relationships with students increases engagement, motivation, test scores, and grade point averages while decreasing absenteeism, dropout rates, and discipline issues.

Steve Gruenert, PhD, has been at Indiana State University since 2002 teaching educational leadership courses and doing research in the field of school culture and climate.

John Hannigan, EdD, is an author and speaker who has served in education for over 20 years as a teacher, instructional coach, principal, and county office leadership coach. His expertise includes RTI at Work™, PLC at Work®, MTSS, PBIS, restorative practices, social-emotional learning, and more.

Jonathan Weinstein, PhD, is a clinical psychologist with the Northport VA Medical Center in New York. He has served in various mental health and education roles and has adapted elements of contextual behavioral science to help teachers empower students.

Kristyn Klei Borrero, EdD, is an accomplished educational leader and coach who strives to make a profound difference in the professional lives of educators. She is the cofounder of No-Nonsense Nurturer® and has served as a classroom teacher, principal, and superintendent.

Dr. Don Parker is a transformational speaker and professional development provider. He specializes in social-emotional learning (SEL), restorative and trauma-informed practices, supporting teachers to build trusting relationships with students, and improving the culture and climate of schools to enhance feelings of belonging for students and teachers.

Jessica Djabrayan Hannigan, EdD, works with US schools and districts to design and implement effective social-emotional and behavioral systems. Her expertise includes RTI, PLCs, MTSS, PBIS, restorative practices, social-emotional learning, and more.

Alan J. Cohen was a tenured teacher with the New York City Department of Education. He taught children from many different socioeconomic backgrounds and with a wide range of behavioral needs.

Dr. Alexander McNeece is an award-winning former principal, teacher, author, and consultant. He helps educators boost student engagement, develop healthy school cultures, and integrate AI tools for enhanced learning.