Part 1: Helping Students Identify the Skills to Find Their Voice

Session Description: In this interactive virtual session, participants will take a deeper dive into the core skills students need to find and use their voice confidently. Building on the Finding Your Voice through Storytelling professional learning experience, this session focuses on identifying and unpacking the essential social-emotional and communication skills that empower students to express themselves with clarity, confidence, and purpose.

Together, we will:

•Explore the mindset and skill set behind self-awareness, self-expression, and active listening

•Identify barriers that prevent students from speaking up and strategies to help them overcome those barriers

•Reflect on how educators can model vulnerability and authenticity to help students develop their own stories

By the end of this session, participants will walk away with a clear understanding of the competencies students need to build their voice, as well as a framework for integrating those skills into everyday classroom and school experiences.

Part 2: Building Relational Capacity and Creating Spaces Where Every Voice Matters

Session Description: This second virtual session focuses on the heart of student engagement, relationships. Educators will explore practical strategies for building relational capacity and creating emotionally safe, welcoming environments where students feel seen, valued, and heard.

Together, we will:

•Learn techniques to strengthen trust and connection between students, their peers, and educators

•Discuss the role of belonging and psychological safety in student participation and leadership

•Discover ways to transform classroom culture through intentional storytelling and shared reflection activities

Participants will leave this session equipped with relational and instructional strategies to help every student feel that their story matters — and that their voice can make a difference in their school and community.