Education

Our alumni-led workshops and seminars give our alumni professionals the opportunity to dive deep into current topics impacting their field. They’re an opportunity to build crucial skills and gain exposure to new ideas and best practices. We frequently add new workshops and seminars, so check back often.

Learn More about LIFTS: Trauma-Sensitive Schools  

Creating a trauma-sensitive school environment involves comprehensive, systemic change. This seminar offers extensive training in the Lesley Institute for Trauma Sensitivity (LIFTS) model, guiding educators to develop long-term, sustainable practices that embed trauma-awareness into school culture. Participants will explore trauma’s influence on behavior, learning, and school climate, and work through case studies and collaborative planning to design tailored, school-wide strategies. The focus is on building ongoing, inclusive practices that promote safety, support, and resilience—empowering educators to lead lasting change. This 10-hour seminar with PDP credits emphasizes leadership and systemic transformation for districts aiming to embed trauma-sensitive approaches at every level. Patricia Crain de Galarce, Director of Center for Inclusive and Special Education at Lesley University, will lead the seminar.

Facilitator
Patricia Crain de Galarce, Ed.D, Director of Center for Inclusive and Special Education at Lesley University
Patricia Crain de Galarce is the Director of the Center for Inclusive and Special Education at Lesley University. Her research and practice focus on trauma-sensitive schools, culturally responsive pedagogy, and inclusive education. She has over three decades of experience in K–12 and higher education, including leadership of dual-language and urban schools, and holds an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from the University of Pennsylvania

Registration information, dates, and times
10 hours, 5 asynchronous sessions and 5 synchronous sessions

Dates and times for the synchronous times (the seminar repeats up to four times, so audience members have the opportunity to enroll at different times):

Seminars cost $75 for Lesley alumni and $100 for non-alumni participants

The Engaged Classroom: Strategies for Motivation and Engagement 

Creating a space where all students feel safe, supported, and motivated to succeed is increasingly challenging in today’s diverse learning environment. This comprehensive seminar provides educators with in-depth training on creating regulated, engaging classroom environments that support diverse student populations including neurodiverse, multilingual, and multicultural learners. Participants will explore evidence-based strategies for building emotional safety, implementing effective movement breaks, and designing seamless transitions that maintain student focus and motivation. The 10-hour seminar with equivalence of PDPs includes hands-on practice with differentiated engagement techniques, collaborative planning for inclusive classroom management, and detailed exploration of how regulation supports learning for students with varying needs and backgrounds. Through interactive workshops and case study analysis, educators will develop comprehensive implementation plans for creating classrooms where all students feel safe, supported, and motivated to achieve their full potential. Thomas Nickerson, alumnus of Lesley University, will lead the seminar.

Facilitator
Thomas Nickerson, ‘18, M.Ed.
Thomas Nickerson, a graduate of Lesley University M.Ed.'18, is an upper elementary classroom teacher in the greater Boston area with a decade of experience in public and independent schools. He is a longtime collaborator of The Reading and Writing Project and recently co-authored a Units of Study in Reading manual, “Close Reading of Fiction: Character and Theme.” He is also heavily involved in arts education and serves as the Associate Director of Tufts Children’s Theater, where he supervises and trains a staff of 40+ each summer.

Registration information, dates, and times
10 hours, 5 asynchronous sessions and 5 synchronous sessions

Dates and times for the synchronous times (the seminar repeats up to four times, so audience members have the opportunity to enroll at different times):

Seminars cost $75 for Lesley alumni and $100 for non-alumni participants