11 JUL 2019 · Schools have long played a role in helping to develop the future citizens who will shape society. That role seems even more important today, given the erosion of democracy and the rise of divisive rhetoric, so-called “populism” and even racism. In this presentation, Susan Hopkins will explore the theoretical underpinnings (the whys) and the real life practice (the hows) of building Self-Reg Havens: schools where children and adults alike feel safe in every way: connected and supported, yet challenged and ready to contribute to the community’s well-being. Then she will dive into how Self-Reg Havens may be the ideal environment for nurturing the capacity of young people able care for and stand up for themselves and others, and thereby contribute to vibrant communities, driven by democratic values that welcome and support all citizens.

11 JUL 2019 · The five years since TMC’s first Summer Symposium have been a period of amazing, and in some cases, unanticipated growth and learning in the world of Self-Reg. In this closing keynote, Stuart Shanker and Susan Hopkins will reflect on how the past five years have shaped the present and future of Self-Reg including: • Critical steps and turning points in the development of Self-Reg • Case examples of Self-Reg successes and best practices • The most important (and sometime surprising) lessons learned on the journey

10 JUL 2019 · In this talk, Dr. Shanker puts the Self-Reg lens on the current state of democracy, particularly threats to democracy stemming from the recent rise in populist authoritarianism. • The connection between high levels of stress and increasing appeal of authoritarianism • How authoritarian populists use rhetoric to put (and keep) audiences in “red brain” • The role of universal education in maintaining a free and democratic society • The link between moral, prosocial thinking and the ability of democracies to create a just society for all • How Self-Reg can help teachers and parents can support blue brain functioning and moral development in the youngsters who will be next generation of leaders in our democracy

10 JUL 2019 · Interdependent leadership is wise democratic leadership that makes best use of everyone’s ideas and skills. In this presentation, Gerard Costa, Director of Center for Autism and Early Childhood Mental Health at Montclair State University, will offer a Self-Reg perspective on interdependent leadership: • Leadership through the lens of the “interbrain” • Leadership, the highest levels of Functional Emotional Developmental Capacities (FEDCs) and harnessing the “Prefrontal Cortical Functions” • What interdependent leadership looks like, and why it’s the best way to lead • How good relationships, social engagement and a climate of emotional safety can help increase engagement and foster good teamwork • Replacing “control” with “regulation,” “relationships” and stress awareness • How your colleagues and/or employees can help you be a good leader • Connecting personal growth to organizational development

9 JUL 2019 · Freedom, the ability to act, speak, change or move without constraints, is something everyone wants. But, at its deepest level, freedom is not just political or social, it’s also about being free of the individual constraints that can interfere with self-actualization. In this talk Dr. Shanker will apply a Self-Reg lens to expand our ideas of freedom. • What does research tells us about how factors like anxiety, depression, electronic media, junk food and other modern phenomena keep our children and youth from exercising their fullest freedom? • How can Self-Reg help us identify stressors and other external factors that impinge on children’s (and our own) ability to grow, thrive, learn and pursue personal goals?

9 JUL 2019 · Along with parents and teachers, early childhood educators are on the front lines of our societal institutions that support children’s socialization, self-regulation and ultimately, human development. Susan Hopkins has worked with many dedicated and capable ECEs in the various professional roles she has played over the years. She also worked closely with Stuart Shanker to create TMC’s Self-Reg Early Childhood Development course, and has facilitated dozens of learners who are taking the course. In this session, she will share her top ten lessons-learned from ECEs bringing Self-Reg into their early years spaces. She will also share her thoughts on how this knowledge can help anyone who cares about the early years to nurture and educate the generation of children who will be the beneficiaries and leaders of our democracy in the coming years.

9 JUL 2019 · In this presentation, Dr. Mastrangelo will discuss the connection between fear and anxiety by using a personal case study of a family member’s “fear of flying” to discuss how the 5 Steps of Shanker Self-Reg helped the individual identify, reduce, reflect and respond to the fear of being 40,000 feet up in the air.

9 JUL 2019 · Early Years Behaviour Specialist Erin Jipner will discuss how reflective processes can help early childhood educators to better serve their students behavioural and educational needs by developing and enhancing their ability to reframe children’s behaviour and distinguish stress behaviour from misbehaviour.

9 JUL 2019 · As educators some of us have come across explosive behaviours in the classroom and for most our immediate response is to remove that student from the class. This is only a temporary solution. Have you ever considered the impact beyond the explosion? Have you ever considered how this explosive behaviour effects the rest of the students in the class or even their parents? Have you ever considered there may be a silver lining to these difficult behaviours? This presentation will share how educators can use Self-Reg to turn a challenging situation into an opportunity to develop prosocial behaviours and civic engagement amongst children.

9 JUL 2019 · TMC is committed to “walking the talk” with respect to how we go about our business. In this talk, Susan Hopkins will share some lesser known aspects of her work as she outlines her experiences, and lessons learned, around working to embed a Self-Reg approach, both in her leadership as TMC’s Executive Director, and in all aspects of TMC’s work. She will touch on Self- Reg in all of TMC’ divisions and also connect with our five strategic directions.