Neurodiversity: Teaching with the Needs of Diverse Brains in Mind

A Virtual Event | March 26, 2021
12:00-3:30pm CST / 1:00-4:30pm EST

This half-day workshop highlights the core elements of educational and social neuroscience as they relate to students’ learning outcomes. Participants will receive an introduction to basic brain anatomy, as well as a foundational understanding of how the attention circuits of the brain function in the process of learning. Both current research and practical applications will be emphasized to help teachers increase their capacity to create classrooms that are academically and socially enriching for learners. This interactive session will offer a well-rounded understanding of how to design effective instruction and interventions for neurodiverse student populations.

Participant Outcomes:
At the end of the workshop, participants will be able to:
Identify the major parts of the brain and connections to learning outcomes
Demonstrate an understanding of how to design lessons that capture students’ attention and sustain mental focus
Explain the relationship of the nervous system and stress response to optimal brain functioning
Explore the impact of childhood trauma and toxic stress on students’ brains and learning outcomes
Practice the use of mindfulness and breath work as a means of optimizing brain and nervous system function in the classroom.

We are happy to have Dr. Niki Elliott as our speaker for this event.

Cost: TAIS Member School $95 per person, Guest $145 per person

REGISTER HERE

Niki Elliott, PhD is a clinical professor of education at the University of La Verne’s La Fetra College of Education. She currently serves as Co-Director of the Center for Neurodiversity, Learning and Wellness, and is an author, speaker, and trainer in the fields of mindfulness, holistic education, healing-centered engagement, and intuition development. An experienced educator, Dr. Niki has taught students of all ages, from elementary school through university level over the past 25 years. She presently teaches educational neurobiology, neurodiversity and mindfulness for graduate students earning a master’s degree in Special Education. She is a staunch advocate for students with special needs and learning differences. Dr. Niki is the founder of the Mindful Leaders Project, a program designed to help teachers, school leaders and other helping professionals increase personal well-being while utilizing mindfulness strategies to drive diversity and equity initiatives. The Mindful Leaders Project is currently in wide-scale implementation in San Bernardino City Unified School District. These groundbreaking programs focus on helping leaders access higher states of compassion, intuition and innovative problem solving using research-based mindfulness, breathwork and meditation techniques.

A Collaborative Event: