2025 NAREN Wisconsin Conference

Amber Ortega will be facilitating the CESA 5 and 6 regional meeting.

Through the lens of the brain-based Neurosequential Model in Education©, the presenters will focus on
the brain, systems and practices in education, and the ways we can - and do - plan to support ourselves
and our students in light of the stress and trauma showing up in our classrooms and spaces. With
consideration for the neurological and biological impacts of stress on function, regulation, skills, cognition,
memory and relational interactions, participants will be supported in connecting the material to their
role(s) in schools, and will leave with a better understanding of the ways one can help to build skills,
support regulation, and offset the negative impacts of stress and trauma.

Educators have access to countless strategies for regulation and intervention, but the challenge often lies in choosing the right tool at the right time. Whether designing a small group reading lesson or implementing a behavioral skill intervention, it’s essential to effectively target the skills we want to build while promoting safety, success and regulation. This session, grounded in the 6Rs of the Neurosequential Model©, will provide a practical guide for planning and collaborating around intervention choices, daily practices, systems and structures. Together, we will explore how to apply the 6Rs of the Neurosequential Model© to increase our efficacy, reduce educator lift, and support not only our students but also ourselves and our school communities.

Explain the variety of programs used to meet the variety of needs of students, parents and families over 15+ years of experience in alternative education.
Link to presentation: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1Ixei6GcO6ObgMv0Hq63xSTFfFdNL1mG7/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=116673874959921550044&rtpof=true&sd=true

Randy Kent will be leading the GEDO Programs roundtable.

Thomas Thibodeau is the distinguished Professor of Servant Leadership at Viterbo University where he has taught since 1984.  Through the years his infectious enthusiasm, compassion, and commitment to leadership and service have also inspired countless colleagues and community members. He is the founder of the Master of Arts in Servant Leadership, the first master’s degree of its kind in the nation, and also a founding member of hospitality and fellowship resource Place of Grace, in La Crosse. Thibodeau is a popular professor, talented public speaker, and an extremely active community member who lives the Viterbo values. He regularly leads The Ethical Life seminars, often team teaching with Rick Kyte, and also offers a Serving the Common Good seminar focused on homelessness.