Improving School Climate with Emotional Intelligence

Connecticut’s leading education organizations—CEA, CSDE, AFT-CT, CAPSS, CAS, CFSA, and CABE—are collaborating for a landmark statewide conference uniting educators, leaders, and policymakers to learn how to leverage emotional intelligence as a powerful strategy for improving school climate.

Emotional intelligence is the foundation of effective teaching, engaged learning, and thriving communities. When used intentionally, it helps educators and policymakers create the conditions for positive relationships, belonging, and well-being across schools.

Join Marc Brackett, PhD, founding director of Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence, alongside state leaders, educators, and policymakers for this powerful half-day experience that bridges research, practice, and policy across Connecticut’s education community. You’ll leave with:

• Insights and practical tools for how to embed emotional intelligence into school climate initiatives and policies
• A shared framework for aligning climate plans with state standards
• A collaborative roadmap for sustainable, systemwide change

Together, we can make Connecticut a national model for emotionally intelligent schools where emotional intelligence isn’t just a skill, but a strategy for better climate, stronger relationships, and lasting success for all.

The format will include breakout sessions and planning sessions.

• Breakout sessions: Participants can attend sessions different from those of other school team members.
• Planning sessions: Participants from the same school team must plan to be in the same room together. Please plan accordingly!

Agenda:

• 8:30 AM - Welcome & Opening Remarks
• 8:45 AM - Keynote with Dr. Marc Brackett: Emotion Regulation: The New Definition of Success
• 9:30 AM - Legal & Policy Landscape: From Statute to Support
• 10:10 AM - Breakout Sessions: Building Conditions for Success
  • Select from:
    • 1. School-Wide Policies to Promote Academic, Social, & Emotional Growth
    • 2. School-Wide Practices to Create & Sustain Safety & Inclusivity
    • 3. Classroom Practices to Enhance Engagement
    • 4. Strategies for Making School Climate Data Actionable

• 10:55 AM - Plenary Panel: From Insight to Action
• 11:30 AM - School-Team Planning (Meet with Your Team to Debrief and Plan)
• 12:00 PM - Closing & Call to Action