Back to Zero: Because Some Days Are Not So Easy

Challenges in the classroom often bring about difficult behaviors. Through interactive and collaborative activities, we will reflect on our responses to these situations and explore effective strategies for addressing difficult behaviors. This session is designed to support educators with practical ideas for fostering reflection and empathy that support meaningful connections with students, parents, and colleagues.

Joy Work EDU empowers organizations to view their work through the lens of joy. As an educator, author, and founder, Dr. Joy is passionate about leading those who serve children to pathways of identifying, cultivating, and exemplifying joy. She is a dedicated learner and earned a Master of Arts in teaching and a doctorate in K-12 educational administration and supervision. Throughout her career, she has served as a classroom teacher, professional learning facilitator, instructional coach, school administrator, college instructor, speaker, and educational consultant. One of her greatest highlights as an educator is being selected to lead the implementation of personalized learning throughout her school district.

Dr. Joy’s authentic work around social and emotional growth has transformed the way organizations respond to challenges. As a school administrator and parent, she realized the urgent need to shift how we respond to challenging behavior and built her Back to Zero Community Engagement Program. She is leading communities in the work of establishing a common language around the idea of embracing challenges with empathy and love using research-based strategies and methods. Her participants appreciate her bold and tenacious attitude, nurturing and relational communication style, and outstanding resources. Dr. Joy embraces diversity of thought and opens a safe space for learners to grow and share stories. Her extensive training in positive interventions and behavioral approaches is evident throughout her work.