On Friday, December 8th, the Oregon Trail Regional Education Network (REN) played host to a vibrant gathering of 32 attendees, marking the first of two in-person meetings scheduled this year for regional counselors, behavior specialists, and interventionists. The picturesque Tamastslikt Cultural Institute provided the backdrop for this engaging event, running from 11:30 am to 3:30 pm.
The day kicked off with a delightful catered lunch, setting the stage for enlightening presentations by esteemed guests. Dr. Marinda Peters, ODE Civil Rights Specialist, shared insights on "Section 504 & The Professional School Counselor as Case Manager," offering valuable perspectives. Following this, Dr. Will Henson, a clinical psychologist and consultant for school districts across Oregon, delved into the intricate realms of behavior, trauma, and navigating challenging behaviors in the classroom.
What made this gathering truly special was its tailored programming, crafted in response to feedback from regional counselors actively participating in the IMESD's Counselor Connection program. As part of this ongoing professional learning opportunity, counselors engage in monthly virtual Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) led by IMESD Counselor Leads Tina Crowell from Morrow County and Teresa Dowdy from La Grande.
Excitement is already building for the next in-person Counselor Connection event, scheduled for this spring. While the event location and content are yet to be determined, the anticipation is noticeable for another enriching session that fosters collaboration and growth among our dedicated education professionals. Stay tuned for more details on this upcoming event! š #CounselorConnection #EducationEmpowerment #CommunityLearning