UDL Power Hours

The Center of Excellence on Instructional Practices invites you to participate in our Trauma & Resilience UDL Power Hours, a series of engaging professional learning sessions focused on understanding the impact of trauma and fostering resilience in students.

Throughout this series, participants will explore research-based practices, practical strategies, and real-world applications that support students who have experienced trauma. While the content is centered on trauma and resilience, sessions will be designed with Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles in mind, helping educators create learning environments that are accessible, responsive, and supportive of all learners.

To maximize interaction and discussion during our live sessions, each Power Hour will follow a flipped classroom model. Participants will complete a brief pre-session learning activity prior to attending, allowing the live session to focus on deeper exploration, collaboration, and application of key concepts. Instructions for each activity will be emailed to registrants prior to the event.

All sessions 7:30-8:30am

Attendance is flexible. Join for the sessions that directly align with your current priorities, or join all sessions for a cohesive and in-depth professional learning experience.

Register Once for All Five Sessions!

October 6, 2026: 7:30-8:30am

Beyond the Score: Understanding Trauma and Aces

This one-hour online training introduces trauma and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and their potential impact on students in the classroom. Participants will learn how trauma can influence behavior, learning, attention, and engagement, helping educators recognize that what may appear to be lack of motivation or refusal to learn may be rooted in underlying experiences and challenges. This session encourages a deeper understanding of student behavior through a trauma-informed lens.

Participants will:

  • describe trauma
  • define and explain adverse childhood experiences

December 1, 2026: 7:30-8:30am

Beyond the Behavior: Understanding Trauma's Impact on Learning and School Engagement

This one-hour online training explores how trauma affects the developing brain and influences students' ability to learn, engage, and succeed in school. Participants will examine how the brain responds to toxic stress and trauma, the importance of felt safety, and how these factors can shape attention, behavior, emotional regulation, and academic participation. This session encourages educators to view concerning behaviors as possible responses to trauma and unmet needs.

Participants will:

  • describe how toxic stress and trauma can negatively impact learning
  • identify signs of trauma

January 19, 2027: 7:30-8:30am

Building Resilience: From Surviving to Thriving: Understanding Trauma and Resilience

This one-hour online training focuses on understanding what helps individuals build resilience and thrive despite adversity. Participants will explore the key protective factors that promote resilience, including supportive relationships, positive environments, and opportunities for growth and connection. The session will also introduce simple trauma-responsive practices that help create conditions that support resilience and positive outcomes for students within a school setting.

Participants will:

  • define resilience
  • identify resiliency factors

March 16, 2027: 7:30-8:30am

Small Shifts, Big Impact: Three Trauma-Responsive Strategies

This one-hour online training introduces three practical trauma-responsive strategies that can be used to support students and foster resilience in school settings: Co-Regulation, the 3 P's (Predict, Practice, Plan b), and Reflect, Honor, Connect. Participants will explore how these strategies help create emotionally safe and supportive learning environments, strengthen relationships, and respond to student needs through a trauma-informed lens.

Participants will:

  • explore three trauma-responsive strategies
  • identify ways to incorporate these strategies into educational settings

May 18, 2027: 7:30-8:30am

Creating Asset-Rich School Environments

This one-hour online training explores the key elements of quality relationships between adults and students and why they are essential for positive youth development. Participants will explore how developmental assets, beginning with identifying and nurturing students’ sparks, play a significant role in students success. This session will also share examples of how to build trust, foster supportive environments, and create connections that promote academic achievement and long-term success.

Participants will:

  • define developmental assets
  • identify strategies to promote developmental assets in students