TURNERS FALLS, Mass., April 23, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- "Celebrating What Works in Schools" will be the theme of the 9^th annual Responsive Classroom Leadership Conference to be held October 27–28 at the JW Marriott in Chicago, Illinois.

Experienced Responsive Classroom consultants and veteran educators will provide professional learning and networking opportunities for school and district leaders who are working to improve instruction, classroom management, and students' social-emotional competencies. Attendees will also hear about the new Responsive Classroom middle school program currently in development.

In the keynote address, Charles Eisenstein, social philosopher and author most recently of The More Beautiful World Our Hearts Know Is Possible, will speak about how Responsive Classroom educators are helping to encourage habits of connection and collaboration rather than habits of separation.

During two full days of sessions, discussions, expert panels, and networking time, conference attendees will gather plenty of proven practical strategies to use immediately as they work to build positive school community, effectively manage classrooms, and enhance academic engagement. All participants will find sessions that fit their interests, whether they're new to the Responsive Classroom approach or further along in their implementation.

In one session, Responsive Classroom's newest book, The Language of Learning: Teaching Students Core Thinking, Listening, & Speaking Skills, will serve as the jumping-off point for a discussion on how school leaders can support teachers as they teach the competencies essential to having deep academic conversations.

And in a special double session for those new to the approach, participants will delve into how the foundational ideas and teaching practices that underlie the Responsive Classroom approach impact teaching in three key domains—engaging academics, positive community, and effective management.

Other session topics include overcoming obstacles to schoolwide implementation, introducing students to safe and responsible use of technology and social media, sharing the good news happening in a school or district with parents and the general public, the crucial role of leadership in sustaining Responsive Classroom implementation, building community through schoolwide Morning Meetings, and many more.

"Every day," says Responsive Classroom executive director Lora Hodges, "I see educators working so hard using Responsive Classroom practices to make schools better places for students—and for teachers. This conference is a great opportunity to celebrate and build on that hard work."

Registration for the conference, to be held October 27–28 at the JW Marriott in Chicago, is now open, with an early bird discount through July 31st.

ABOUT NORTHEAST FOUNDATION FOR CHILDREN, INC., AND

THE RESPONSIVE CLASSROOM® APPROACH

The not-for-profit Northeast Foundation for Children, Inc. (NEFC) was established in 1981 by elementary school educators who envisioned a way of teaching that would bring together academic and social learning throughout the school day. That way of teaching, called the Responsive Classroom approach, is a research-based approach to elementary education that leads to greater teacher effectiveness, higher student achievement, and improved school climate. It has been recognized by the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) as one of the most well-designed, evidence-based academic, social and emotional learning programs. NEFC offers Responsive Classroom on-site consulting services to schools and districts; workshops and institutes for educators in locations around the country; and numerous books, videos, and other resources for teachers and administrators.

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SOURCE Northeast Foundation for Children, Inc.