Strengthen your district’s strategy for student safety and supporting mental health at school. Discover how a proactive approach can ensure schools remain a welcoming and supportive environment for learning.
Michele Gay, co-founder of Safe and Sound Schools, and Justin Steele, Education Technologist at Caddo Parish Public Schools, will be discussing:
- How to shift staff mindset from disciplinary monitoring to health and safety support.
- Where to look for early warning signs of student safety hazards.
- How to use phrasing and context to help ensure safety.
- Best practices for proactive student safety.
Speakers
Michele Gay, Executive Director and co-founder of Safe and Sound Schools.
Mother, educator, and co-founder of Safe and Sound Schools, Michele Gay chose to take action after losing her daughter, Josephine Grace, on December 14, 2012, in the Sandy Hook School tragedy. Since that time, Michele has channeled her work as an advocate, improving safety and security in schools and communities across our country. Now a nationally and internationally recognized public speaker and school safety expert, Michele reaches audiences and consults with all levels of community institutions—schools; municipalities; houses of worship; educational and public safety leadership; state and federal governments; law enforcement agencies; and top news media sources.
Justin Steele, Supervisor of Education Technology at Caddo Parish Public Schools
Justin is currently working as the Supervisor of Educational Technology in the Caddo Parish Public School district. Through his work as the supervisor, he and his team of five serve 35,000 students, as well as 6,000 certified and classified personnel. He also works as an Adjunct Professor at his Alma Mater, Louisiana State University in Shreveport teaching Masters level courses on instructional technology and instructional technology leadership. In all roles, Justin strives to bring attention to student equity, safety, and mental health.