Professional Development

Elevate organizational impact with over 50 focused professional development sessions. Access tailored workshops, connect with a supportive community, and strengthen skills for a purpose-driven career. Keep reading for descriptions of our most commonly requested professional development topics.

  • Restart SMART 101- "What is a community school?”

    This training is great for existing Restart SMART Sites, community-based organizations, or educational institutions interested in learning more about implementing the Community School Strategy. Though this is a school-based initiative, you do not need to be located at a school to do this work. Organizations that work with youth, families, and other community partners can adapt this strategy to fit their needs.

    We explore concepts such as savior mentality, Restart SMART philosophy, various sectors of research, student and family engagement, the community school as a responsive partner, and much more.

  • Family Engagement

    The Annie E. Casey Foundation notes that families involved in their children’s schools have students who “have better attendance and behavior, get better grades, demonstrate better social skills and adapt better to school.” But what does family involvement mean?

    At Higher Ground, family support happens from the inside out, building strong relationships with families and connecting them to their caring communities. When families experience genuine welcome, care, and positive regard, schools expand and elevate what they are able to offer children and youth.

    Learn how to engage families meaningfully–and respectfully–in this training.

  • Trauma Responsiveness

    Children, youth, and families who have experienced traumatic events often engage in learning, work, and life differently than those who have not. Often, our own traumatic experiences affect how we approach our work. As we become more aware of how trauma alters our experiences and behaviors, we can better serve our clients, attend to our own mental health, and engage our work more effectively.

    Learn how to respond in moments when trauma influences and affects our day-to-day relationships.

  • Intro to Wellness and Life Skills

    Self-care and wellness can seem like hard work. When our students and clients learn how to take care of their social, emotional, and physical needs, academic achievement increases. When our staff learns how to care for themselves across all aspects of life, we build resilient, caring workplaces.

    We can only teach what we understand and can do ourselves. Learn each of the Eight Dimensions of Wellness, apply them in your own life, and plan concrete opportunities to integrate them into your teaching practice or service to others.

  • De-escalation Strategies and Reframing Conflict

    Conflict can feel highly personal, especially when we are experiencing stress. However, engaging in conflict skillfully can lead to stronger relationships and help us achieve common goals.

    Schedule Higher Ground for De-escalation Strategies and Reframing Conflict training to learn how to help everyone turn down the intensity of the conversation and focus attention on the issues instead of the people involved.

  • Combatting Compassion Fatigue

    When humans have so much pressure put on them to be superhuman, they naturally suffer mental and physical consequences. Unfortunately, we've lost many excellent teachers at alarming rates because of the savior mentality.

    Different than burnout, compassion fatigue is a state of emotional and physical exhaustion that can develop in people who work with people who are suffering. It can lead to a number of negative consequences, including decreased empathy, increased cynicism, and decreased job satisfaction. Learn the signs of compassion fatigue and how to combat the effects.

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