Conscious Discipline names keynote speakers for 2026 Orlando conference

By AI, Created 3:36 PM UTC, May 29, 2026, /AGP/ – Conscious Discipline will host Elevate 2026 in Orlando from Oct. 15-17, bringing together educators and school leaders for sessions on self-regulation, school culture and implementation. Dr. Deborah Bergeron and other experts will headline the event as schools face burnout, staffing strain and behavior challenges.

Why it matters: - Schools and early learning programs are facing educator burnout, staffing pressures, student behavior challenges and culture concerns. - Elevate 2026 is built around the idea that adult self-regulation and connection shape safer, more resilient learning environments for children. - The conference also marks 30 years of Conscious Discipline’s work in schools and organizations worldwide.

What happened: - Conscious Discipline announced Dr. Deborah Bergeron as a keynote speaker for Elevate Conscious Discipline 2026: S.A.F.E. Starts With Us — Becoming S.A.F.E. Schools. - The conference is scheduled for Oct. 15-17 in Orlando, Florida. - Dr. Bergeron is deputy director of community engagement and innovation for the National Head Start Association. - Dr. Bergeron will present with Rhonda Conn-Parent. - Dr. Becky Bailey, creator of Conscious Discipline, said, “SAFE isn’t something we do to children. SAFE is something we become. Together.”

The details: - Bergeron has experience in classrooms, school leadership, Head Start and federal advocacy. - Conscious Discipline says her work aligns with its adult-first approach to school culture and behavior. - The conference will include leadership forums, implementation spotlights and panel discussions on sustaining culture change across schools and districts. - One featured session, The Courage to Lead: Strengths, Struggles, and Breakthroughs, will focus on real-world implementation of Conscious Discipline. - Panelists for that session include Amanda R. Spight, principal of Santa Fe Trail Elementary School in Missouri and National Distinguished Principal 2025. - The panel also includes Dalila Rodriguez Alegria, vice president of education and home visitation at Children’s Institute, Inc. - Jennie Gries, a teacher and Conscious Discipline Action Team leader at Park Community Charter School in Wisconsin, will also join the panel. - Jill Molli, chief growth officer at Conscious Discipline, will moderate. - The session will examine the challenges, internal shifts and leadership practices needed to create sustainable change. - Conscious Discipline says implementation depends on consistency, reflection and adult growth rather than perfection. - The conference will also offer pre-conference learning, including an Intro to Conscious Discipline experience for educators and leaders new to the approach. - Elevate 2026 is designed for educators, administrators, instructional leaders and early childhood professionals from across the country. - The event will feature keynote speakers, breakout sessions, leadership learning experiences and celebrations of Conscious Discipline’s 30-year impact. - More information and registration are available here.

Between the lines: - Conscious Discipline is positioning the event as both a professional learning conference and a culture-change summit. - The emphasis on adults first reflects a broader shift in education toward staff well-being, relational supports and implementation discipline as core parts of school improvement. - The lineup mixes practitioners, school leaders and national early childhood voices, signaling a focus on practical use rather than theory alone.

What’s next: - Educators and leaders can register for the Orlando conference now. - Conscious Discipline will use the event to showcase its latest thinking on school culture, self-regulation and systemwide implementation. - The conference is expected to serve as a major anniversary milestone for the organization.