Conscious Discipline Series for Educators
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Conscious Discipline is a social‐emotional learning and classroom management approach. Developed by a teacher for teachers, the philosophy of Conscious Discipline emerged after years of working with children and experiencing the challenges of a broken system full of hurting children and frustrated adults. The methodology and best‐practices of Conscious Discipline offer a different – and proven – pathway to transformation.
Join colleagues for eight (8) online discussions to reflect on the 10-lesson video series, Building Resilient Schools and Homes. The video series is lead by Dr. Becky Bailey, educator, author, and child development expert. Participants will watch the videos on their own and come prepared to discuss and reflect during the following online discussion dates:
Tuesday evenings, 6:30-7:45 PM:
- September 30, 2025 for video #1, Intro to Conscious Discipline (65 mins)
- October 28 for video #2, Becoming Brain Smart (90 mins)
- December 2 for videos #3, Creating the School Family (54 mins) and #4 Composure (51) mins)
- January 6 for video #5, Assertiveness (67 mins)
- February 3 for video #6, Encouragement (54 mins)
- March 3 for videos #7, Choices (37 mins) and #8, Empathy (60 mins)
- March 31 for video #9, Positive Intent (48 mins)
- May 5 for video #10, Consequences (58 mins)
Facilitator: Gretchen Cook
For: Teachers, paraprofessionals, and other school personnel and licensed early childcare providers. Please note that the video content is geared to the elementary grades, but the practices can be applied for any age.
Cost: Free for staff with full or associate membership with NCES ($149 for others). Most North Country schools are members, click here to check.
Register for educator series: Online or call NCES, M-F, 8-4 at 603-466-5437.
Professional Development Hours: For those who actively participate in the online discussions (with camera on), there will be 20 hours awarded,10+ hours for watching the video lessons and 1.25 hours per online discussion participation. You must participate in at least 4 of the online discussions to receive a professional development certificate.
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Handling Upset: The Adult-First Mindset Shift
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For those who participated in the Conscious Discipline Building Resilient Schools and Homes series or who have foundational knowledge of CD from another training, you are invited to participate in this deeper dive into the content, skills, and practices of Conscious Discipline.
There’s a fundamental flaw in many discipline approaches: The expectation that adults can teach skills we struggle with ourselves. Curriculums that provide words and actions for children without providing the words and actions for adults will always fall flat. We cannot effectively teach skills we do not practice ourselves! Empower yourself to change the “do as I say, not as I do” dynamic with Handling Upset: The Adult-first Mindset Shift.
Registered participants will have access to the Handling Upset video series led by Conscious Discipline Certified Instructor, Jill Molli. The series covers:
- The adult-first mindset shift: What it is and why it’s essential for children’s growth and our own
- The foundation of upset: Where upset comes from and how to handle it
- The Conscious Discipline Brain State Model: The key that unlocks an understanding of children’s behavior and our own
- Active calming and wishing well: Two core strategies for regaining composure and bringing the best of ourselves to each moment
- Noticing: A simple technique for replacing brain-depleting judgment with brain-building language
- Brain integration strategies: An integrated brain is wired for learning, problem solving and achievement
- Strategies for naming and claiming our feelings: Managing our upset improves every relationship in our lives, and models and teaches the skills we want children to use
How it will work: You will watch each of the 8 video lessons on your own ahead of each follow-up online facilitated discussion. Those who fully participate will receive a certificate for 18 hours of professional development.
Prerequisite: This series is intended for educators who have participated in the Conscious Discipline: Building Resilient Homes and School series or another foundational training.
Facilitator: Anne-Marie Gagne
Dates: Sunday mornings, October 5, 2025 November 2, December 7, January 11, February 8, March 8, April 5, and May 3, 2026
Time: 7:15 AM to 8:30 AM
Cost: Free for educators, paras, and other school personnel from districts with NCES membership. All others, $149.
Register: Online or call NCES, M-F between 8:00-4:00 at 603-466-5437.
Interested but Sunday mornings don't work for you? Drop a message to Lori Langlois, lori@ncedservices.org. If there are enough folks interested, we will add a weekday evening series.
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Conscious Discipline Series for Parents and Caregivers
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Community of Practice: A Deeper Dive into Conscious Discipline and the Adult-First Mindset
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If you have participated in Conscious Discipline training and looking to connect with colleagues about the practices, keep an eye out for opportunities to join a Community of Practice. There are two cohorts (an afternoon group and an evening group) in the works to start up this winter. The dates will be announced in the NCES newsletter.
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Advancing Restorative Practices in Schools
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This one-day workshop is for school staff who want to learn more about advancing whole-
school restorative approaches. No prior experience is needed. Participants with restorative
experience will have opportunities to share their learning with others.
Implementation of restorative approaches in schools has been linked to reduced discipline
referrals, reductions in violent and serious incidents, decreases in punitive and exclusionary
discipline responses, increased student attendance and improved academic outcomes, and
enhanced social emotional learning.
Participants will learn how to:
- Identify personal values and compare them to restorative values and principles.
- Practice restorative strategies, including the circle process as a way to build community and restorative communication skills.
- Examine a three-tiered framework for restorative practices in schools and assess
application in your school.
- Illustrate how a restorative approach looks, sounds, and feels in different contexts.
- Define restorative approaches in schools in your own words and in a way that is relevant for staff and students.
- Plan next implementation steps in your school to enhance school climate.
Trainers: Jon Kidde and Marc Wennberg
Date: Wednesday, September 24, 2025 or Thursday, September 25, 2025 (attend only one date)
Time: 8:30-3:30 (lunch will be provided)
Location: NCES, Gorham
Cost: Free
Schools with registered teams:
Edward Fenn Elementary, Gorham Middle High, Groveton Elementary School, Groveton Middle High School, Lafayette Regional, Lancaster School, Lisbon Regional, Littleton High School, Profile School, Stewartstown Community School, Whitefield School, and WMRHS.
Note: If you would like to participate and your school already has a registered team, please check with your school principal before contacting NCES.
Registration: Space is limited. Please contact Lori Langlois at lori@ncedservices.org regarding space for your team.
Follow-Up Coaching: Optional follow-up coaching will be available a highly discounted rate for teams from member school districts.
View flyer
This training is financed under a contract with the State of New Hampshire, Department of Health and Human Services, with funds provided in part by the State of New Hampshire and/or such other funding sources as where available. Morning refreshments and lunch will be provided by North Country Education Services.
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Hooked on a Cloud: Youth Vaping Products, Risks, and Intervention Opportunities ECHO
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Vaping is common among young people and can present numerous health risks that are not well known by users. This ECHO series will explore the use and appeal of vaping among youth and young adults, and the pharmacology and harms of nicotine and other substances in vapes. It will examine environmental factors that shape youth/young adult use, including product appeal, marketing and public policies, and will consider opportunities for change. This series will include self-help and ways to support youth and young adults in vaping reduction and cessation, including behavioral and pharmacological interventions. Attendees will be prepared to recognize, intervene and support youth and young adults towards harm reduction or elimination of vaping using evidence-based approaches
Schedule: Every Other Wednesday starting September 24th through December 3rd, 2025
Presented by: Project ECHO - Dartmouth Health
Target Audience: Primary Care Providers & Teams, School Personnel, and others who work/interact with youth in the community throughout New Hampshire, Vermont, and Maine.
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With Granite Edvance's partnership with YouScience, teens and adult learners are invited to find their career calling. YouScience is an online tool that will identify your aptitudes and interests and connect them with in-demand careers.
Learn more
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Montshire STEM Teacher-Leader Program
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 Teacher Leader Certificate Program: 2025-26
Over the course of the Teacher Leader program, teachers participate in over 30 hours of professional development that includes hands-on workshops, seminars on science education, support from Montshire educators and peer teachers, and conversations with scientists and engineers at the Montshire and local organizations.
Participants receive access to museum resources, including staff and community expertise, curriculum resources, and a 1-year individual museum membership.
Participating teachers will:
- Receive extensive professional development in STEM education
- Collaborate with other passionate educators from across New Hampshire and Vermont
- Develop skills and theoretical science understanding to support inquiry-based science education
- Infuse a culture of excitement for science learning in your school community
The Montshire’s education team will serve as the core faculty for this program. Each Montshire staff member will offer their depth and diversity of expertise in STEM education.
Within a year of completing the program, participants are expected to share their experience in the Teacher Leader program by leading a STEM education professional development experience for their colleagues. This can occur during an in-service day, faculty meeting period, or at a regional or state-wide teacher conference.
A $250 stipend will be provided to each participating teacher to support food and any additional expenses for classroom use. Participants will be reimbursed separately for their travel.
Learn more
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Free admission to the Wicked STEM expo to connect the youth of New England with the vast STEM community in New Hampshire, Maine, Vermont and Massachusetts.
If you are considering a FIRST Lego League (FLL), FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC), or FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC), this is a great venue to see teams in action.
Date/Time: Saturday, September 30,2025 from 11:00-5:00
Location: SNHU Athletic Complex
Registration: Online
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Getting to Y New Hampshire Student Leadership Summit
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Bridges Out of Poverty Training
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Bridges Out of Poverty is a framework that allows participants to gain a thorough understanding of the intersection between poverty and societal challenges including but not limited to domestic violence, substance misuse, and mental health issues. It is a comprehensive approach to understanding the dynamics that cause and maintain poverty. When folks understand the complexities of poverty and the role they play in the family system, staff members and advocates are better able to lend a voice to ensure the proper supports and services for this vulnerable population are put in place.
CASA of NH has partnered with NFI North to present Bridges Out of Poverty training online on September 19, 2025 from 8:30-3:30.
Register
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Join or Die: A Conversation with Dr. Robert Putnam
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Leadership NH is sponsoring a free public event with Robert Putnam at the Park Theatre in Jaffery, NH on Saturday, September 27th at 10:00.
Don’t miss this rare opportunity to hear from one of the most influential voices in American civic life. Dr. Robert Putnam, author of the groundbreaking "Bowling Alone" and the subject of the acclaimed Netflix documentary "Join or Die," will share insights from decades of research on social capital, civic engagement, and the forces shaping our communities. The morning will feature a presentation by Dr. Putnam, followed by a facilitated conversation and audience Q&A. Together, we’ll explore what it takes to build a more connected, engaged, and resilient society and what role each of us can play. The event is free and will be held at the newly renovated Park Theatre in Jaffrey, N.H. This is more than a talk. It’s a call to action. Whether you're a longtime community leader or simply curious about how to make a difference, this event will leave you informed, inspired, and ready to reimagine civic life.
Link to register
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Save-the-Date - Public Health Conference
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Agroforestry for Educators
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UNH Cooperative Extension is offering a new professional development opportunity for educators in the field of agroforestry. Starting in September 2025, the first cohort will begin exploring the field of agroforestry through the Farm, Forests, and the Future (FFF) program.
Agroforestry is an agricultural method that pairs ecological and agricultural management practices. FFF is a comprehensive professional and personal development program for formal educators, informal educators, and youth advocates interested in bringing agroforestry principles and ideas into their educational settings.
This PD experience includes in-person workshops, field trips to New England farms, face time with industry professionals and researchers, and a community of educators excited to learn and grow together.
Stipends of $1,200 are available to educators who complete the full program.
Apply and learn more here: https://extension.unh.edu/new-hampshire-4-h/pathways/environmental-science/agroforestry
This program is made possible from a grant from the USDA (USDA-NIFA-SAS #123099601)
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Free books for Coos & Northern Grafton Families through the Dolly Parton Imagination Library
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The New Hampshire Statewide Family Engagement Center (NH-SFEC) is partnering with Whitefield Public Library to bring the Dolly Parton Imagination Library into Coös & Northern Grafton!
If you have a child from 0-5 years old, register them today to receive a free book every month until their 5th birthday! Scan the QR code or visit: https://imaginationlibrary.com/check-availability/
Learn more at https://imaginationlibrary.com/check-availability/
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Drinking Festival Save-the-Date
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This year’s festival brings together a vibrant mix of acclaimed adult authors, beloved children’s storytellers, and readers of all ages for two days of conversation, inspiration, and community. Whether you’re a lifelong bookworm, a parent raising one, or someone who simply loves a good story — you’ll find something here to spark your imagination.
Learn more
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NH Schools Robotics Grant Opportunity!
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The NH Department of Education is offering competitive grants to help public and charter schools start robotics teams and compete in events!
Applications Open: Aug 1, 2025
Due: Aug 22, 2025 (later if funds remain)
Contact with questions: anne.k.wallace@doe.nh.gov
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New from PBS Learning Media
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Civics Made Easy, hosted by Ben Sheehan, breaks down the complexities of American government and civic participation, empowering viewers with essential knowledge to actively participate in their democracy. Each episode transforms complicated topics into clear and relatable lessons, making civics accessible and engaging for all.
Classroom-ready support materials accompanying each episode provide engagement strategies for presenting these topics to grade 6-12 students.
Learn more
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The Colonial Theatre's "Science on Screen" Series Films
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Local science educators are welcome to connect with The Colonial Theatre's "Science on Screen" program for free! Tickets are limited, RSVP today. Use the code "TEACHER" at checkout
The Colonial is proud to be part of a nation-wide network of independent theatres bringing together cinema and science for a unique blend of learning and entertainment. The Science on Screen series features creative pairings of current, classic, cult, and documentary films with engaging discussions with notable figures from the world of science, technology, and medicine.
Educators are encouraged to connect with The Colonial at gotoshow@bethlehemcolonial.org to arrange field trips or other engagements with students for Science on Screen events.
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The Sting with Speaker Dr. Josh Wakeham
Friday, September 12, 7:00pm
Learn More & Get Tickets
6:30pm Doors open for an informal "meet the speaker" patio reception
7:00pm: Discussion with Dr. Josh Wakeham: Hollywood loves a good con. Join Josh Wakeham, Professor of Criminology and Criminal Justice at Plymouth State University, for a discussion on con artists, their history, their techniques, and the psychology behind why we fall for them. Then, stick around for a Q&A after the film to look into cons we see in The Sting.
7:30pm: The Sting: Following the murder of a mutual friend, aspiring con man Johnny Hooker (Robert Redford) teams up with old pro Henry Gondorff (Paul Newman) to take revenge on the ruthless crime boss responsible, Doyle Lonnegan (Robert Shaw). Hooker and Gondorff set about implementing an elaborate scheme, one so crafty that Lonnegan won't even know he's been swindled. As their big con unfolds, however, things don't go according to plan, requiring some last-minute improvisation by the undaunted duo.
About the Speaker: Josh Wakeham is a professor of criminology and criminal justice at Plymouth State University. He received his B.A. in Sociology from Williams College and his M.A. and Ph.D. in Sociology from Harvard University. He has published research on a wide variety of topics, including organizational behavior, policing, juvenile justice, gang intervention work, corruption, Somali pirates, and con artists. Josh lives in Bethlehem, NH, with his wife and three daughters.
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The Science on Screen program is created with our partners at White Mountain Science, Inc. (WMSI). The Science on Screen Series at The Colonial is sponsored by Douglas Arion, Mary Secor, and Mountains of Stars. Science on Screen is an initiative of the Coolidge Corner Theatre with major support from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation
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Strengthening Families Summit
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The Summit will convene parent leaders, service providers, community members, and advocates from across the state who are dedicated to strengthening families and supporting child well-being. Attendees will take part in interactive learning and cross-sector conversations designed to spark collaboration and inspire new strategies. For more information and registration visit: https://www.nhchildrenstrust.org/strengthening-families-summit
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Teaching with Development in Mind
to Promote Access for All Students
 On Thursday, September 25, 2025, NHTM will be hosting an in-person Dine and Discuss event at the McAuliff-Shepard Discovery Center in Concord, NH from 4:30-7:30. The guest speaker will be Patty Tedford of Cathy Fosnot’s New Perspectives on Learning entitled, “Teaching With Development In Mind To Promote Access For All Students.” We will have dinner, enjoy Patty’s session and then have breakout discussions by grade band.
More details and registration.
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NHTM Free One Year Basic Membership
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New Hampshire Teachers of Mathematics (NHTM) is happy to welcome all who are interested in mathematics education to join the organization. NHTM realizes that membership fees can be a burden, so they are offering a basic membership for free. Members receive occasional updates about professional development opportunities – Dine & Discuss, Book Studies, Conferences – and PD provided by others with an interest in mathematics education. The basic membership also includes membership in the New England affiliate, Association of Teachers of Mathematics in New England (ATMNE), with all its privileges. No automatically recurring payments.
Learn more
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NHSTA Elementary and Secondary Science Educators of the Year Awards
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Do you know someone that goes above and beyond in their classroom and to support all of their students? It is that time of year again when the NHSTA board of directors is seeking nominations for outstanding educators for our annual awards to be presented at their upcoming conference on October 16th, 2025.
To be eligible for nomination of the 2025-2026 NHSTA Elementary and Secondary Educators of the Year Awards, the nominee must serve as a Elementary Science Educator (K-6) or Secondary Science Educator (7-12) in the State of New Hampshire and meet the following criteria below:
- Demonstrates enthusiasm, leadership, a thorough understanding of the subjects they teach, and the ability to integrate New Hampshire's Science Standards into the classroom.
- Demonstrates and incorporates at least two examples of varied teaching methods that exemplifies innovation and accessibility.
- Engages and participates in educational collegiality and sharing within their communities.
The awards for the Elementary Science Educator and Secondary Science Educator Awards will be presented at the NHSTA Annual Conference on October 16, 2025.
Nominations close September 12th, 2025.
Nomination form.
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NHSTE Pat Keyes Technology-Using Teacher Award
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The NHSTE Technology Using Educator Award is named in memory of Pat Keyes; a former secondary teacher in the Keene School District who served NHSTE in many capacities including editor of the NHSTE Connections. The nominee for this award will be an educator who exemplifies the following:
- Functions as a public or private PreK-12 teacher providing direct instruction in a New Hampshire school(s).
- Developed effective units integrating educational technology.
- Demonstrated improved student performance with application of technology.
- Shared ideas/initiatives in formal and informal arenas using traditional and electronic methods.
This award honors an outstanding educator whose primary role is working directly with students in the classroom every day effectively applying technology tools to enhance student learning.
Nomination form (due September 12, 2025)
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NHSTE Susan Janosz Impact/Leadership Award
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The NHSTE Technology Impact Award is named in memory of Susan Janosz, longtime employee of the Manchester School District who was employed as a Technology Integrator. The nominee for this award will be an educational professional who exemplifies the following:
- Provides leadership in a public or private PreK-16 New Hampshire school(s).
- The nominee's work has had a significant positive impact on technology use in education locally, statewide, regionally and/or nationally.
- The nominee has involved the community in the initiative or program to facilitate partnerships with business and/or legislative initiatives to advance the use of technology in education.
- Supported technology within the context of school reform, restructuring and improvement.
- Demonstrated a commitment to ongoing self-education by keeping abreast of emerging technologies.
- The quality of education and/or work experience has been significantly advanced in the nominee's workplace as a result of the nominee's efforts.
In the past, this award has gone to Technology Directors, Technology Coordinators, Technology Integrationists, Curriculum Coordinators, Media Specialists/Generalists, SAU Administration (i.e., Superintendents and Assistant Superintendents) and/or School District Administrators (i.e., Principals and Vice Principals). Award winners receive $1,000, a plaque, and a letter of congratulations from the Governor. They are also nominated to receive a NH Edies Award in the spring of the following year.
Nomination form (due September 12, 2025)
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NHSTE Free Basic Membership
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The NHSTE is a New Hampshire non-profit organization formed by volunteers to improve education through the use of information technologies. NHSTE provides a structure for linking educators across the state to share the effective application of emerging technologies in New Hampshire schools and beyond. The basic, free membership includes:
- Access to the NHSTE membership listserv. (Access to the special interest group listservs is now limited to Premium Members.)
- Receive information concerning upcoming events and news
- Opportunity to volunteer at NHSTE professional learning events (including Christa McAuliffe Technology Conference)
Learn more
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NH Council of Teachers of English - Virtual Fall Gathering
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NHCTE's fall gathering is going virtual (and free!) this year to make it easy for educators from every corner of NH to join. They would love your help to choose the topic! Please vote for the session(s) you would most like to attend. To vote for topics and to RSVP, click here.
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NASA Webinar Series for Rural Educators
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Join hosts Dr. Rachael Arens, Associate Researcher at NAU PLANETS and Luke Henke, Education Advisor for NASA HEAT, on Thursday, Sept. 11th at 8pm ET as they welcome NASA HEAT Education Specialist Christina Milotte who will discuss what's new with heliophysics resources, including everything the light touches and the sun's effects on it.
Register
Past episodes are available on the NASA SciAct Rural Page. Feel free to watch former episodes and reach out to the guests for further resource information.
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Volunteers Needed for FIRST NH Event in Plymouth
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There are opportunities to volunteer for the setup on October 3rd and/or the event on October 4th. Volunteering is a great way to learn more about FIRST NH and how to bring a program to your school or community. This event is held in Plymouth. You do not need to be a school employee to volunteer or to be involved with mentoring a team.
More info
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Disclaimer: The content provided in this newsletter is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an endorsement of any organizations, individuals, products, or services mentioned herein.
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CCYCF
NH - SFEC
New Hampshire Statewide Family Engagement Center (NH-SFEC) works to improve the educational outcomes of NH students and their families by connecting families, schools, and communities as partners in the academic success and social-emotional wellbeing of our children statewide.
Sign up for the NH-SFEC newsletter (subscription link) for family engagement tips, opportunities, and more. It's also a great resource to share with parents and caregivers.
Learn more at https://nhsfec.org/
Every day across New Hampshire, infants and toddlers are learning new skills, but they learn and grow at their own pace. Parents or other caregivers who have concerns about an infant’s or toddler’s development can get coaching and support through the New Hampshire Birth to 3 early intervention program.
Anyone can refer a Family Centered Early Supports & Services.
Learn more at dhhs.nh.gov/BirthTo3 or call 603-271-4488.
North Country Neighbors - Stronger Together
Support the mission of NCES
Your tax deductible donation will support NCES' mission. NCES collaborates with public schools and community partners to support excellent and equitable educational opportunities throughout the North Country.
NCES seeks exceptional educational experiences and realized potential for all students.
NCES believes that thriving schools are at the heart of vibrant communities!
The core values of NCES:
Contact Information
North Country Education Services
300 Gorham Hill Road
Gorham, NH 03581
ncedservices.org
603-466-5437
nces@ncedservices.org
NCES is an equal opportunity employer and provider.
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