Creating Thriving Learning Communities - Fall 2026

Calling educators of all kinds! Join a collaborative cohort of educators committed to recognizing and understanding the whole learner.

In Fall 2026, PHENND will again offer a four-part series for educators of all kinds* in the Philadelphia region, explore trauma-informed and healing-centered approaches to incorporate in your classrooms and beyond, and help educators consider the ways both structure and flexibility are key to a successful learning environment. The series uses both theory and practical tools to help educators create a supportive learning environment for all students and develop a learning community that promotes belonging and safety. The group will explore moving from trauma reducing to healing centered practices using a strengths-based lens. Themed sessions will examine educator self-awareness, our work with our learners, and the policies and practices of our organizations. Participants will learn from a combination of guided facilitation, short reading assignments, and their own reflections on their teaching practice (as well as the shared reflections of others). Each individual will leave with a practical portfolio of hands-on tools and action items to use in their learning spaces and organization.

*This series is open to educators across the spectrum, whether school-based, university-based, or community-based. If you work with learners, this is for you!

Participants should expect each of the four sessions to take 2 hours with brief amounts of homework/reading in between sessions.

The upcoming cohort will meet at the following dates and times. Please mark your calendars!

• September 30, 3-6pm (in-person , location TBD, Session 1)
• October 7, 3-5pm (virtual, Session 2)
• October 14, 3-5pm (virtual, Session 3)
• October 21, 3-5pm (virtual, Session 4)

Cost to participate in the series is $250 (total). A small number of scholarships are available. We also encourage teams of educators from the same institution/school/organization to participate and can negotiate group rates. If you would like a scholarship or to negotiate a group rate, please select “Pay by Invoice” so you do not have to enter credit card info at this time and we will follow-up via email.

Enrollment will end Friday, September 23rd. The course will only run if at least 15 people register. We will confirm that the course is or is not running by Monday, September 28th. If the course does not run, you will get a full refund.