Building Bridges to Success: Strengthening Behavior and Academic Foundations

Start each day of the Summer Institute with inspiration, connection, and practical insight during our 30-minute Morning Message sessions. These powerful kick-offs are designed to model strong Tier 1 practices by building community, reinforcing expectations, and centering our purpose for the day. Through stories, strategies, and shared reflection, you’ll leave each morning grounded, motivated, and ready to make meaningful progress for yourself and your students.

This session focuses on implementing Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) at the classroom level to create a consistent, supportive environment for young learners. Participants will explore practical, age-appropriate strategies for teaching expectations, reinforcing positive behavior, and responding to misbehavior in a proactive and respectful way. Designed with elementary students in mind, this session will help teachers build routines, foster strong relationships, and promote a classroom culture where every child feels safe, valued, and ready to learn.

This session will introduce educators to the powerful framework of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and how it supports meaningful access, participation, and progress for every student. Participants will explore the three UDL principles—engagement, representation, and action/expression—and discover how to proactively design lessons that reduce barriers and honor learner variability. Through real classroom examples and practical strategies, educators will walk away with tools to create more inclusive, flexible learning environments that empower all students to succeed.

Part 2 of 2 (Part 1 July 22)
In this session, the Florida Inclusion Network will guide participants through the foundations of effective collaborative teaching. The 6-hour professional learning course is designed for teachers who provide in-class supports to students with disabilities in general education settings. It fulfills the requirements of Section 1003.03, Florida Statutes (F.S.), specifically the subsection mandating training in team-teaching methods within one year of assignment. Throughout the session, participants will engage with content from six comprehensive modules, which include:
· Laws, Language, and Research
· Communication
· Roles and Responsibilities
The course is eligible for Special Education recertification points through the district’s professional learning department. Participants must complete the full 6-hour course and the subsequent follow-up activity to earn these points.

In this session, participants will explore proactive, relationship-centered strategies for promoting positive behavior among middle and high school students. Learn how to establish clear expectations, reinforce constructive behaviors, and respond to challenges in a way that fosters student ownership and accountability. This session will highlight practical tools and systems that support a positive classroom culture, reduce disruptions, and build trust—ultimately helping students stay engaged, motivated, and connected to their learning community.

Join us for the Bridge Builder Showcase on Wednesday, July 24th from 2:00–3:00 PM at the UWF Fort Walton Beach Campus! This interactive event highlights the incredible work happening in classrooms across our district. Teachers and staff will share strategies, tools, and ideas that have made a difference for their students—what’s working, why it works, and how it can be adapted by others.
Stroll through our science fair-style exhibits, engage with fellow educators, ask questions, and gather inspiration to take back to your school. Whether you're looking to refine your approach or spark new ideas, the Bridge Builder Showcase is your opportunity to celebrate creativity, collaboration, and the commitment to every student’s success.