Description
You’re not alone — and the data proves it.
As the new school year approaches, a recent survey found that 75% of teachers and administrators identify student behavior as their #1 concern — with student engagement close behind at 70%. If you’re walking into a new year wondering how to reach distracted, dysregulated students, you’re in the majority.
FocusedKids built this Professional Development series for exactly that reality.
More Than Strategies — Support for the Whole Teacher
Teaching is demanding. Before you can show up for your students, you have to be able to show up for yourself. FocusedKids Monthly PD creates space for you to pause, regulate, and reflect — so you can walk back into your classroom calmer, more grounded, and more confident.
“This PD was just what I needed. It is so important to take care of ourselves and our stress so we can bring loving, positive energy into the classroom.” — PD Participant
Tools You Can Use Tomorrow Morning
No waiting. No theory without practice. Every session, you’ll leave with immediately applicable, brain-based strategies — from breathing techniques and mindful movement to sensory supports, brain breaks, reflective listening, and approaches for challenging behavior.
“The methods and practices I’ve learned have made a big difference in my classroom. Calm, peaceful moments to connect with kids and build a foundation of expectations have led to way less time managing behavior and more engaged learning.” — PD Participant
Understand the Brain Behind the Behavior
When you understand why students act the way they do, everything shifts. Each month, you’ll deepen your knowledge of the developing brain and self-regulation — giving you the insight to respond instead of react, and the language to help your students do the same.
A Calmer Classroom Is Possible
Participants consistently report that FocusedKids practices help create calmer, safer, and more connected classrooms — reducing the time spent managing behavior and increasing students’ readiness to focus, participate, and learn.
“The methods and practices I’ve learned have made a big difference in my classroom… way less time managing behavior and more engaged learning.” — PD Participant
A Community That Gets It
You don’t have to figure this out alone. FocusedKids Monthly PD brings educators together in a supportive, nonjudgmental space to learn from experts, share real classroom experiences, and find solidarity with teachers who understand the challenges firsthand.
“I learn so much from Amanda, the guest speakers, and the other participants.” — PD Participant
“I appreciated the open dialogue, hearing other educators’ thoughts, and the sense of solidarity.” — PD Participant
2026-2027 Schedule
- Monday, October 5, 4:30-5:30 MT – Introduction and Welcome to FocusedKids with the FocusedKids Team
- Monday, November 2, 4:30-5:30 MT – Resilience, Regulation and Relationships with guest speaker Dr. Chris Willard
- Monday, December 7, 4:30-5:30 MT – Topic to be determined based on participant input; led by Amanda Petersen, M.A., LPC, Executive Director of FocusedKids
- Monday, January 4, 4:30-5:30 MT – Spill the Tea on ADHD: Understanding ADHD During Times of Stress and Crisis with Kathy Flaminio and Judy Richardson-Mahre
- Monday, February 1, 4:30-5:30 MT – guest speaker Alma Galvan
- Monday, March 1, 4:30-5:30 MT – guest speaker Alma Galvan
- Monday, April 5, 4:30-5:30 MT –Topic to be determined based on participant input; led by Suzanne Vitullo, FocusedKids Trainer
- Monday, May 3, 4:30-5:30 MT – Wrap Up the School Year with the FocusedKids Team
What’s Included Every Month
- Live guided meditations — short, grounding, and designed to fit into your busy life
- Free classroom-ready lessons, videos, and activities — adaptable to the specific needs of your students
- Expert conversations with leading voices in social-emotional health and well-being
- A collaborative educator community — share and grow alongside teachers who get it
- Virtual classroom support directly from the FocusedKids team
Earn salary advancement or continuing education credit every time you attend live.
One hour a month. Real tools. Real results.
What educators are saying about FocusedKids:
“I loved what FocusedKids teaches me to apply in my classroom, the kids are more aware of their feelings and their actions. They are a more focused and happy group. THANK YOU FocusedKids team!”
“I have been using the FocusedKids model and resources for many years. I love the simplicity of the mindful exercises and how I can empower my kindergarten students to self regulate. My classroom uses the language of FocusedKids all throughout the day. FocusedKids has truly had the greatest impact on my classroom management techniques and creating a regulated classroom environment.”
