2026 MCEA Fall Conference

Eating disorders and body dissatisfaction continue to rise among youth. Adults play a critical role in reducing this risk through supportive language, inclusive environments, and intentional teaching practices.
This session explores curricula options that center youth well-being while promoting inclusive messaging on body diversity and “tuned-in” eating. We discuss that help educators shift school culture toward belonging and respect.
Eating disorders and body dissatisfaction continue to rise among youth. Adults play a critical role in reducing this risk through supportive language, inclusive environments, and intentional teaching practices.
This session explores curricula options that center youth well-being while promoting inclusive messaging on body diversity and “tuned-in” eating. We discuss that help educators shift school culture toward belonging and respect.


Participants will walk away with:

• Practical tools, classroom strategies, and free curriculum resources.
• Approaches for integrating inclusive health education that is sensitive to race, culture, income, and food access.
• A deeper understanding of how to reshape messaging around food, weight, and health to better support youth mental health.

I began my first afterschool program while still in high school, and I continue that work now many years later. Why? Because the development of successful students and families is directly connected to mindset. I'm a believer in the American Dream, and I try to teach my students and their parents to approach all challenges with a growth mindset. It's not about what happens to you; it's about what you bring to the situation in knowledge, skills, and attitude. Partners and supporters are willing to help, and you just have to keep trying. I hope my story gives you hope and motivation. 

Poetry Out Loud is a national poetry recitation competition funded by the National Endowment for the Arts. High school students (grades 9-12) memorize and recite great poetry, preparing 2-3 poems from the Poetry Out Loud anthology to perform at competition. Winners can move on to regional, state and national competitions. Poetry Out Loud provides students with a unique outlet to develop their voice in a supportive environment.

In this course:
-We will share our advice on how to start and run your own local chapter of Poetry Out Loud.
-We will discuss options on how to structure a course including activities that engage students in collaborative creative expression.
-We'll practice performance techniques that have led our own students to the state competition. 

The presentation will focus on building understanding of neurodivergence and how to better support neurodiverse individuals across ages (early childhood through adulthood). Topics being covered include adapting programs to meet diverse needs, supporting social communication differences, understanding sensory differences, and offering practical tools for basic behavior management strategies, transition supports, and sensory toolkits.

All behavior is purposeful, meaningful, and communicative. In this hour, we will provide insight into the unmet needs which drive behavior while offering solutions for responding to disruptive or destructive behavior.

Key Takeaways: Share your calm. Focus on underlying need.