Two-Part “Making Sense of Behavior Professional Development Series

Wednesday, January 21st, 2026 & Wednesday, February 11th, 2026 3-4:40pm

Presented by Becky Knutsen, M.Ed – Student-Centered Services
Audience: Educators, school staff, and administrators

This two-part series helps educators make sense of student behavior—both in the moment and after it happens. Part 1 can be attended as a standalone session and offers a strong foundation in understanding and responding to behavior. Part 2 builds on that foundation, offering deeper insight into internalized behaviors and what to do after dysregulation has occurred.

Participants will receive a certificate of attendance for 1.5 clock hours per session. These trainings align with the Positive Behavior Interventions (PBIS) continuing education requirement in Minnesota. Educators are encouraged to check with their local continuing education committee or licensing board to determine whether hours will be accepted toward license renewal.

Part 1: Making Sense of Behavior (Even When It Makes No Sense at All)

Length: 1.5 hours

This engaging and practical training helps educators better understand the “why” behind student behavior—and what to do about it. Grounded in current research and real-world classroom experience, the session offers clear tools for preventing challenging behavior and responding in ways that support regulation, connection, and learning.

Participants will learn:

Everyday ways to create a learning environment that reduces challenging behavior before it starts
How to recognize early signs of dysregulation
What to say and do in the moment that helps—not escalates
Strategies that support students in getting back to a more regulated state
Tools that support both students and the adults working with them

This session is compassionate, practical, and designed for real classrooms with real students.

Part 2: After the Behavior – Supporting Students Through Repair and Regulation

Length: 1.5 hours

This follow-up to Making Sense of Behavior focuses on what happens after a dysregulated moment—whether it looks like a loud outburst or a silent shutdown. Educators often ask- What now? What about a consequence?

In Part 1, we focused primarily on externalizing behaviors—those that are loud, disruptive, or attention-grabbing. In this session, we expand our understanding of dysregulation to include internalizing behaviors, like shut-down and withdrawal, which are often overlooked or misunderstood. We’ll explore how to recognize when a student is retreating instead of reacting—and what helps them come back online.

We’ll also dig into meaningful repair, accountability, and what it really means to teach through—not just react to—challenging moments.

Participants will learn:

How to recognize and support students who freeze, shut down, or disengage
What to say and do after a dysregulated moment—without shame or blame
How to approach consequences in ways that teach rather than punish
Strategies for repair and reflection that rebuild connection and trust
Tools for supporting student growth while staying grounded and connected as the adult

This session gives educators concrete ways to follow through after hard moments—while keeping regulation, connection, and learning at the center.

Two-Part “Making Sense of Behavior” 1.21.2026 & 2.11.2026 - Professional Development Series with Becky Knutsen, M.Ed – Student-Centered Services