Back-to-School ConnectED Conference 2026: Full Schedule

9:30am EDT

Clearing the Noise: Everyday Mental Wellness Habits for Educators

Friday July 31, 2026 9:30am - 10:15am EDT

Limited Capacity seats available

By mid-morning, many already feel like their brains are in overdriveThe constant stream of decisions, interruptions, and “stuff” can make it hard to think clearly or turn work off at the end of the day. This session offers a chance to slow the mental spin and pick up realistic habits that protect your focus and peace of mind. Participants will identify energy drains during the school day and learn quick reset routines they can use between classes, meetings, or tasks. Attendees will leave with simple, doable ideas they can start using the next day to feel more centered, less scattered, and more in control of their mental energy.

Speakers

Josh Ray

Educational Speaker, Author, Teacher welness?

Joshua Ray, EdD, is an educational speaker and author who has led the Professional Learning Communities (PLC) at Work® process at the elementary, secondary, and district level. He is passionate about building healthy school cultures, the work of collaborative teams, systems of support... Read More →

Friday July 31, 2026 9:30am - 10:15am EDT
201

General Audience

Audience General Audience

10:30am EDT

Clearing the Noise: Everyday Mental Wellness Habits for Educators

LIMITED

Friday July 31, 2026 10:30am - 11:15am EDT

201

Limited Capacity seats available

Speakers

Josh Ray

Educational Speaker, Author, Teacher welness?

Friday July 31, 2026 10:30am - 11:15am EDT
201

General Audience

Audience General Audience

12:45pm EDT

LEADING WELL: Protecting Your People Without Losing Yourself

LIMITED

Friday July 31, 2026 12:45pm - 1:30pm EDT

201

Limited Capacity seats available

Being a leader often means carrying everyone else’s questions, worries, and deadlines, sometimes at the expense of your own well-being. Over time, it can become hard to tell where the job ends and your life begins. In this session, Dr. Josh Ray draws on his experiences in educational leadership and ideas from his book, Finding Your Balance, to explore what sustainable leadership can look like in real schools. Participants will reflect on common patterns that pull leaders toward burnout and learn practical ways to set boundaries, protect thinking time, and model healthy practices for staff. Attendees will leave with concrete ideas they can begin using right away to support both their own wellness and the success of the people they lead.

Speakers