ElevateMT - SAM Administrators Institute 2026

The Regulated Leader: Cultivating Administrative Resilience for District-Wide Impact

Facilitated by Beth Buchanan, Brightways Learning Teaching, Learning, & Resiliency Specialist

Leadership in Montana schools has never been more demanding. As administrators, you are the emotional thermostats of your buildings; research consistently shows that a regulated administrator is the foundation for staff stability and student success. This session goes beyond the surface of "self-care" to explore the neuroscience of resilience. Drawing on proven frameworks, this collaborative session provides a deep dive into the practical implementation of wellness-centered leadership. We will move past traditional slide decks to engage in peer-to-peer problem-solving focused on de-escalating student crises through the lens of nervous system regulation. Participants will leave with a common language for trauma-responsive leadership and actionable strategies to foster a culture of mutual support that prevents educator burnout and mitigates secondary trauma across their districts.

For more information and to register for this event, click here.

Looking to bring a similar professional development session to your school? Reach out to us at connect@brightwayslearning.org.