TCNJ Professional Development partners with Positive School Solutions to offer Social and Emotional Learning professional development. Since 2001 the founders of Positive School Solutions, Dana Januszka and Sarah Fillion have helped teachers and education leaders transform thousands of classrooms across 10 countries.
TCNJ professional learning will be lead by Dana. She is passionate advocate for Social Emotional Learning, leverages two decades of experience as a teacher, coach, and trainer in diverse school settings. Her expertise and research make her a respected figure nationwide. For over twenty years, Dana has empowered educators and school leaders to create positive learning environments, build lasting relationships, and offer professional growth opportunities.
Education
National University, MA in Social Emotional Learning, ’22
*Master in SEL Scholar Award
William Paterson University, BA in Communication, ’00 K-8 Teaching Certificate, ’00
Experience
University of Delaware, Academy for School Leadership – Limited Term-Researcher, Professional Development Coach & Consultant, 2017
Center for Responsive Schools – Professional Development Designer, 2014, Consulting Teacher, 2005
South Brunswick Schools, NJ – In District SEL Coach, 2007, Gifted & Talented Teacher, 2007, Classroom Teacher, 2000
Click on each title for description and fees. All are in person at TCNJ, unless noted VIRTUAL. Includes materials, certificate of completion for 5 hours, lite lunch
Overview of A+ SEL (Academic + Social Emotional Learning) Friday 01/13/26 9AM-2PM
Discover how to create a classroom environment where students feel connected, respected, and ready to learn. This course provides core beliefs and proven strategies that will help you foster both academic success and emotional well-being. Evaluate your current approach and leave with practical, actionable steps to enhance your classroom culture and energize student engagement.
Fee: $285.00
Integrating Effective Brain Breaks to Elevate Student Engagement 2/11/26 11AM-2PM
This session will literally have you out of your seat! Join us as we embark on a journey into the captivating realm of Brain Breaks. Discover how these short, revitalizing activities can transform your learning environment, infusing it with energy, focus, and joy. Explore how to scaffold brain breaks and craft your introduction so students are successful. We’ll try out a variety of engaging brain break activities suitable for different age groups and purposes so you leave with directions and having experienced them yourself.
Fee: $225.00
Maximizing On-Task Behavior: Proactive and Reactive Strategies Wednesday 02/19/26 9AM-2PM
Set your students up for success with a blend of proactive strategies and effective interventions. This course equips you with practical techniques to foster on-task behavior and provides tools for addressing off-task moments, ensuring a productive and supportive learning environment.
Fee: $285.00
Elevating Engaging Academics Are you doing most of the talking in your classroom? 3/10/26 9AM-2PM
This workshop is designed to shift the focus from teacher-driven instruction to student-driven interaction, boosting engagement and deepening learning. We will guide you through practical strategies, from setting up engaging academics and managing dynamic learning activities to troubleshooting common challenges. By the end, you’ll have the tools to create a more interactive and productive learning environment for students of all ages and subjects.
Effectively SPEAKing with Students Effective communication is at the heart of successful teaching and positive classroom culture. 03/19/26 9AM-2PM
This workshop introduces the SPEAK framework, a powerful tool for educators seeking to improve their interactions with students. Through interactive discussions, practical examples, and reflective activities, we’ll delve into the five characteristics that define impactful communication. Join us to elevate your communication skills and create a more engaging and supportive learning environment.
Fee: $285.00
Establishing Consistent Routines, Procedures, and Classroom Rules 4/16/26 11AM-2PM
Taking the time to explicitly teach, and providing opportunities for students to practice, demonstrates to students that the routine or procedure is important. When we combine the explicit teaching of routines with language that highlights success and reinforces the behavior, students experience feelings of accomplishment, and ultimately, greater learning. Learn how to craft clear, positive rules that truly influence behavior by involving students in the process. Discover practical strategies to boost student investment, display rules effectively, and address common challenges. Walk away with tools to build a positive learning environment where rules come to life!
Fee: $225.00
Coming Soon – On Demand On line professional development courses that range from 90 minutes to 3 hours in length and offer participants the flexibility to work on their own schedule and pace. Join our email list to be notified when we announce our 2025 schedule – https://mailchi.mp/tcnj/teacherpd