The New Jersey School Boards Association (NJSBA) and Dylan’s Wings of Change are collaborating to provide resources on social and emotional skill development for New Jersey schools and districts.
Dylan’s Wings of Change is a foundation dedicated to the memory of Dylan Hockley, who was killed in the mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School on Dec. 14, 2012.
Dylan’s Wings of Change
The mission of Dylan’s Wings of Change is to empower empathic and courageous children to create strong, inclusive communities. Working with dedicated experts, the foundation created “Wingman,” a youth leadership program that develops social and emotional skills through engaging experiential activities, and inspiring children to go above and beyond for others.
Workshop 2019 Keynote Address
Ian Hockley, Dylan’s Wings of Change executive director, will be the keynote speaker at Workshop 2019. Ian will share his son Dylan’s story. According to Ian, the 6-year-old boy with autism “radiated pure love” and described himself as “a beautiful butterfly” to his mother.
“School climate and our students’ emotional health and well-being are focal points for our Association,” said Dr. Lawrence S. Feinsod, executive director. “NJSBA is proud to have Ian Hockley as our keynote speaker for Workshop 2019. He’s a remarkable human being with a strong message about the importance of social-emotional learning for our students.”
Ian will speak about the epidemic of social isolation and exclusion today and the need for social and emotional programming in our schools. His address will take place on Wednesday, Oct. 23, at the Atlantic City Convention Center in the Exhibit Hall Theater.
Special Education Symposium
Ian will also address the attendees of NJSBA’s Special Education Symposium on Monday, May 13, at the Conference Center at Mercer in West Windsor. He will discuss the importance of social and emotional learning across the general population to enhance the experience for special education students.
Ian has introduced the Wingman program to 17 schools in New Jersey, he said in a recent interview with the NJSBA. He plans to spend the next year working in the state to expand the program.
Additional Workshops in 2019
starting in late 2019, NJSBA, in collaboration with the Educational Leadership Foundation of New Jersey, will offer several no-cost Wingman workshops. More information will be announced later this year.
Learn more about Dylan’s Wings of Change and the Wingman program on the Dylan’s Wings of Change website.