How to Turn Tension into Trust: Conflict Resolution Strategies for Special Education Leaders
(Room 551 B)
11 Nov 26
2:45 PM
-
3:45 PM
Tracks:
Conflict Resolution: Resolving Challenges
Special education leaders frequently encounter intense, emotional conversations as they work with parents, students, educators, and other stakeholders. to identify, assess, evaluate, teach, and support students with disabilities. Strong, divergent perspectives at these times can constrain—and sometimes mislead--efforts to address student needs. This interactive workshop will equip attendees with practical strategies to address conflict that are grounded in research from peace studies, education, organizational psychology, and design thinking. Participants will learn how to transform conflict from a source of stress into an opportunity for collaborative problem solving, trust building, and increasing organizational capacity The session will include a case study illustrating common flashpoints encountered by special education leaders. Attendees will analyze stakeholder perspectives, practice techniques including inquiry, perspective taking, and conscious conversation, and apply a structured framework for addressing complex, emotionally charged disagreements. Participants will leave with actionable plans to turnkey professional learning in their own settings and create a culture that fosters constructive dialogue, collaboration, and school improvement.