Nurturing a Sense of Belonging In Schools
Students’ sense of belonging in school can play a critical role in their academic and social-emotional learning and development. When students feel like they belong in their school community, they are more likely to engage in classroom instruction and activities, form positive relationships with their peers and teachers, and feel motivated to succeed.
This webinar focused on the importance of creating a supportive and inclusive environment in schools, and highlighted research supporting best practices for fostering student belonging.
Watch this webinar to learn:
- Why creating supportive environments for students is critical for today’s students
- How students’ sense of belonging is linked to academic success and well-being over time
- Practical approaches to making schools and classrooms places where students feel connected and accepted
Note: this webinar is part of our series, "The Power of Community in MTSS." Click here to learn more about and register for the webinar series.
View Recording
Meet the Presenters

Trudy Bender
Senior Manager of Thought Leadership Content
Trudy Bender is Senior Manager of Thought Leadership Content at Branching Minds and a Nationally Certified School Psychologist with experience as a teacher, school psychologist, and district administrator. As Waco ISD’s Coordinator of District Behavior Intervention, she reduced exclusionary discipline, implemented a Multi-Tiered System of Supports for Behavior, and developed multi-year teacher training in classroom management and behavior intervention.

Whitley Dozier
Senior Customer Success Manager, Branching Minds
Whitley Dozier is a Customer Success Manager at Branching Minds, where she helps districts implement and enhance MTSS through the platform. After eight years at Cabarrus County Schools in roles from teacher to MTSS Coordinator and Principal Intern, she holds an M.Ed. in Human Development and Family Studies from UNC Greensboro, a B.A. in Elementary & Special Education from Elon University, and is completing a doctorate in Organizational Leadership.

Dr. Essie Sutton
Director of Learning Science at Branching Minds
Essie Sutton's work brings together the fields of Child Development and Education Psychology to improve learning and development for all students. Dr. Sutton is responsible for studying the impacts of the Branching Minds on students’ academic, behavioral, and social-emotional outcomes. She also leverages MTSS research and best practices to develop and improve the Branching Minds platform.