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Learn from the Experts: School Climate Webinars

Stay informed and inspired with NSCC’s webinars on school climate, inclusion, leadership, and evidence-based strategies for K-12 schools.

NSCC hosts free, research-driven webinars to help educators, leaders, and school communities strengthen school climate and improve student outcomes. Watch recordings of past sessions or sign up to stay updated on upcoming webinars.

Future Webinar Updates

Past Webinars

Getting Ready for the Marathon: Preparing for School Climate Improvement During the First 90 Days

9/10/25

Change is constant—especially at the start of the school year. Shifting regulations, budget cuts, and fluctuating enrollment can make it hard for school leaders to focus on long-term, sustainable change. But there are small things schools can do now that will have a big impact down the road, like strengthening your school climate team, building community buy-in, and mapping out available resources that will bring meaningful climate improvements within reach.  In this webinar, the National School Climate Center (NSCC) team and guest experts share practical strategies for the first 90 days (and beyond) to navigate change, strengthen connections, and keep your community at the center of your school’s work.

Planning Through Uncertainty: School Climate as a Path Forward

6/11/25

Facilitators from the National School Climate Center tackle one essential question: How can school climate guide us as we lead through the uncertainties that lie ahead?  We explore school climate improvement as a guide for summer planning. With insights drawn from real-world experience and a commitment to fostering safe, inclusive, and resilient school communities, this session offers timely guidance for those navigating the challenges of the upcoming school year.

Making the Connection: Social Inclusion and School Climate

1/9/25

In this webinar, we explored the connection between the social inclusion of students with disabilities and building a positive school climate. We discussed our soon-to-be-released research brief highlighting the importance of social inclusion in schools to meet the diverse needs of students and create equitable, supportive learning atmospheres. This robust discussion included an exploration of ways to include social inclusion in school climate measurement, as well as practical and applicable strategies that schools can use to increase their support for youth with disabilities and how those strategies can benefit all students.

School Climate Measurement: Who, What, When, Why & How

8/28/24

Our school climate data experts were joined by Elaina Brachman of CREC Schools to share from their experiences of school climate measurement, answer questions, and explore the Comprehensive School Climate Inventory as a tool for this measurement.

School Climate Leadership Today

7/24/24

What is happening in School Climate today? Join our webinar to hear from experts about the triumphs and challenges of working toward a positive school climate. We will also share about the recently updated School Climate Leadership Certification to help educators develop the skills needed to lead this essential work.

Making the Connection: Social Inclusion and School Climate

1/9/25

In this webinar, we explored the connection between the social inclusion of students with disabilities and building a positive school climate. We discussed our soon-to-be-released research brief highlighting the importance of social inclusion in schools to meet the diverse needs of students and create equitable, supportive learning atmospheres. This robust discussion included an exploration of ways to include social inclusion in school climate measurement, as well as practical and applicable strategies that schools can use to increase their support for youth with disabilities and how those strategies can benefit all students.

Communities of Courage: Anti-Bullying Certification Webinar

11/14/22

This webinar highlights NSCC’s Communities of Courage: Anti‑Bullying Certification (CC‑ABC) initiative — a school climate improvement approach that centers on student leadership and community engagement in bullying prevention.

The First 100 Days: Center Your School Climate

8/25/22

Explore strategic actions school leaders can take in the first 100 days of a school climate initiative. Learn how to build momentum, engage stakeholders, and align early efforts with long‑term success.

Collaborative Leadership for School Climate Improvement

5/26/22

Discover how shared leadership and collective decision‑making strengthen school climate efforts. Learn practical strategies to engage educators, students, and families in building a positive, sustainable school climate.

School Climate Essentials In The Midst Of Crisis

2/15/22

Learn practical strategies to plan, conduct, and use school climate measurement. This session breaks down key questions — who to survey, what to measure, when to collect data, why it matters, and how to turn results into action.

School Safety in the Time of COVID-19

5/1/20

Join NSCC experts as they explore the current landscape of school climate work — celebrating recent progress, discussing ongoing challenges, and highlighting how collaborative leadership and equitable practices drive positive school environments. This session also introduces the newly updated School Climate Leadership Certification to support educators in developing the skills needed to lead climate improvement effectively.

Leading with Courage to Prioritize Caring

4/17/20

Explore how social inclusion — especially for students with disabilities — is a foundational part of positive school climate. This webinar highlights key findings from NSCC’s research brief on social inclusion, discusses practical strategies for embedding inclusion into climate measurement and practice, and offers actionable ways schools can support all students and create more equitable, supportive learning environments.

Stay Up-to-Date on Upcoming Webinars

Sign up for NSCC’s mailing list to receive announcements for upcoming webinars, new resources, and practical guidance to strengthen your school climate.

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E Tsang, Director of Operations, National School Climate Center

E Tsang

Director of Operations

As the Director of Operations for NSCC, E Tsang helps make the finances, HR, and organizational functions of NSCC run smoothly.
Adam St. Bernard Jacobs(he/him), Co-Executive Director, National School Climate Center

Adam St. Bernard Jacobs (he/him)

Co-Executive Director

Adam is a peace educator and nonprofit leader. Adam was previously the organization’s Director of Development. Prior to joining NSCC, Adam was the co-founder and Executive Director of Kids Creative, an arts education organization in NYC. He was also a member of the team that founded a community elementary school in The Bronx. He has worked on issues of equity, anti-racism, arts education, and conflict resolution. He has written articles and led workshops in conflict resolution and the arts, giving talks and workshops at Columbia University, The Peace and Justice Studies Conference, Gettysburg College, and The University of Istanbul, among others. Adam has an undergraduate degree in International Politics, a Masters degree in Peace Education, and a Certificate in Senior Nonprofit Leadership, all from Columbia University, as well as an undergraduate degree in Rabbinic Law from The Jewish Theological Seminary of America. He was also Mr. Clown, a lead performer in the internationally acclaimed rock group for kids, The Dirty Sock Funtime Band, and was a regular on Nick Jr. and Chuck E Cheese TV. He is raising 2 fantastic children with his life partner, Tabitha.
Kori Hamilton Biagas, Director of Education, National School Climate Center

Kori Hamilton Biagas

Director of Education

Kori is an educator, connector, truth seeker, master facilitator, and the founder of Just Educators. Kori has nearly 20 years of experience in strategic planning, policy analysis and development, instruction, coaching, and technical assistance. As an Equity Specialist for the Region IV and Region IX equity assistance centers, Kori managed large-scale, racial equity driven school district transformation efforts, led district and state leaders through policy analysis, coached state leaders through school climate transformation initiatives, and provided equity-focused professional learning opportunities at all levels of education. Kori specializes in addressing and resolving inequitable policies, practices, and processes in organizations related to racial equity and social justice.
Christian Villenas, Ph.D, Co-Executive Director, National School Climate Center

Christian Villenas, Ph.D

Co-Executive Director

A sociologist by training and an applied education researcher by practice, Christian’s work examines how educational institutions shape opportunity, belonging, exclusion, and student experience. At NSCC, he helps guide the organization’s research, measurement, evaluation, partnerships, and strategic growth, with a focus on making evidence usable for schools, districts, and education partners. Before joining NSCC, Dr. Villenas held research and policy roles at GLSEN, Advocates for Children of New York, the New York City Charter School Center, the NAEP Education Statistics Services Institute, and the American Institutes for Research. Across more than two decades, his work has focused on school climate, social disparities in education, disability studies, LGBTQ student experiences, college access, education policy, program evaluation, and statistical analysis. He holds a BS from New York University, an MS from The New School, and a PhD in Sociology from Johns Hopkins University.
Amanda Weitzel, Director of School Partnerships, National School Climate Center

Amanda Weitzel

Director of School Partnerships

For over a decade at NSCC, Amanda has partnered with schools and districts across the country to support the implementation of school climate surveys and the strategic use of data to drive meaningful improvement. With a background in data analysis, customer success, and partner support, Amanda specializes in helping educators move beyond data collection to uncover actionable insights that strengthen school communities. Her work sits at the intersection of research, data, and practice, guiding school and district leaders in translating survey results into informed decisions that support student success, staff well-being, and positive learning environments. Amanda is passionate about empowering educators with the tools, knowledge, and confidence needed to create safe, supportive, and engaging schools where all students can thrive.
Samantha Elleman, Associate Director of Research, National School Climate Center

Samantha Elleman

Associate Director of Research

Samantha’s primary research topics span school climate, social inclusion, and school climate improvement. Prior to joining the National School Climate Center, Samantha worked as Assistant Teacher and Research Assistant at the Barnard Toddler Center. Her research interests include early childhood education, childhood trauma and protective factors, social-emotional education, and mental wellness in schools. Samantha holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Barnard College and a Master of Arts in Developmental Psychology from Teachers College, Columbia University.