What if a simple shift in perspective could strengthen conditions for learning and well-being? This webinar invites leaders to see challenges structurally—unlocking new possibilities for thriving, equitable school communities.
Date: Thursday, October 30, 2025
Time: 12–12:30 p.m. PT
In this webinar, WestEd experts explore how leaders can cultivate the conditions necessary for learning and well-being by shifting from an individual to a structural perspective. Rather than view challenges as rooted in students or educators, participants will be encouraged to examine and reshape the systems, policies, and environments that shape daily experiences.
Drawing on educational psychology and decades of partnership with educators, we’ll provide concrete examples that illustrate how this mindset shift can enhance well-being and learning initiatives. Participants will leave with new insights and resources to help build sustainable environments in which all students and staff can thrive.
Who Should Attend
- K–12 school and district leaders
- Regional education leaders
- Educators
- Counselors and school psychologists
- School safety personnel
- Community partners
Session Discussion Topics
- Educational ecosystem
- School climate and culture
- Safe and supportive learning environments
- Social and emotional learning
- Authentic community engagement
Featured Speakers
Rebeca Cerna is the senior director of the Resilient and Healthy Schools Communities area at WestEd. She supports education agencies, community partners, and service providers in advancing education, prevention, and health outcomes. Cerna brings over 25 years of experience in leading local and statewide technical assistance and evaluating prevention efforts. Her areas of expertise include school climate, participatory practices, data use practices, health and wellness, and cross-sector collaboration. Currently, she leads evaluation efforts for the statewide evaluation for the Learning Communities School Success Program and the California Stronger Connections Technical Assistance Center.
Theresa Pfister is an evaluator, facilitator, and technical assistance provider with expertise in social and emotional learning (SEL), trauma-informed practices, and educational equity. At WestEd, she partners with states, districts, and nonprofits to design professional learning and lead evaluations that improve program delivery. She has nearly a decade of experience in bridging research and practice, including codesigning Oregon’s Transformative SEL resources and evaluating California’s Behavioral Health Student Services Act. A former teacher and nonprofit program manager in New York City, Dr. Pfister earned her PhD in educational psychology and applied developmental science from the University of Virginia.
Krystal Wu is a program manager with WestEd’s Resilient and Healthy Schools and Communities team, where she designs professional learning at the intersection of equity and social and emotional learning. She recently directed the development of Transformative Social and Emotional Learning professional learning resources for the Oregon Department of Education. Wu has also led national initiatives—including the Safe and Supportive Learning Environments Deep Dive courses—that have built educator capacity to advance racial equity, strengthen relationships, and embed culturally responsive practices. A former instructional coach and award-winning English teacher, she brings 15 years of experience in supporting educators and systems leaders.
Register today to be a part of this exciting conversation!