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From Isolation to Belonging: Practical Strategies to Strengthen School Communities
Wednesday, December 10, 2025 @ 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm EST
Presented by Dr. Doug Bolton, Director of School Consultation, Formative Psychological Services
Moderated by Dr. Jennifer Ferrari, CEO and President, ERDI
Presented by ERDI
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The power of belonging within a school community is well documented. It fuels academic achievement, enhances student behavior, and supports student mental health and wellness. Yet despite widespread efforts, student reports of belonging continue to decline, leaving educators and leaders grappling with a complex and urgent challenge.
In the second edLeader Panel of Trailblazing Leadership Week, Doug Bolton, Ph.D., author of Untethered: Creating Connected Families, Schools, and Communities to Raise a Resilient Generation, explores the systemic barriers that undermine belonging and offers clear, actionable strategies that school leaders can implement immediately to foster authentic belonging among students and staff.
This recorded edLeader Panel is of interest to K-12 school leaders and district leaders.
This edLeader Panel is part of Trailblazing Leadership Week.
About the Presenters
Dr. Doug Bolton is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and Director of School Consultation for Formative Psychological Services. He spent over 20 years as a Psychologist and Principal at North Shore Academy, a K-12 therapeutic school in Highland Park. Dr. Bolton provides consultation, supervision and professional development to parents, educators, and clinicians throughout Illinois to create communities that help foster student and staff resilience. His book, Untethered: Creating Connected Families, Schools, and Communities to Raise a Resilient Generation, was released in March 2025.
About the Moderator
Dr. Jennifer Ferrari is a distinguished leader in the educational sector, uniquely positioned at the intersection of education and business. As the CEO and President of the Education Research and Development Institute (ERDI), she has married her extensive background in public education with her sharp business acumen to drive transformative solutions that meet the evolving needs of PK-12 education. Her leadership is characterized by a strategic blend of educational insight and business innovation, facilitating impactful collaborations between district leaders and industry experts to optimize product development and implement effective solutions in schools nationwide.
Before ascending to her current role, Dr. Ferrari served as the VP and chief schools officer for a pioneering education management organization, where she spearheaded strategic planning and organizational growth. Her 25-year public education background, spanning roles from middle school teacher to superintendent, with expertise in curriculum and instruction, leadership development, change management, and strategic planning, provides her with a unique perspective on the intersection of education and business, enabling her to lead with insight and innovation. Dr. Ferrari earned her doctorate in educational leadership and policy studies from Loyola University in Chicago.
Learn more about viewing the live presentation and the recording, earning your CE certificate, and using our new accessibility features.
Join the Leadership and Innovation community to network with educators, participate in online discussions, receive invitations to upcoming edWebinars, and view recordings of previous programs to earn CE certificates.
At the Education Research and Development Institute (ERDI) we work to create a rich and meaningful forum for education leaders and solution providers to collaboratively discuss, design, and shape the products and services, which support PK-12 education. We are committed to ensuring that all students have access to the highest quality learning experiences, so that they will be productive, ready stewards of the future.
