Lori Gibson
M.A.
Lori Gibson, M.A., E.S.A., is a dedicated school counselor with a wealth of experience in the field of education. She holds a Master’s degree in counseling psychology from Gonzaga University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in both education and psychology from Whitworth University. With a career spanning 31 years, Lori has contributed her expertise to various educational institutions, including North Chicago High School in Illinois, Lake Washington School District and Spokane Public Schools, both in Washington state. For the past 21 years, Lori has been an instructor at The Heritage Institute, where she is deeply passionate about empowering fellow educators to excel in their noble work within schools. In today's evolving educational landscape Lori understands the shift on many fronts - including the mandates to integrate technology, embrace neurodiversity, foster social and emotional growth and dig deep to understand the neurological basis for challenging behaviors. Lori recognizes that our students, pre-K to 12th grade face an array of challenges, from learning, social and emotional gaps due to the ripples of the pandemic, family stressors, poverty, the impact of social media and entitlement issues, among others. She firmly believes that educators must be equipped with the latest research and practical strategies to address these multifaceted needs effectively. In her courses, Lori's primary aim is to provide educators with respectful and encouraging guidance to navigate these challenges. Her courses and workshops are designed to empower teachers and administrators with the knowledge and tools necessary to create a supportive and inclusive environment that prioritizes the well-being and development of every student so they can be about the business of learning!
Offered Courses
BUILDING A STEM CULTURE: A Roadmap for Success
Course No. ED478h, ED578h
In an ever-evolving world, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) education is vital in preparing students for the future. This course is tailored for all educators, but especially those new to the world of STEM who may feel overwhelmed at the idea of one more thing! The good news is that you can incorporate authentic STEM learning into what you are already doing in your work with students. This STEM course satisfies the OSPI requirement for recertification in Washington.
AUTISM INSIGHTS: Practical Strategies for the Classroom
Course No. ED478i, ED578i
This course is for educators seeking a deeper understanding of students with autism. It is specially tailored for educators who teach in the general education setting and want to understand and add to their toolbox so they can provide for the needs of their neurodiverse students. Special education teachers and support staff will also benefit from this course due to the significant growth in the field of autism, including changes in the diagnosis, interventions, inclusion, and acceptance.
HELPING ANXIOUS STUDENTS
Course No. ED453i, ED553i
Imagine looking out on your classroom and knowing that every student has a clear, receptive mind, is engaged, and is ready to learn. Unfortunately, this is rarely what we see in our classrooms. Instead, too many students seem preoccupied, isolated, withdrawn, nervous or overwhelmed. It is estimated that 1 out of every 5 students in America suffers from a diagnosable anxiety disorder. And it is further suggested that, unchecked, anxiety can result in school failure, social isolation and missed opportunities. The purpose of this course is for educators to increase their understanding of anxiety and learn how to support students, and their parents, who are dealing with this disorder. This independent study course is appropriate for Pre-K through grade12 teachers, administrators, support staff and parents. Note: The book, Growing Up Brave, was written for parents, however it is an excellent resource for understanding and supporting our anxious students and their parents.
BOYS IN TROUBLE: Turnaround Strategies For Educators
Course No. ED452Y, ED552Y
Our boys are struggling. They are academically disengaged and facing social challenges alone. What will their place will be in the wider world once they leave high school (if they even make it that far)? Let's look at the troubling symptoms our boys are presenting, and then we will pull back the curtain on their inner lives. We will look at the cultural expectations they are under, cultivate new understanding of boys and their world, and much more.
“WHY ARE THEY PICKING ON ME?” Understanding & Responding to Social Cruelty
Course No. ED451Z, ED551Z
Are kids at your school mean to each other? Of course they are. When kids are cruel to other kids not only does it do direct harm to the victims, it also affects the learning environment for everyone.
“HELP ME BEHAVE”: Going Beyond Traditional School Discipline Plans
Course No. ED450H, ED550H
Traditional discipline plans usually frustrate chronically disruptive students and can be overkill for well- adjusted kids. Dr. Ross Greene's “Plan B” is a better approach for dealing with disruptive behavior. It assumes that even disruptive students want to succeed in school, but that they have obstacles in their lives which prevent them from being successful.
THE DOG ATE MY HOMEWORK: Helping Disorganized Students
Course No. ED450i, ED550i
How delightful would it be if every student came to class on time, had their assignments done and did their best work? Unfortunately this is not the case. While many kids are organized, many kids are not. These disorganized kids can be disruptive; they are stuck in a downward spiral of failure and let’s face it - they drag down your school’s test scores.
