This panel discussed why brain breaks are important for students during class time. More importantly, the guests unpack how to differentiate brain breaks to meet students’ specific needs– using them as tools to enhance social-emotional learning and academic performance.

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David Upegui, PhD, serves as a science teacher at his alma mater, Central Falls High School (RI) and as an adjunct professor of Education at Brown University. He completed his doctoral degree in education at the University of RI, focusing on science education and social justice. His latest book, Integrating Racial Justice Into Your High-School Biology Classroom: Using Evolution to Understand Diversity, was recently released.

Wendy Turner is not just a teacher. She is an experienced elementary educator, author, and teacher leader with a passion for social-emotional learning. Wendy currently teaches 3rd grade in Wilmington, Delaware, and regularly contributes to blogs, podcasts, and other education spaces with the goals of sharing ideas and supporting everyday educators. Her first book, Embracing Adult SEL, (December 2023).

Dr. Judy Willis, a board-certified neurologist, combined her 15 years as a practicing neurologist with 10 subsequent years as a classroom teacher to become a leading authority in the neuroscience of learning. With her unique background as both in neuroscience and education, she has written ten books and more than 200 articles about applying neuroscience research to classroom teaching strategies.

After graduating Phi Beta Kappa as the first woman graduate from Williams College, Willis attended UCLA School of Medicine where she was awarded her medical degree. She remained at UCLA and completed a medical residency and neurology residency, including chief residency. She practiced neurology for 15 years before returning to university to obtain her teaching credential and Masters of Education degree from the University of California, Santa Barbara. She then taught in elementary and secondary school for 10 years.

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Differentiating Brain Breaks to Meet Individual Student Needs: What Works