Dr. Tiffany Anderson, the Superintendent of Topeka Public Schools, draws on her decades of experience to illuminate the critical role of mental health in student success. Gain a deeper understanding of the science behind how the brain impacts learning, behavior and engagement. This course explores trauma-informed strategies and brain-based techniques essential for fostering resilience and strong relationships among students, families and educators. Dr. Anderson emphasizes the significance of understanding social determinants of health, addressing factors like neighborhood safety and healthcare access that directly influence learning outcomes. Educators will discover practical strategies to identify barriers to learning and will gain an awareness of the three levers of learning which can help foster a trauma-equipped community.
Training Modules:
Introduction | Mental Health Matters | Mindset to Thrive | Social Determinants of Health | Lived & Learned | The Zip Code Conundrum | The Brain Basics | Lever 1 – Relationships | Lever 2 – Pedagogy | Lever 3 – High Expectations | Ambassadors of Hope
Dr. Tiffany Anderson has been a public-school educator for over 30 years with most of that time as superintendent. Dr. Anderson has been nationally recognized as one of Education Week’s 16 Leaders to Learn From. She has improved achievement and closed achievement gaps for students of poverty in rural, urban and suburban public-school districts. In 2016 she became the first African-American female superintendent of Topeka Public Schools, in Topeka, Kansas. In 2019, the Governor appointed Dr. Anderson to the Postsecondary Technical Authority as part of the Board of Regents and in 2020 Governor Kelly also appointed Dr. Anderson to co-chair the Commission on Racial Equity and Justice. Since Dr. Anderson arrived in Topeka, the district has earned three national Magna Awards, one of which is for their work in equity.
