Dante Dixson, Ph.D. is an associate professor of school and educational psychology at Michigan State University. His research interests include the role of hope in the educational and psychological functioning of children and adolescents, psychosocial precursors of achievement, at-risk youth, the achievement gap and academic talent development/gifted education. Dixson's current largest project centers around the implementation of one-time, universal hope interventions in high schools. The goal of the interventions is to get minority and disadvantaged students to aspire to new heights and believe that they can live up to their ambitions. Other current projects include investigating the role that psychosocial factors (e.g., academic self-concept, work ethic, curiosity) play in the achievement gap, the achievement of minority and disadvantaged youth, and gifted students living up to their full potential.

Dr. Amy L. Eva      

Amy L. Eva, Ph.D., is the Associate Education Director at the Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley. An educational psychologist and teacher educator, she currently writes, presents, and leads online courses and communities of practice focused on student and educator well-being, mindfulness, and courage. In addition, she is one of the key developers of the website, Greater Good in Education, which features over 400 free, research-based practices for creating kinder, happier schools where everyone belongs. As a researcher, Amy has published in the areas of teacher education, metacognition, adolescent mental health, and mindfulness-based interventions with youth. She has also written numerous articles for Greater Good Magazine (as well as Edutopia, Mindful, and The Huffington Post)and co-facilitated statewide social and emotional learning communities of practice for teachers and administrators. Her recent book, Surviving Teacher Burnout: A Weekly Guide To Build Resilience, Deal with Emotional Exhaustion, and Stay Inspired in the Classroom, features 52 simple, low-lift strategies for enhancing social and emotional well-being. A copy of this book will be provided to all attendees.