Join us in Des Moines, Iowa
September 30 - October 1, 2025
Iowa Events Center
730 3rd Street
Des Moines, IA 50309
REGISTRATION COMING SPRING 2025
EmpowerED Minds: The School Wellness Summit is a premier professional learning event dedicated to fostering well-being and mental health within educational communities.
Designed for educators, the summit features dynamic strands tailored to address the diverse needs of K-12 schools and higher education, including empowering school mental health professionals, exploring innovative research and practices, strengthening K-12 education and leadership, and advancing campus well-being in higher education.
Participants will gain practical strategies, insights from cutting-edge research, and access to innovative solutions that enhance mental health outcomes. Join us in shaping the future of school wellness through collaboration, innovation, and inspiration.
2025 EmpowerED Minds, previously called the Iowa BEST Summit, welcomes educators and speakers from across the country to join our collaborative event.
*By registering for this event, you agree to be photographed or filmed for promotional purposes.
This summit is presented by the Scanlan Center for School Mental Health and METRICS Technical Assistance Center.
- PreK-12 teachers, school counselors, administrators, paraeducators, and school mental health providers
- School district staff and leadership
- Building leadership teams
- Policymakers
- AEA personnel supporting social-emotional-behavioral health and accelerating learning
- AEA personnel supporting specific subgroups (e.g., special education, preschool, English learners)
- University faculty who support preservice educators
- University and college staff and faculty
- Community partners including mental health providers, primary care physicians, Children’s Behavioral Health System Board members, and state medical association members
- Take in the latest research, resources, and best practices to help activate and build mental health and well-being supports and capacity for your school, district, or region
- Engage in deeper learning and knowledge sharing that leads to innovative solutions
- Meet other colleagues and change-makers in the space
- Obtain CEUs
- Access 30+ exhibitors/vendors eager to share their programs and resources with you!
Tuesday, September 30, 2025
7:30 - 8:30 AM: Breakfast & Networking
8:30 - 9:45 AM: Opening Session and Keynote
10:00 – 11:00 AM: Breakout Session 1
11:15 AM – 12:15 PM: Breakout Session 2
12:15 - 1:30 PM: Lunch
1:30 - 2:30 PM: Breakout Session 3
2:45 - 3:45 PM: Breakout Session 4
4:15 - 5:30 PM: Reception & Poster Session
Wednesday, October 1, 2025
7:30 – 8:30 AM: Breakfast & Networking
8:45 – 9:45 AM: Breakout Session 1
10:00 - 11:00 AM: Breakout Session 2
11:15 AM - 12:15 PM: Breakout Session 3
The full session and speaker schedule will be available in Summer 2025.
1. Empowering School Mental Health Professionals
For content designed to support and enhance the skills of school mental health professionals with sessions also focused on strategies for recruiting, training, and retaining the school mental health workforce.
2. Innovations in Research & Practices
For the latest research, evidence-based practices, and emerging trends in multi-tiered models of school mental health.
3. Strengthening K-12 Education & Leadership
Focused on practical education and skill-building for K-12 teachers, administrators, and school leaders.
4. Well-being in Higher Education
Addressing mental health support, programs, and policies to enhance well-being in colleges and universities.
Tuesday, September 30 | Opening Session from 8:30 - 9:45 AM
Coming Soon!
Coming Soon!
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Coming Soon!
