Keynotes
2026 BEST Summer Institute
About the Summer Institute:
The BEST Summer Institute, funded with support from the Agency of Education, offers an immersive experience for school teams, including educators, caregivers/family members, students, and community partners. This experience is thoughtfully designed to enhance your skills and to rejuvenate your approach to supporting the social, emotional, behavioral, and mental health needs of all students.
This four-day Institute brings presenters from across the state, region, and nation to facilitate content on relevant topics, including restorative approaches, equity, inclusion, classroom-level supports, trauma-informed approaches, mental health collaboration, Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), and more! Building on our collective knowledge, we will learn together and action plan around the most current evidence-based strategies for promoting well-being for all.
This year’s Summer Institute is specifically tailored to meet the unique needs of you and your school teams. As you participate, you’ll engage in learning activities that will cultivate connection and compassion for yourself, your colleagues, and your students.
In addition to four days of high-quality keynotes, strands, and workshops, facilitated by acclaimed, inspirational experts, teams will also connect for 11 hours of dedicated team time with access to consultation and coaching support. Teams will leave ready to implement their plans back at their school/district, with ongoing support available throughout the year. You and your team will also find time for play, laughter, and well-deserved celebrations.
Registration will open March 4th!
- While individuals must attend the Institute as members of a school team, each person needs to register separately. Each team member must complete the online registration form by the due date, April 10th. Please identify one member of your team to list as Team Leader on your individual registration forms.
- Deadline for individual registration is April 10th or until the Institute is full. Registrations will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, so encourage all team members to register early.
- Invoices are automatically generated at time of registration (as part of your confirmation). Payment due date for all team members is June 5th. Strand and workshop confirmations will be sent the week of June 8th.
Cost per Team Member – $820:
- The per person registration fee includes Institute presentations, most program materials, special activities, and morning refreshments and lunches (excludes lodging and dinners).
- If you plan to have students and/or a caregiver/family member join as a part of your school team, they can attend at no cost (please contact Anne Dubie). Please note: school employees cannot be considered a caregiver or family member.
Lodging:
- For reservations at The Killington Grand Resort, call 1-800-282-9955 and mention the BEST/VTmtss Summer Institute for a special rate of approximately $220 double occupancy per night.
- Please note: you must have a credit card to reserve lodging rooms – Killington will no longer accept purchase orders to reserve/pay for rooms.
Accessibility:
We strive to make the Institute as accessible as possible for you. If you need any accommodations, please reach out to Anne Dubie at anne.dubie@uvm.edu.
