Full course description
Beyond the Basics: Advanced Facilitation and Mediation Skills
Experienced IEP facilitators and mediators know that effective meetings require more than managing an agenda—they require the ability to navigate complex relationships, build trust among team members, address conflict before it escalates, and guide teams toward thoughtful, student-centered decisions. This advanced professional learning experience is designed for facilitators seeking to refine their practice by strengthening the interpersonal, communication, and mediation skills necessary to support productive IEP meetings.
Grounded in principles of interest-based problem solving, restorative communication, family-focused systems, and consensus-building, participants will examine advanced facilitation techniques that help teams navigate disagreement while preserving relationships and ensuring meaningful participation. Through authentic case studies, simulations, and reflection, participants will practice responding to emotionally charged situations, addressing power imbalances, facilitating difficult conversations, and maintaining neutrality throughout the IEP process.
Location: Sioux Falls, location to be determined.
Date: October 28, 2026
Time: 9:00 am to 4 PM (CT)
Trainer: Theresa Nicholls, PartnerEd Solutions
Six continuing education contact hours (6 CECH) are available.
Questions? Contact Wendy.Trujillo@state.sd.us