Dearborn Academy is excited to announce that two of our dedicated educator, Sheilah Gauch, LICSW, M.Ed., Principal and Clinical Director, and Hannah Sycks, M.Ed., High School English Teacher, are featured speakers at the upcoming Mass Partnership for Youth Conference. This important event focuses on addressing one of the most pressing challenges in education today: school avoidance.

School avoidance is a multifaceted issue that requires a deep understanding of its causes and the most effective strategies for re-engaging students. In their session, Sheilah and Hannah will provide valuable insights on:

• The social-emotional causes of school avoidance, with a specific focus on anxiety

• Empirically-backed interventions that have been proven to support students in overcoming school avoidance

• The importance of teamwork between educators, families, and mental health professionals in helping students re-engage with school

• Practical strategies to build effective collaboration for the best outcomes

This 5-session webinar series is designed for educators who want to better understand school avoidance and learn actionable steps to support students effectively.

At Dearborn Academy, we are deeply committed to providing students with the resources and support they need to thrive academically and socially. We are proud that Sheilah and Hannah are sharing their expertise at this conference and helping educators across the region create more inclusive and supportive learning environments.

https://massachusettspartnershipsforyouth.com/course/the-complexity-of-school-avoidance-what-every-educator-should-know-to-re-engage-students-series-begins-jan-7-2026/