Workshop Gives Schools Tools for Crisis Preparation

April 11, 2012 ‒ Recent tragedies in schools across the country emphasize the critical need for education professionals to conduct comprehensive school safety planning to prevent and mitigate emergencies and crises. To that end, the University of Wisconsin-River Falls is offering a one-day workshop on crisis prevention and preparedness for school psychologists and other school personnel. The workshop is set for June 9 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the UWRF Hudson Center located in Hudson.

“The PREPaRE Workshop 1 is appropriate for any school personnel who need to understand how a comprehensive school crisis team is organized and functions,” said Scott Woitaszewski, Ph.D., associate professor and director of the UWRF school psychology graduate program. Woitaszewski is one of only a few professionals in the country certified by the National Association of School Psychologists to teach this workshop.

The training is ideal for schools committed to improving and strengthening their school crisis management plans and emergency response, Woitaszewski says. It provides training for school personnel in crisis preparation, prevention, intervention, response, and recovery procedures, with a special emphasis on the role of school-based mental health professionals.

Participants need to register by May 4 and pay a $115 fee to attend the training. Registration includes a full day of instruction, workshop materials in print and CD formats and parking. Participants will earn 6.5 continuing education credits from NASP. Graduate credit from UWRF is also available.

Register online at go.uwrf.edu/PREPaRE or contact the UWRF Continuing Education office for more information. Space is limited. School districts who are interested in scheduling a PREPaRE workshop in their area should contact the UWRF Continuing Education office.

The University of Wisconsin-River Falls provides lifelong learners with academic, professional development and enrichment programs that are practical, flexible, convenient and affordable. A complete list of courses, course descriptions and online registration information is available at www.uwrf.edu/ContinuingEducation/ or can be obtained by calling 715-425-3256, 1-800-228-5607 or e-mailing outreach@uwrf.edu.