The Story Behind the Vision
Empowering Educators was born from a deep understanding of the unique landscape of independent and private schools. We recognized that while these educators are the primary architects of student success, they often lack specialized professional development that bridges the latest findings in neuroscience with practical classroom application. Our program serves as the catalyst, empowering teachers to refine their craft through evidence-based insights, fostering communities where both students and educators thrive in a sustainable, high-impact learning environment.
Meet Dr. Arbel
Dr. Sharon Arbel is a licensed psychologist with more than 20 years of experience supporting children, families, educators, and schools. Licensed in California, Florida, and New York, she is the owner of a group psychology practice and has worked across private practice, school, community, and nonprofit settings.
Her experience includes collaborating with schools on professional development, parent training, behavior planning, and classroom support systems. She has served as a Clinical Director of an ABA agency, taught master's and doctoral-level psychology students, and continues to work closely with educators to address the evolving needs of today's classrooms.
As both a clinician and the mother of three school-aged children, Dr. Arbel brings a unique blend of professional expertise and real-world perspective to her work with schools. She is also the creator of Focus Forward, an executive functioning coaching program that reflects her deep understanding of learning differences, neurodiversity, and the executive functioning skills that are essential for student success. This unique combination of clinical expertise, educational collaboration, and practical experience allows her to equip educators with meaningful, research-informed strategies that make a lasting impact in today's classrooms.
Inside the Program.
Our two-year learning journey is intentionally designed to meet educators where they are and help them grow over time. Each year builds upon core concepts while introducing new strategies, practical applications, and ongoing support that translate directly into everyday classroom practice.
How It Works
A simple, collaborative process designed to support your school every step of the way.
Contact Us
Start by contacting us about your school's needs. We'll learn about your goals and vision for professional growth.
Receive Proposal
We'll create a customized proposal tailored to your school's needs.
Plan Your Workshops
We typically begin with 1-2 workshops before the school year starts and schedule the rest on PD days throughout the year.
Schedule Zoom Office Hours
We schedule Zoom office hours in between workshops to provide on-going support, answer questions, and strengthen implementation.
Let's talk about
Year ONE
WORKSHOP ONE
WORKSHOP TWO
WORKSHOP THREE
WORKSHOP FOUR
Emotional and Sensory Regulation in the Classroom
Understanding Behavior
Effective Classroom Management
Enhancing Social Functioning, Cultivating Empathy, and Addressing Bullying
Year One establishes the foundation for creating calm, connected, and supportive learning environments. Educators gain a deeper understanding of student behavior and development while learning practical, evidence-based strategies to strengthen classroom management, foster meaningful relationships, and support students' social and emotional growth.
Next up is
Year TWO
WORKSHOP ONE
WORKSHOP TWO
WORKSHOP THREE
WORKSHOP FOUR
Developmental Red Flags and Making Appropriate Referrals
Managing Anxiety and Building Resilience
Supporting Neurodivergence
Executive Functioning Skills in the Classroom
Year Two builds upon the strong foundation established in Year One by exploring more advanced strategies to support diverse learners and address complex classroom challenges. Educators deepen their understanding of child development, anxiety, neurodivergence, and executive functioning while gaining practical tools to foster resilience, strengthen student success, and confidently support every learner.
*We suggest that early childhood programs swap out the executive functioning workshop for a training on Talking, Eating, and Toileting: Fertile Grounds for Preschool Power Struggles