National Bullying Expert Stan Davis Leads Beyond Bullying Conference at Kean University

Kean University Hosts National Bullying Expert Stan Davis for Beyond Bullying Conference
Renowned author and advocate for bullying prevention in schools provides training for primary school teachers, counselors and varied professionals

UNION, N.J. – On October 23rd and 24th, Kean University’s Department of Counselor Education and the New Jersey Coalition for Bullying Awareness and Prevention held “Beyond Bullying: Building Schools Where Everyone Belongs,” an anti-bullying conference with nationally renowned bullying expert Stan Davis. Attracting New Jersey teachers, counselors, nurses, administrators, and other professionals dedicated to the anti-bullying movement, the Conference was an all-around success.

“Hosting a conference on the topic of harassment, intimidation and bullying, especially after a hazing incident at a New Jersey high school, is both timely and vital,” said Dr. J. Barry Mascari, Associate Professor and Chair of Kean University’s Department of Counselor Education. “A civil society looks for answers in times like these, and Kean is well poised to host the exchange of ideas to solve problems.

The two-day event boasted dynamic presentations, guided practice, peer interaction, and professional discussion, with participants receiving practical material and other helpful resources. There were nearly 80 professionals from throughout the metropolitan region, and two from Canada, who attended on the first day, which was held at Kean’s New Jersey Center for Science, Technology and Mathematics (STEM). On day two, a workshop allowed a smaller group of attendees to work directly with Davis to deepen their knowledge and skills. Mr. Davis will continue an e-mail exchange with day-two participants as they create their programs.

“In addition to reducing bullying, we must build young peoples’ connectedness and resilience. While doing everything we can to reduce bullying, we must also reduce the harm that bullying can do by giving effective support to youth who are bullied,” stated Mr. Davis.

Nationally acclaimed for his work in human rights and the issue of bullying, Davis was an engaging and knowledgeable presenter; providing his audience with current, relevant, and research-based information focused on the creation of welcoming school environments. Davis says that the key components to systemic change are resilience, support, inclusion and expectations.

“Kids who bully need to know that they’re capable of change, and kids who are bullied need to know that the person who mistreated them did something wrong, and that they should seek help because it’s unlikely that can solve the problem on their own,” counseled Davis.

“Stan Davis is the most important anti-bullying advocate in the U.S.,” noted Stuart Green, Director of New Jersey Coalition for Bullying Awareness and Prevention. “Through this conference, we provided a substantial group of teachers, counselors, early childhood educators and advocates with the best possible information about how to prevent and address harmful peer behavior.”

Evidence-based, innovative, and immediately applicable to their situations, the knowledge obtained at the conference will allow professionals to more effectively reduce peer violence and mistreatment in their various settings.

“Like so many of our programs, our Counselor Education Program has become a beacon for community agencies and others to collaborate with in order to bring solutions to our schools and communities,” added Professor Mascari.

The Department of Counselor Education in Kean’s Nathan Weiss Graduate College offers Master’s degree programs for students interested in working in schools, mental health/social service agencies, colleges, government agencies, alchohol and drug tratment programs, and counseling centers. The counseling program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling & Related Educational Programs (CACREP). For more information, please e-mail ask_ced@kean.edu or visit grad.kean.edu/counseling.

Founded in 1855, Kean University is New Jersey’s most affordable comprehensive public university. As one of the largest metropolitan institutions of higher education in the region, Kean boasts a richly diverse student, faculty and staff population. Kean continues to play a key role in the training of teachers and is a hub of educational, technological and cultural enrichment serving nearly 15,000 students. The Nathan Weiss Graduate College offers three doctorate degree programs and more than 60 options for graduate study leading to master’s degrees, professional diplomas or certifications. With locations in Union Township and Toms River, New Jersey, the University’s five undergraduate colleges offer 49 undergraduate degrees over a full range of academic disciplines. Visit Kean online at www.kean.edu.