April 24 - 25, 2026, UW-Stout Memorial Student Center
This year's theme, Whole-Child, Whole Educator: Building Emotional Wellness in Every Classroom highlights the integral relationship between the emotional well-being of educators and the holistic development of children. This year’s conference broadens its focus to include Kindergarten through 3rd-grade educators, recognizing the shared importance of emotional wellness across the early and elementary learning continuum. We also invite early childhood special education teachers to join us as we work together to build inclusive, emotionally supportive learning environments Through research-based practices, collaborative dialogue, and innovative approaches, this theme invites educators to examine how nurturing both the whole child and the whole educator contributes to stronger, more connected, and emotionally supportive learning environments.
We are excited to announce Stout's own Julie Bates-Maves as our 2025 keynote!
Julie Bates-Maves, LPC, PhD, is a licensed professional counselor and professor of Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the University of Wisconsin-Stout. She specializes in treating trauma, substance use disorders, and resilience-building.
Keynote title: Stress and Burnout: Considerations for Teachers
Stress and burnout impact the lives and work of teachers. Understanding that impact is important. More important, however, is knowing how to respond. This talk will explore the state of burnout, its progression, and recommend responses to support the body in a stressed state. Information will be useful for teachers as much as for the students they teach.
Attendee Hotel Accommodations:
Hampton Inn & Suites Menomonie
We have a room block set here for your convenience.
2017 Stout Street
Menomonie, Wisconsin 54751
Explore More at Hampton Inn & Suites
- Rate: Coming soon!
- Distance to UW-Stout: 8 min. drive
- Parking: Free onsite parking at the hotel for the duration of your stay
Call (715) 231-3030 and mention "UW-Stout ECE Conference" to secure this rate when booking.
To book this rate online click below.
Cobblestone Inn & Suites Menomonie
We have a room block set here for your convenience.
149 Main Street E.
Menomonie, WI 54751
Explore More at Cobblestone Inn & Suites
- Rate: Coming soon!
- Distance to UW-Stout: 2 min. walk
- Parking: Free onsite parking at the hotel for the duration of your stay
Call (715)-233-0211 to book your room
Best Western Plus Inn & Suites Menomonie
We do not have a room block set here.
320 Oak Avenue
Menomonie, WI 54751
Explore More at Best Western
- Rate: Coming soon!
- Distance to UW-Stout: 6 min. drive
- Parking: Free onsite parking at the hotel for the duration of your stay
Call (715) 235-5664 to book your room.