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Case Studies

Waynesboro Area
Senior High School

“I was privileged to participate in a recent professional development session run by Mr. Bill Groner of the Positive Connection Initiative. It was hands-down the most impactful presentation I have heard in my 25 years as an educator!

I sincerely believe that Mr. Groner's approach to developing relationships through connection has the capability of transforming the education model that has been "stuck in neutral" for years.”
- Former Administrator
“As a seasoned teacher, I have had my share of professional development, and I can honestly say that our time with Mr. Groner was one of the best I have experienced. It was relatable to everyone, from the novice to those who have been teaching for many years, and provided us all with insights on how to approach and engage with our students. We connected with our colleagues in a way that we aren't often able to, and it provided an opportunity for meaningful discussion.”
- Teacher
“Bill absolutely crushed it! He created meaningful and real activities that allowed teachers to roleplay interactions that actually happen in a classroom. Roleplaying as students allowed us to see things from other points of view. Listening to feedback allowed us to learn de-escalation strategies. Bill's passion was contagious—everything was expertly presented and paced. This is the most engaged I have ever, I mean ever, seen our faculty.”
- Teacher
Learn More About Our Secondary Ed Workshops

We developed and delivered an interactive workshop equipping 80 educators with practical tools for building connections and defusing conflict in the classroom.

 

Through roleplay, real-life scenarios, and guided reflection, teachers practiced new approaches to communication that prioritize emotional awareness and regulation, curiosity, and remaining calm under pressure.

Waynesboro Area
Senior High School

We developed and delivered an interactive workshop equipping 80 educators with practical tools for building connections and defusing conflict in the classroom.


Through roleplay, real-life scenarios, and guided reflection, teachers practiced new approaches to communication that prioritize empathy, curiosity, and remaining calm under pressure.

“I was privileged to participate in a recent professional development session run by Mr. Bill Groner of the Positive Connection Initiative. It was hands-down the most impactful presentation I have heard in my 25 years as an educator!

I sincerely believe that Mr. Groner's approach to developing relationships through connection has the capability of transforming the education model that has been "stuck in neutral" for years.”
- Former Administrator
“As a seasoned teacher, I have had my share of professional development, and I can honestly say that our time with Mr. Groner was one of the best I have experienced. It was relatable to everyone, from the novice to those who have been teaching for many years, and provided us all with insights on how to approach and engage with our students. We connected with our colleagues in a way that we aren't often able to, and it provided an opportunity for meaningful discussion.”
- Teacher
“Bill absolutely crushed it! He created meaningful and real activities that allowed teachers to roleplay interactions that actually happen in a classroom. Roleplaying as students allowed us to see things from other points of view. Listening to feedback allowed us to learn de-escalation strategies. Bill's passion was contagious—everything was expertly presented and paced. This is the most engaged I have ever, I mean ever, seen our faculty.”
- Teacher
Learn More About Our Secondary Ed Workshops

Binghamton
University (SUNY)

“My parents and I have very different political standpoints on many topics that we converse about at the dinner table from time to time. These conversations often became heated, and I couldn't understand why they continued arguing for something that I thought was wrong and immoral. After this program, I went home for winter break and have not escalated the explosive arguments we have, but asked insightful questions about why they think that way and if their way of thinking could ever change.”
- First-year Student
“Recently, I was having a conversation with my sister about a political topic on which we disagree. Instead of yelling at her because she was wrong (in my opinion), I chose to ask her questions about why she feels the way she does. She explained her viewpoints to me calmly, and I was able to share my opinions with her in a calm way as well. Instead of turning the conversation into a debate, we were able to have civil dialogue.”
- First-year Student
“I think that the discussion we had about metacognition has had a profound impact on my thinking about conflict and communication because it helped me realize the importance of taking ownership of my thoughts, as well as being considerate of the thoughts and opinions of those around me.”
- First-year Student
Learn More About Our Higher Ed Workshops

PCI co-founders Bill Groner and Trevor Fornara started the Civil Dialogue Project at Binghamton University in March 2023. We ran workshops for 1,400 first-year students.

Read more:

     

Or listen to Bill and Trevor on the
Binghamton Alumni Podcast.  

Binghamton
University (SUNY)

PCI co-founders Bill Groner and Trevor Fornara started the Civil Dialogue Project at Binghamton University in March 2023. We ran workshops for 1,400 first-year students.

Read more:

      .  

Or listen to Bill and Trevor on the
Binghamton Alumni Podcast.

“My parents and I have very different political standpoints on many topics that we converse about at the dinner table from time to time. These conversations often became heated, and I couldn't understand why they continued arguing for something that I thought was wrong and immoral. After this program, I went home for winter break and have not escalated the explosive arguments we have, but asked insightful questions about why they think that way and if their way of thinking could ever change.”
- First-year Student
“Recently, I was having a conversation with my sister about a political topic on which we disagree. Instead of yelling at her because she was wrong (in my opinion), I chose to ask her questions about why she feels the way she does. She explained her viewpoints to me calmly, and I was able to share my opinions with her in a calm way as well. Instead of turning the conversation into a debate, we were able to have civil dialogue.”
- First-year Student
“I think that the discussion we had about metacognition has had a profound impact on my thinking about conflict and communication because it helped me realize the importance of taking ownership of my thoughts, as well as being considerate of the thoughts and opinions of those around me.”
- First-year Student
Learn More About Our Higher Ed Workshops

Purchase
College (SUNY)

"This gave me an opportunity to see where I can grow and where my strengths are.”
- Student, Resident Advisor
“I absolutely loved my experience with the workshop. It helped me to both connect with and challenge both myself and my peers.”
- Student, Admissions Ambassador
"I think being able to work through differences in order to come to an understanding is so important. I think we have forgotten that people don’t have to agree in order to get along and I feel I’m better equipped to work through my differences with people after this workshop."
- Student, Admissions Ambassador
Learn More About Our Higher Ed Workshops

We designed and led a campus-wide workshop program at Purchase College (SUNY) for the entire incoming class, as well as all RAs, student admissions ambassadors, and student government members, totaling ~850 students.

Using audience-specific roleplay scenarios, participants practiced active listening, curiosity, de-escalation, and ultimately navigating hot-button political dialogues.

Purchase
College (SUNY)

We designed and led a campus-wide workshop program at Purchase College (SUNY) for the entire incoming class, as well as all RAs, student admissions ambassadors, and student government members, totaling ~850 students.

Using audience-specific roleplay scenarios, participants practiced active listening, curiosity, de-escalation, and ultimately navigating hot-button political dialogues.

"This gave me an opportunity to see where I can grow and where my strengths are.”
- Student, Resident Advisor
“I absolutely loved my experience with the workshop. It helped me to both connect with and challenge both myself and my peers.”
- Student, Admissions Ambassador
"I think being able to work through differences in order to come to an understanding is so important. I think we have forgotten that people don’t have to agree in order to get along and I feel I’m better equipped to work through my differences with people after this workshop."
- Student, Admissions Ambassador
Learn More About Our Higher Ed Workshops