About

MEET OUR NEW YORK STATE CERTIFIED TRAINER

ISABEL BURK M.S., CHES

DIRECTOR, THE HEALTH NETWORK

Isabel Burk is the Founding Director of the Health Network. As a nationally-known, award-winning expert on school safety, substance abuse prevention and health education issues, she has made presentations to more than 65,000 people in 38 states.

Isabel has written two books and more than 300 articles, and has appeared on 20/20, CBS This Morning and other programs. Her professional career includes New York City public schools, suburban school districts and an Educational Service Center. She has a Masters of Science degree in Health.

As a leading statewide specialist in DASA, Isabel travels to many sites providing customized consultation, training, and related services. Isabel is co-author of Essential Guide for Dignity Act Coordinators developed specifically for training purposes. She is also a Code of Conduct and policy expert.

In addition to DASA training, Isabel also provides workshops on a wide variety of violence prevention and early intervention topics. She can create a customized program for any client as needed.

WHAT IS DASA?

New York State’s Dignity for All Students Act is a state law that requires all public and charter schools to adopt a prescribed and comprehensive approach to foster for all students a safe and supportive environment free from discrimination, intimidation, taunting, harassment, and bullying. The Dignity Act took effect on July 1, 2012.
Download the New York State DASA Flyer or visit theNYSED.gov website to learn more.

WHAT'S IN THE REQUIRED 6 HOUR DASA TRAINING?

Our fully interactive Dignity Act training program fills the gap between research and practice. In this required 6 hour workshop, participants will learn about the impact of harassment, bullying and other negative behaviors; discuss a variety of provocative issues, including “fat baiting,” cyberbullying, and more. Participants will leave with concrete strategies and techniques to make the school climate more inclusive, supportive and safer. More than 90% of participant evaluations report significantly increased knowledge of prevention and intervention techniques. Certificate is awarded at the end of the workshop.

IN ADDITION, DOES THE LAW ALSO REQUIRE SCHOOL EMPLOYEE TRAINING?

The Dignity Act 6 hour training is a one-time requirement. Regulations do require a separate briefer DASA annual training for all employees. This yearly training must include early warning signs; responsibilities for reporting and intervening; the effects of harassment, bullying, discrimination and cyberbullying; heightened awareness of student vulnerability to harassment. Call on the experts to provide this annual required training.