Participants will experience a fun blend of dance cardio, strength training, and upbeat music designed for all fitness levels. Whether you’re a longtime fitness enthusiast or just looking for a fun way to boost your energy during PD Palooza, this session offers a great opportunity to relieve stress, build community, and prioritize wellness while having a blast!
Grief is a universal life experience. Unfortunately, too few of us are taught how to navigate it or how to care for those who are grieving. In this session, we will examine questions such as: What does grief look like? How does it impact work and relationships? What can we do to help our friends and/or colleagues?
Organizational Development Manager, Conway Regional Health System
As the Organizational Development Manager for Conway Regional Health System, I manage and support the design, implementation, and evaluation of programs that promote the professional development and continuous learning of our team members - especially that of current and emerging... Read More →
We will look at the 504 process and give teachers examples of how to manage 504 accommodations in the classroom. Teachers will understand their role in the 504 process as well as how to meet the needs of students with accommodations.
We will share about our "community circle" strategy to make authentic connections with students as well as share stories of the impact teachers have on students.
Description - Students’ brains are constantly developing, and their behavior, attention, emotional regulation, and learning needs reflect the stage of development they are in. This session will provide an overview of typical brain development across childhood and adolescence and explore how these developmental changes influence behavior and learning in the classroom. Participants will learn practical, developmentally appropriate strategies that can be implemented at different grade levels to support students’ cognitive, social, and emotional growth.
Objectives - By the end of this session, participants will be able to: Describe key stages of typical brain development across childhood and adolescence and how these stages influence learning and behavior. Apply developmentally appropriate instructional and behavioral strategies that align with students’ cognitive and self-regulation capacities. Adjust classroom expectations and supports to better match students’ developmental needs.
This session explores key characteristics of gifted learners, including cognitive, social, and emotional traits. Participants will gain a clearer understanding of how giftedness may present in diverse ways and how to recognize these traits in real-world settings.
Learn how to use Lumio from a classroom teacher. Walk through how to create sessions, learn the advantages of using Lumio in the classroom, and listen to my experiences and mistakes.
This session equips general education teachers with practical strategies to support students with diverse learning needs. Participants will learn to distinguish between accommodations and modifications, identify strategies that maintain high expectations while promoting student success, and apply grade-level appropriate supports directly to lesson planning. Emphasis will be placed on fostering student independence and confidence, and on collaborating effectively with special education staff to implement these strategies in the classroom. By the end of the session, teachers will be prepared to adapt at least one lesson to include targeted accommodations or modifications that enhance access and engagement for all learners.
Do your students’ learning experiences reflect their mastery of key skills — or are some students left behind while others coast? This session focuses on leveraging learning standards to design targeted interventions and meaningful extensions that meet every student’s needs.
Using literature to teach math in grades K–7 integrates storytelling with mathematical concepts to deepen understanding and engagement. Through carefully selected books, students can explore topics such as counting, patterns, measurement, geometry, and problem-solving in meaningful, real-world contexts. Literature helps make abstract ideas more concrete by connecting math to characters, situations, and visuals, which is especially beneficial for younger learners. It also supports vocabulary development, critical thinking, and discussion, allowing students to explain their reasoning and make connections across subjects. By embedding math within stories, teachers create a more inclusive and engaging learning environment that appeals to diverse learning styles and fosters a positive attitude toward mathematics.
1. Establish means of understanding relationship building in direct correlation to classroom behavior. 2. Have a strong set of techniques and ideas to establish strong classroom culture. 3. Have an understanding of effective classroom management and the methods that create it. 4. Understand the value of building rapport amongst and with students that directly correlates to academic and behavioral success.
This session focuses on strengthening staff skills in de-escalation using the Handle With Care framework. Participants will review key principles for recognizing early signs of escalation, responding calmly, and using proactive strategies to support students experiencing heightened emotions or stress. The training will emphasize practical techniques for maintaining safety, preserving student dignity, and preventing situations from intensifying. Through discussion, reflection, and scenario-based practice, staff will refine their ability to apply Handle With Care processes in real school settings, ensuring consistent, supportive responses that prioritize student well-being and a safe learning environment.
Participants will learn how to utilize jiu-jitsu instructional methods such as detail shading, radical praise, and error correction strategies in order to boost engagement and create a positive classroom environment. Participants will practice these teaching techniques in small groups while learning life-saving self-defense skills in a safe environment from a dual-certified Gracie jiu-jitsu instructor. This session is geared toward any district personnel P-12.
This session addresses the growing challenge of student apathy, low participation, and reluctance to engage in classroom tasks. This workshop will explore the underlying causes of disengagement and provide practical, classroom-tested strategies to re-engage learners. Objectives: - Identify key factors contributing to student disengagement and apathy - Examine research-based strategies that increase student participation and motivation - Model and experience active learning techniques that can be used across content areas
Strong family partnerships are essential to student success, yet many teachers feel unsure about how to communicate academic progress and concerns clearly and confidently. This interactive session will provide elementary educators with practical strategies for building positive relationships with families and communicating student needs in a clear, supportive, and parent-friendly way. Participants will learn a simple framework for sharing strengths, concerns, and next steps, along with strategies for explaining academic data, navigating difficult conversations, and providing families with meaningful ways to support learning at home. Through collaboration and practice, teachers will leave with ready-to-use tools that can be implemented immediately to strengthen school–home communication and support student growth.
This training provides educators and school staff with a foundational understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), including the different levels of support needs and the behavioral characteristics commonly observed in school settings. Participants will explore how autism can impact communication, social interaction, sensory processing, and behavior. The training will also address how these characteristics may present in the classroom and how staff can respond in ways that support student success and reduce misunderstandings about behavior.
Limited Capacityfull Adding this to your schedule will put you on the waitlist.
Teachers face increasing demands on their time, from lesson planning and assessment creation to parent communication and administrative tasks. This session introduces educators to the free version of ChatGPT as a practical tool to improve efficiency and enhance instructional practices.
Participants will learn how ChatGPT differs from familiar tools such as Google Search and Google Drive, and how it can generate customized materials rather than simply locating information.
Through live demonstrations and guided practice, educators will explore how ChatGPT can support: lesson planning and instructional design, assessment and rubric creation, differentiation and scaffolding, communication with families and colleagues, routine administrative tasks
Session Objectives By the end of the session, participants will: understand how ChatGPT functions and how it differs from traditional search tools, identify multiple ways ChatGPT can save time and improve workflow, practice using effective prompts to generate classroom-ready materials, evaluate appropriate and responsible uses of AI in education
K-12 educational institutions are increasingly integrating digital resources and providing students with unprecedented access to information and learning tools. This digital expansion brings the critical responsibility of protecting students from inappropriate or harmful online content. With Blocksi, classroom screen monitoring gives you in-time control and an overview of what each student is doing, which helps boost classroom productivity. You can know exactly who is on the task at hand and who is distracted by something unrelated to class work. Let's explore these classroom management strategies within Blocksi to help our learners thrive!
District Technology Integration Specialist, Conway Public Schools
An enthusiastic educator with over 17 years of experience in teaching, staff development, and education technology. Serves as the Technology Integration Specialist for Conway Public Schools in Conway, Arkansas. Background in social studies and economics. Passionate about digital citizenship... Read More →
Wednesday July 15, 2026 10:20am - 11:05am CDT CHS Project Lab 102Conway High School 2300 Prince St. Conway, AR. 72034
This professional development session will equip mid-level and secondary educators (5-12) with the foundational knowledge and practical tools needed to identify, support, and accelerate students with dyslexia and other reading difficulties using RITE Flight strategies grounded in the Science of Reading.
This is a full-day session, and all session hours are required to participate. (You will dismiss for lunch and return to complete the training.) You also will have a $5 fee for your CPR card.
I have been a Conway Public School Nurse for 18+ years and recently was honored to become the School Nurse Coordinator as well as the coordinator of the School Based Health Clinic. As school nurses our main goal is to educate our students about their bodies and how to care for them... Read More →
Wednesday July 15, 2026 10:20am - 2:55pm CDT CHS Library
Participants will experience a fun blend of dance cardio, strength training, and upbeat music designed for all fitness levels. Whether you’re a longtime fitness enthusiast or just looking for a fun way to boost your energy during PD Palooza, this session offers a great opportunity to relieve stress, build community, and prioritize wellness while having a blast!
Giving feedback to those we supervise or to our co-workers can be a challenge. But we all need it to grow and improve and most of us want it -- if given from an ally, not an adversary. This session will review how to make giving feedback to others a little less scary.
Organizational Development Manager, Conway Regional Health System
As the Organizational Development Manager for Conway Regional Health System, I manage and support the design, implementation, and evaluation of programs that promote the professional development and continuous learning of our team members - especially that of current and emerging... Read More →
We will reflect on successes and challenges from the Arts and Letters pilot. Our focus will be on the successes, challenges, and navigating through the resources.
This professional development training is designed to deepen educators’ understanding of the disability categories recognized under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Participants will explore the characteristics, eligibility criteria, and educational implications of each disability category to better support students receiving special education services.
Objectives: 1. Identify and describe the disability categories defined under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). 2. Differentiate between disability categories that may present with similar characteristics. 3. Recognize common characteristics and educational needs associated with each disability category.
Discover practical and meaningful ways to use formative assessment in the secondary classroom to drive student learning and engagement. This session will explore strategies for checking understanding, providing timely feedback, and using data to adjust instruction in real time. Participants will leave with ready-to-use ideas and tools that support student growth, encourage active learning, and help make instruction more responsive and effective across content areas
This session equips general education teachers with practical strategies to support students with diverse learning needs. Participants will learn to distinguish between accommodations and modifications, identify strategies that maintain high expectations while promoting student success, and apply grade-level appropriate supports directly to lesson planning. Emphasis will be placed on fostering student independence and confidence, and on collaborating effectively with special education staff to implement these strategies in the classroom. By the end of the session, teachers will be prepared to adapt at least one lesson to include targeted accommodations or modifications that enhance access and engagement for all learners.
Engagement isn’t accidental — it’s engineered. In this high-impact session, teachers will explore proven strategies that amplify student voice, increase cognitive demand, and foster sustained growth. Participants will leave with concrete structures, adaptable strategies, and a clearer understanding of how to build classroom momentum that lasts all year.
Do your students’ learning experiences reflect their mastery of key skills — or are some students left behind while others coast? This session focuses on leveraging learning standards to design targeted interventions and meaningful extensions that meet every student’s needs.
This session focuses on strengthening staff skills in de-escalation using the Handle With Care framework. Participants will review key principles for recognizing early signs of escalation, responding calmly, and using proactive strategies to support students experiencing heightened emotions or stress. The training will emphasize practical techniques for maintaining safety, preserving student dignity, and preventing situations from intensifying. Through discussion, reflection, and scenario-based practice, staff will refine their ability to apply Handle With Care processes in real school settings, ensuring consistent, supportive responses that prioritize student well-being and a safe learning environment.
This professional development focuses on clarifying teacher expectations of parental engagement in reading. Grounded in the Arkansas Right to Read Act, the session will outline the specific responsibilities teachers hold, including implementing evidence-based practices with fidelity, utilizing literacy screening and progress monitoring data, and maintaining accurate documentation of student support. In addition, the session will emphasize required parent engagement expectations, such as timely and clear communication of student progress, notification of reading deficiencies, and the development and sharing of read-at-home plans aligned to individual student needs. Teachers will gain a clear understanding of their role in ensuring compliance with state requirements while fostering transparent, consistent communication with families to support student literacy growth.
In this session, participants will practice speaking, listening, and having a short conversation in Spanish with the goal of being able to communicate with Spanish-speaking students and their parents.
This session is designed for educators interested in expanding their leadership capacity and navigating the challenges that come with leading others. Participants will explore strategies for managing difficult conversations, building strong relationships, making tough decisions, and effectively supporting staff and students within a school setting. Whether you’re aspiring to administration or looking to strengthen your current leadership skills, this session will provide practical insights and real-world guidance for taking the next step in your leadership journey.
This session addresses the growing challenge of student apathy, low participation, and reluctance to engage in classroom tasks. This workshop will explore the underlying causes of disengagement and provide practical, classroom-tested strategies to re-engage learners. Objectives: - Identify key factors contributing to student disengagement and apathy - Examine research-based strategies that increase student participation and motivation - Model and experience active learning techniques that can be used across content areas
Student motivation continues to be one of the most persistent challenges in today’s classrooms. Many traditional approaches (rewards, consequences, and grading systems)are producing diminishing returns, leaving teachers frustrated and students disengaged.
This session reframes motivation as something that is built through intentional classroom systems rather than something students either have or do not have. Grounded in the research and framework of The Will to Learn by Dave Stuart Jr., this session focuses on four key drivers of motivation: credibility, value, efficacy, and belonging.
Participants will examine how these drivers show up in real classrooms and how small, intentional shifts in instructional practice and classroom structure can significantly impact student engagement and effort.
Objectives:
1.) Understand the four key drivers of student motivation: credibility, value, efficacy, and belonging
2.) Identify common classroom practices that unintentionally decrease student motivation
3.) Analyze real classroom examples and strategies that increase student engagement and effort
4.) Help teachers develop a simple framework for evaluating and adjusting their own classroom practices
K-12 educational institutions are increasingly integrating digital resources and providing students with unprecedented access to information and learning tools. This digital expansion brings the critical responsibility of protecting students from inappropriate or harmful online content. With Blocksi, classroom screen monitoring gives you in-time control and an overview of what each student is doing, which helps boost classroom productivity. You can know exactly who is on the task at hand and who is distracted by something unrelated to class work. Let's explore these classroom management strategies within Blocksi to help our learners thrive!
District Technology Integration Specialist, Conway Public Schools
An enthusiastic educator with over 17 years of experience in teaching, staff development, and education technology. Serves as the Technology Integration Specialist for Conway Public Schools in Conway, Arkansas. Background in social studies and economics. Passionate about digital citizenship... Read More →
Wednesday July 15, 2026 11:15am - 12:00pm CDT CHS Project Lab 102Conway High School 2300 Prince St. Conway, AR. 72034
Participants will experience a fun blend of dance cardio, strength training, and upbeat music designed for all fitness levels. Whether you’re a longtime fitness enthusiast or just looking for a fun way to boost your energy during PD Palooza, this session offers a great opportunity to relieve stress, build community, and prioritize wellness while having a blast!
Building trust is a critical leadership skill. Whether you are leading your students, your peers, or those you supervise, the amount of influence you have is connected to the amount of trust you’ve earned. This session will review the latest research about building trust and discuss some practical tips for doing it better.
Organizational Development Manager, Conway Regional Health System
As the Organizational Development Manager for Conway Regional Health System, I manage and support the design, implementation, and evaluation of programs that promote the professional development and continuous learning of our team members - especially that of current and emerging... Read More →
Discover practical and meaningful ways to use formative assessment in the secondary classroom to drive student learning and engagement. This session will explore strategies for checking understanding, providing timely feedback, and using data to adjust instruction in real time. Participants will leave with ready-to-use ideas and tools that support student growth, encourage active learning, and help make instruction more responsive and effective across content areas
Description - Students’ brains are constantly developing, and their behavior, attention, emotional regulation, and learning needs reflect the stage of development they are in. This session will provide an overview of typical brain development across childhood and adolescence and explore how these developmental changes influence behavior and learning in the classroom. Participants will learn practical, developmentally appropriate strategies that can be implemented at different grade levels to support students’ cognitive, social, and emotional growth.
Objectives - By the end of this session, participants will be able to: Describe key stages of typical brain development across childhood and adolescence and how these stages influence learning and behavior. Apply developmentally appropriate instructional and behavioral strategies that align with students’ cognitive and self-regulation capacities. Adjust classroom expectations and supports to better match students’ developmental needs.
This session equips general education teachers with practical strategies to support students with diverse learning needs. Participants will learn to distinguish between accommodations and modifications, identify strategies that maintain high expectations while promoting student success, and apply grade-level appropriate supports directly to lesson planning. Emphasis will be placed on fostering student independence and confidence, and on collaborating effectively with special education staff to implement these strategies in the classroom. By the end of the session, teachers will be prepared to adapt at least one lesson to include targeted accommodations or modifications that enhance access and engagement for all learners.
Engagement isn’t accidental — it’s engineered. In this high-impact session, teachers will explore proven strategies that amplify student voice, increase cognitive demand, and foster sustained growth. Participants will leave with concrete structures, adaptable strategies, and a clearer understanding of how to build classroom momentum that lasts all year.
The session will highlight practical ways teachers can use IXL more effectively in their classrooms, including:
Setting realistic skill goals to prevent student frustration Using the Diagnostic and Analytics tools to guide instruction Monitoring student progress through the Real-Time Classroom view Assigning targeted skills based on student needs Using IXL data during PLC conversations or data meetings Encouraging student ownership of learning through progress tracking
Participants will also receive suggestions for incorporating IXL into daily routines such as warm-ups, intervention time, and independent practice.
Demonstrate methods of facilitating student organization of completed classwork as artifact of learning; Examine opportunities for use of artifact including student-led parent-teacher conferences and student self-evaluation of learning.
This professional development will provide teachers with essential information for effectively incorporating parent volunteers into their classrooms. Participants will learn procedures for volunteer involvement, review a volunteer sign-up process, and explore ways volunteers can support literacy instruction. Teachers will leave with clear guidance on leveraging volunteers to enhance classroom literacy instruction.
1. Establish means of understanding relationship building in direct correlation to classroom behavior. 2. Have a strong set of techniques and ideas to establish strong classroom culture. 3. Have an understanding of effective classroom management and the methods that create it. 4. Understand the value of building rapport amongst and with students that directly correlates to academic and behavioral success.
This session focuses on strengthening staff skills in de-escalation using the Handle With Care framework. Participants will review key principles for recognizing early signs of escalation, responding calmly, and using proactive strategies to support students experiencing heightened emotions or stress. The training will emphasize practical techniques for maintaining safety, preserving student dignity, and preventing situations from intensifying. Through discussion, reflection, and scenario-based practice, staff will refine their ability to apply Handle With Care processes in real school settings, ensuring consistent, supportive responses that prioritize student well-being and a safe learning environment.
In this session, teachers will explore high-impact, sentence-level writing strategies that help students build stronger, clearer writing across content areas. Grounded in explicit instruction, participants will learn how to model, scaffold, and support sentence construction so all students—especially struggling writers—can successfully express their thinking. Teachers will leave with practical strategies they can implement immediately in their classrooms.
Schools increasingly collaborate with outside providers such as ABA therapists, speech therapists, occupational therapists, and behavioral specialists who support students during the school day. While these partnerships can greatly benefit students, school staff often have questions about roles, communication, expectations, and maintaining a positive classroom environment. This interactive session will provide educators and administrators with practical strategies for working effectively with outside providers while maintaining the integrity of classroom instruction and school procedures. Participants will explore clear communication practices, collaborative problem-solving strategies, and ways to support students when multiple professionals are involved in the educational setting.
This session is designed for educators interested in expanding their leadership capacity and navigating the challenges that come with leading others. Participants will explore strategies for managing difficult conversations, building strong relationships, making tough decisions, and effectively supporting staff and students within a school setting. Whether you’re aspiring to administration or looking to strengthen your current leadership skills, this session will provide practical insights and real-world guidance for taking the next step in your leadership journey.
Just about any content area requires students to memorize information. Before students can apply and use what they know, they have to learn key facts! Students are often overwhelmed with the sheer amount of memorizing that they face in multiple subject areas, but with tips and tricks, YOU can help THEM to process loads of information fairly easily so that they can apply it to larger conceptual learning.
Student motivation continues to be one of the most persistent challenges in today’s classrooms. Many traditional approaches (rewards, consequences, and grading systems)are producing diminishing returns, leaving teachers frustrated and students disengaged.
This session reframes motivation as something that is built through intentional classroom systems rather than something students either have or do not have. Grounded in the research and framework of The Will to Learn by Dave Stuart Jr., this session focuses on four key drivers of motivation: credibility, value, efficacy, and belonging.
Participants will examine how these drivers show up in real classrooms and how small, intentional shifts in instructional practice and classroom structure can significantly impact student engagement and effort.
Objectives:
1.) Understand the four key drivers of student motivation: credibility, value, efficacy, and belonging
2.) Identify common classroom practices that unintentionally decrease student motivation
3.) Analyze real classroom examples and strategies that increase student engagement and effort
4.) Help teachers develop a simple framework for evaluating and adjusting their own classroom practices
The first part of my session would focus on opening paragraph writing techniques used (the WITS and BITS method that is used at the high school in AP World and AP US History respectively) that can start at lower grades and then build up to the high school level. The second part would focus on how teachers could help students with primary and secondary document analysis. The long-range goal is to provide vertical alignment so that when students reach the high school level, they will have a working knowledge of terminology and the basics of items they will see at the high school on a more in-depth level. Writing and document analysis have been among the biggest problems in the advanced courses, especially among students who have not previously taken an AP course.
This professional development session will equip mid-level and secondary educators (5-12) with the foundational knowledge and practical tools needed to identify, support, and accelerate students with dyslexia and other reading difficulties using RITE Flight strategies grounded in the Science of Reading.
Participants will experience a fun blend of dance cardio, strength training, and upbeat music designed for all fitness levels. Whether you’re a longtime fitness enthusiast or just looking for a fun way to boost your energy during PD Palooza, this session offers a great opportunity to relieve stress, build community, and prioritize wellness while having a blast!
Schools and districts that perform well depend on great teamwork. In this session, we will consider the specific qualities that make for ideal team players. We will also take a look at how to find/hire team players and how to coach/develop them over time.
Organizational Development Manager, Conway Regional Health System
As the Organizational Development Manager for Conway Regional Health System, I manage and support the design, implementation, and evaluation of programs that promote the professional development and continuous learning of our team members - especially that of current and emerging... Read More →
We will look at the 504 process and give teachers examples of how to manage 504 accommodations in the classroom. Teachers will understand their role in the 504 process as well as how to meet the needs of students with accommodations.
This session provides an overview of assistive technology and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) supports used to help students with communication needs participate in the special education classroom. Participants will learn about a range of assistive technology options, including low-tech supports and speech-generating devices, and how these tools can be incorporated into daily classroom routines to support communication, engagement, and independence. The session will also include demonstrations of communication supports, AAC devices, and practical strategies for modeling and implementing these supports to create more inclusive learning environments.
Learning Objectives: 1. Define assistive technology and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) 2. Identify a range of AAC supports 3. Learn strategies for integrating assistive technology into daily classroom routines
What if your campus could offer students one of the most respected leadership and service honors in the nation? In this session, we’ll explore how to establish a chapter of National Beta Club at your school and why it’s such a powerful opportunity for students and campuses alike.
Rooted in its four pillars—Achievement, Character, Leadership, and Service—National Beta recognizes and develops students who exemplify excellence both in and beyond the classroom. This is more than a club; it’s a prestigious honor society that celebrates high standards, cultivates servant leadership, and opens doors to scholarships, recognition, and lifelong impact.
Model how to collaboratively co-construct classroom social contracts that help students have buy-in to classroom culture. The goal of the social contracts is to create shared expectations that foster a positive, respectful, and inclusive learning environment. The process modeled promotes student ownership, accountability, and a sense of belonging, transforming classroom management from teacher-imposed rules to a shared, community-driven culture. Included with the process is a way to also incorporate a classroom vision that helps give a greater purpose to the learning as well.
This professional development will explore what a high-quality elementary literacy block should include to ensure strong core instruction plus additional support for all students. Participants will examine key components such as data-driven decision making, whole group instruction, small group and partner reading, and gradual release of responsibility. The session will also cover focused skill instruction, word study, oral language development, and daily writing, providing teachers with strategies to maximize student engagement and literacy growth. If time permits, participants can discuss needs within their classroom with district reading specialists (resources and professional development).
This session will help general education teachers better understand how to effectively support English Learners (ELs) in the classroom. The session will focus on practical strategies that can be applied immediately during instruction. Participants will explore instructional supports and language accommodations that help English Learners access grade-level content while continuing to develop their English language skills. Teachers will review common ESOL supports, strategies for scaffolding instruction, and ways to build language development into daily lessons. Participants will leave with a clearer understanding of their role in supporting multilingual learners while maintaining high expectations and equitable access to learning for all students.
Join us for a comprehensive training session designed to guide educators through the process of writing a successful Conway Public Schools Foundation Classroom Impact Grant application. This session will cover the key components of the grant, from understanding its purpose to crafting a compelling proposal. Participants will learn how to clearly define their classroom needs, align their projects with the Foundation’s goals, and demonstrate the potential impact on students. We’ll walk through the steps of developing a strong narrative, creating a detailed budget, and presenting measurable outcomes. Additionally, tips on effective storytelling and writing techniques will be shared to help make your application stand out.
This training provides educators and support staff with an overview of how to respond to student misbehavior using a function-based approach. Participants will learn how to identify the most common functions of behavior (escape, attention, access to tangibles, and sensory/automatic reinforcement) and how adult responses can unintentionally reinforce problem behavior. The training will focus on practical strategies for responding to behaviors in ways that address the underlying function while teaching and reinforcing appropriate replacement behaviors. Staff will review common classroom scenarios and practice selecting responses that reduce problem behavior and support positive student outcomes.
Demonstrate methods of facilitating student organization of completed classwork as artifact of learning; Examine opportunities for use of artifact including student-led parent-teacher conferences and student self-evaluation of learning
This session equips general education teachers with practical strategies to support students with diverse learning needs. Participants will learn to distinguish between accommodations and modifications, identify strategies that maintain high expectations while promoting student success, and apply grade-level appropriate supports directly to lesson planning. Emphasis will be placed on fostering student independence and confidence, and on collaborating effectively with special education staff to implement these strategies in the classroom. By the end of the session, teachers will be prepared to adapt at least one lesson to include targeted accommodations or modifications that enhance access and engagement for all learners.
This session focuses on strengthening staff skills in de-escalation using the Handle With Care framework. Participants will review key principles for recognizing early signs of escalation, responding calmly, and using proactive strategies to support students experiencing heightened emotions or stress. The training will emphasize practical techniques for maintaining safety, preserving student dignity, and preventing situations from intensifying. Through discussion, reflection, and scenario-based practice, staff will refine their ability to apply Handle With Care processes in real school settings, ensuring consistent, supportive responses that prioritize student well-being and a safe learning environment.
Teachers will explore how to move beyond memorization of vocabulary words using various strategies to incorporate vocabulary usage in meaningful ways across the subjects.
In this session, teachers will explore high-impact, sentence-level writing strategies that help students build stronger, clearer writing across content areas. Grounded in explicit instruction, participants will learn how to model, scaffold, and support sentence construction so all students—especially struggling writers—can successfully express their thinking. Teachers will leave with practical strategies they can implement immediately in their classrooms.
Description - Early experiences shape brain development. While supportive relationships promote healthy development, exposure to chronic stress and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) can alter how the brain develops and functions. These changes can influence attention, behavior, emotional regulation, and learning in the classroom. This session will provide an overview of how trauma and adverse childhood experiences affect the developing brain and how these impacts may appear in school settings. Participants will explore how trauma can influence students’ stress responses, executive functioning, and relationships with adults and peers.
Objectives - By the end of this session, participants will be able to: Describe how chronic stress and adverse childhood experiences can impact brain development. Recognize common classroom behaviors that may be linked to trauma-related stress responses. Explain how trauma can affect attention, emotional regulation, executive functioning, and learning.
