2023-24 

EA Pathways

November 9th, 2023

February 1st, 2024

April 12, 2024

8:30am - 11:30am

Locations Vary by Pathway

Specific location information will be sent via email prior to the November 9th session 


 Participants will join a pathway cohort and continue with it through all three Pathways training dates

Please read session descriptions closely, as many have specific grade levels or groups they are intended to serve. 

Questions?: CLICK HERE to request information.

Ready to Sign-Up?: CLICK HERE for the Registration Form

Elementary-Specific Pathways

SESSION FULL - Pathway 1 - Conscious Discipline - Skills and Practice

The Conscious Discipline Pathway has reached its max capaticy, and is no longer open to new registrations.

The Conscious Discipline Brain State Model reminds us of the brain's three hierarchical needs: safety, connection and problem solving. This adult first approach helps us to focus on our own sense of safety and connection so that we can be effective with our students. We will delve into the Conscious Discipline pedagogy and learn practical application appropriate for the classroom, hallways, library, cafeteria, and playground. All are welcome whether you are very familiar with Conscious Discipline or just beginning this journey!

Note: Conscious Discipline is a framework that is used at the K-5 level. As such, this training is appropriate for Elementary EAs.

Presenters: Kerri Sage

Pathway 2 - Specialized Supports for Students with Significant Needs (All LifeSkills EAs)

This pathway is intended for educational assistants who work with students in elementary life skills programs. This pathway will cover topics related to instructional methods, meaningful inclusion opportunities, physical/motor skills, early literacy programming, and much more. Presenters will include related service providers, specialists, and TOSAs.

Note: All SPED Significant Needs EAs serving our Elementary Life Skills programs should register for this pathway. 

Presenters: Kathryn Johnson, Michelle Dunn, Sarah Cascagnette, Ashlee Shupe

Everyone learns and shows what they know in different ways. iPads are powerful tools that can make reading and writing tasks more doable in ways that work best for each learner. As staff members, we all need to know how to support student access to education. We invite you to be part of this accessibility technology cohort to better build capacity to support our students. If you have some tech skills and are willing to be a leader in your building, please join us! You will need to bring a 4J issued iPad. 

Note: Please note that this Assistive Technology training will focus on iPads, and is appropriate for staff supporting elementary students. 

Presenters: Jordan Gentzkow, Kelley (Wilson) Moriarty

Secondary-Specific Pathways

Pathway 4 - This is Your Brain on Education: How Neuroscience has Changed the Way We Teach

We’ve come a long way from “Children should be seen, not heard.” As science and research peel back the layers of mystery surrounding our brains and how we learn best, the way we teach and interact with students has changed…for the better! In this session, we will explore how concepts like Growth Mindset and Neuroplasticity have changed the game, discuss content specific shifts in curriculum and instructional strategies, and look at how staff can use this knowledge to best support today’s students. 

Note: This pathway will discuss curriculum and instructional strategies specific to secondary classrooms. Please consider this if you choose to participate in this Pathway. 

Presenters: Drew White, Tammy Steeves, Sarah Ruggiero-Kirby, Reid Shepard, Marlee Litten, Tony Lyman

K-12 Pathways

Pathway 5 - Trauma and Resiliency from a Native Lens

This pathway will discuss many subjects that students and families in the 4J NATIVES program face on a daily basis. Topics will include appearance, stereotypes, Critical Race Theory, open-mindedness, and communication concepts to help our students of color succeed in an environment that is destined to make them fail. 

Presenters: Josh Davies, 


In our time together we will focus on building a toolkit to support more intensive behavior needs that individual students may have with an emphasis on problem solving strategies and preventative practices. Topics will include: Collaborative Problem Solving (CPS) and when to have these conversations, escalation cycles and how that impacts the brain, developing and implementing visual schedules, how and when to take data, as well as social skills instruction options for students. Our goal is to work together to help find supports that work in your level.

Note: This session will be very similar to the 2022-23 EA Pathway of the same name. Please consider this if you participated in last year's Pathway.

Presenters: Jason Tracy, Elizabeth Beckett, Elizabeth Perini, Sherilyn Karns

This pathway will support content including trauma-informed practices, differentiation, and promoting positive and meaningful inclusion experiences for all students. Our sessions will include activities and games, small group and whole class discussions, opportunities for movement and interaction, and provide tools and strategies for connecting with and supporting students.

Note: This session will be very similar to the 2022-23 EA Pathway of the same name. Please consider this if you participated in last year's Pathway.

Presenter: Niels Pasternak

Ready to Sign-Up?: CLICK HERE for the Registration Form