SPED Featured Presenters

Frog Street is an early childhood educational publishing company, helping to guide the next generation of children to success through research-based curriculum, digital resources and professional development. They provide intentional age-appropriate instruction that is aligned to both federal and state standards. Their comprehensive, research-based programs integrate instruction across developmental domains and early learning disciplines.This engaging, interactive program celebrates meeting the needs of diverse learners while children travel down the road to success.

Help your students reach a deeper, more personal understanding. Our solutions combine expertise in learning science and pedagogy with a variety of content and engaging instructional tools.

At Great Minds we want to make the world a more knowledge-rich place. We know every child is capable of greatness. We are here to improve Pre-K through grade 12 education by supporting teachers with best-in-class curriculum materials and implementation products and services in math, English, science, history and other subjects. Best-in-class curriculum is knowledge-driven, coherent, uses research-based instructional methods that are proven to work for all learners, including but not limited to striving readers, students with dyslexia and English language learners.

Catapult Learning is dedicated to providing education solutions that generate demonstrable academic achievement and better life outcomes for students, regardless of the learning obstacles or other challenges they face. Our team of over 5,000 educators works to achieve sustained academic gains and build teacher and leadership capacity through evidence-based programs that include student instruction and family support services, professional development, special education and alternative education programs. Utilizing a suite of proprietary, research-based programs, Catapult Learning works with students and teachers in public and nonpublic schools throughout the country and around the globe.

Heather is currently in the dissertation stage of earning an Educational Doctoral degree in Educational Leadership with an emphasis in Organizational Development. She has a principal certification from Lamar University. She holds a Master’s degree from Grand Canyon University in the field of Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in English Language Arts. She is a proud alumna of Thee Prairie View A&M University where she obtained a Bachelors of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies with an emphasis in English Language Arts. She is a digital learning specialist for Aldine Independent School District. She currently works hand and hand with the district program directors in the area of STEM, RTI, Special Education, Gifted and Talented, Social Emotional Learning, and New Teacher to aid in blending technology into their programs for all of Aldine ISD. Heather has over 20 year’s experience in the field of education as an educator, instructional coach, district staff development trainer, and curriculum writer. She is also a website builder, video creator and editor. She is well versed in multiple Ed Tech tools. Heather comes with rich passion for the field of education and enjoys sharing it with all who are willing to receive it.

Dr. Jocelyn McDonald is an educational technologist, podcaster, blogger, and founder of #TechItUp, LLC. #TechItUp, LLC is a professional learning and technology solutions company dedicated to supporting educators and educational leaders with the implementation of technology to create meaningful student learning experiences. She has trained and developed thousands of teachers, school administrators, instructional specialists and various educators on effective practices to integrate technology, instructional design, efficient and sustainable systems, as well as change management and strategic planning. She is a proud advocate for social change in education and is dedicated to making a positive impact. She was featured, as a contributing author, in the book Women Who Lead in Technology and continues to create meaningful learning experiences for students in underrepresented communities through hosting Digital Skills Camps and STEM events. She holds a Bachelors in Chemistry, Masters in Curriculum and Instruction in Instructional Technology, and a Ph.D. in Educational Technology. With 16+ years in education, she is passionate about supporting the transformation of education through technology for equitable access to 21st-century education while also serving as a Program Director for Technology Applications, Computer Science, and STEM for an urban school district in Houston, Texas. She makes strong efforts to use her influence to impact achievement in schools by building relationships with various stakeholders and looks forward to closing equity and diversity gaps in education.