Presenter: Dante Chavarria

Session Description: This session will equip individuals with valuable skills to manage conflicts effectively and create a more harmonious learning environment by:

• Promoting Calm Communication: Training in de-escalation will teach individuals to communicate calmly. This reduces tension and helps prevent conflicts from escalating.

• Enhancing Conflict Resolution Skills: Participant will learn techniques to resolve disputes peacefully. This is especially useful in high-stress environments, such as workplaces or schools.

• Building Empathy and Understanding: This training encourages individuals to understand others' perspectives. This fosters empathy, making it easier to handle difficult situations.

Room: Medina/La Salle

Ideal for: Behavior/SEL, ECSE, Paraprofessionals, Autism, Low Incidence Disabilities

Session Handouts

Presenter: Angela Standridge, TTAP

Session Description: Almost every student has a cell phone, tablet, or computer. Almost no one knows about the accessibility features built into modern the system software. Do any of your students have difficulty seeing, hearing, or processing information? There are solutions to help right in front of you! Come explore the supports to enable Texas' students to access your classroom and their world! 

Room: Kinney/Kerr

Ideal for: Assistive Technology, SLP, Inclusive Practices, DHH, Low Incidence Disabilities 

Session Handouts

Presenter: Kelly-Anne Carroll

Session Description: Every student deserves a hero, but every great teacher needs a reliable utility belt. Just as every superhero undergoes rigorous training before the big battle, our students with disabilities require intentional, individualized support to access the general education curriculum. We will unpack the "Fantastic Four" of SDI instructional strategies to ensure every learner in your classroom can soar.

Room: Real/Maverick

Ideal for: Inclusive Practices, All, Leadership, Paraprofessionals, Evaluation

Session Handouts

Presenter: Evelyn Villarreal

Session Description: How do we distinguish a language difference from a language disorder when a child’s linguistic background doesn’t match our own? This session moves beyond "Standard English" norms to explore the overarching principles of culturally and linguistically responsive assessment. Participants will journey through a four-part framework: starting with the critical decision of which languages to assess, moving through the four pillars of a comprehensive bilingual evaluation, and mastering the nuances of collaborative work with interpreters. We’ll wrap up with a curated "toolkit" of language-specific resources designed to support clinicians in making confident, evidence-based diagnostic decisions for every child.

Room: Magnolia

Ideal for: SLP, Evaluation, Leadership

Session Handouts

Presenter: Sam Gonzalez

Session Description: Even the mightiest heroes have a civilian start, and for our students in Texas, that origin story begins with the Foundation High School Program. Since the 2014-2015 school year, this has been the default "Training Academy" for every student entering the ninth grade. But how do we ensure our students with unique superpowers—those receiving Special Education services—successfully navigate the path to graduation?

Room: Mesquite

Ideal for: Secondary/Post-Secondary, Inclusive Practices, Leadership

Session Handouts

Presenter: Lisa Kirby

Session Description: In every school system, educators hold powerful “superpowers” that can transform student outcomes when effectively activated through coaching. In this IGNITE Superheroes session, participants will learn how to unleash coaching strategies that strengthen IEP development, enhance specially designed instruction (SDI), and support teacher growth.

Room: Oak

Ideal for: Leadership, Inclusive Practices, Evaluation, All

Session Handouts

Presenter: Marge Walsh, Fun & Function

Session Description: Understanding behavior through a sensory processing lens, this session focuses on differentiating between behavioral tantrums and sensory meltdowns. It covers supporting self-regulation through co-regulation and sensory tools, as well as the effective use of sensory spaces and portable supports. Additionally, the presentation will address promoting inclusion by reducing sensory barriers, sharing free resources such as activity guides and data collection, and emphasizing positive, supportive strategies over punitive approaches.

Room: Maple

Ideal for: Inclusive Practices, Behavior/SEL, Autism, ECSE, Paraprofessionals

Session Handouts

Presenter: Robert Higle

Session Description: "I've come to the frightening conclusion that I am the decisive element in the classroom". This session focuses on the profound impact an educator's behavior has on student achievement and the overall learning environment. Participants will examine the critical relationship between student behavior and teacher response, emphasizing that while frustration is real, maintaining professional control is essential to protecting the safety and welfare of students. 

This session provides the tools to move from a classroom on the verge of chaos to a supportive environment built on clear boundaries and positive modeling.

Room: Laurel

Ideal for: Behavior/SEL, Paraprofessionals, Leadership, All

Session Handouts

Presenter: Goldie Tappan

Session Description: Every hero has a beginning, and for math-minded champions, it starts with a rock-solid sense of number. In this session, we will use the basics of Multisensory Math to explore the "DNA" of math success: Numeracy and Subitizing. Learn how to help students see patterns instantly and build a foundation so strong, no villainous math problem can topple it.

Room: Pecan

Ideal for: Dyslexia, Inclusive Practices, ECSE, Low Incidence Disabilities, Paraprofessionals

Session Handouts