Have you ever felt overwhelmed or unprepared going into an Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) Meeting? Conducting a successful ARD meeting requires a combination of thorough planning, clear communication, and a deep understanding of each student's individual needs and goals. Join Melissa Mann for this timesaving, to the point session as we discover strategies to ensure every ARD meeting you conduct is efficient, comprehensive, and beneficial for all students involved. Get ready to transform the way you prepare for and conduct ARD meetings! Melissa’s expertise in special education will equip you with the knowledge and tools you need to ensure that every ARD meeting is a step towards your students’ success! Key Takeaways Learn the essential steps to gather and organize necessary documents, data, and information prior to the ARD meeting. Discover how to facilitate open and productive discussions among team members, ensuring all voices are heard. Gain insights into creating and reviewing IEPs that truly reflect each student's strengths, needs, and goals. Equip yourself with techniques to address and resolve conflicts that may arise during the meeting, ensuring a positive outcome for all parties involved. Presented by Melissa Mann Melissa Mann serves as a dedicated special education educator within the Madison County School System. Her teaching experience spans across a wide range of student settings, from self-contained classrooms to collaborative environments, covering grades kindergarten through sixth. Melissa's qualifications include dual certifications in both elementary education and special education, and she holds a master's degree in school counseling, further enhancing her skill set as a certified school counselor. Melissa’s impact also extends beyond the classroom where she shares her expertise at numerous in-person and virtual conferences, including the Alabama Educational Technology Conference.

How can we foster stronger partnerships with parents to support students with exceptionalities? Research shows that parental involvement significantly enhances student outcomes, and when teachers and families work as a cohesive team, students are more likely to experience success in all areas of life. Join Melissa Mann for this timesaving, to the point session as she shares proven strategies for building relationships with parents of students with exceptionalities. You'll gain resources, tools, and communication techniques to empower parents to become active partners in their child’s education journey. Get ready to bridge the gap between home and school to ensure student progress! Melissa expertise in special education will empower you with skills needed to design a home-school collaboration plan with tailored resources and communication strategies to encourage parental involvement. Key Takeaways Learn effective communication techniques that create trust and encourage collaboration with parents. Explore tools, activities, and strategies that parents can use at home to reinforce learning goals. Discover ways to establish a team mindset between families, teachers, and support staff to ensure student success. Address challenges such as time, differing expectations, and communication gaps to strengthen the home-school connection. Presented by Melissa Mann Melissa Mann serves as a dedicated special education educator within the Madison County School System. Her teaching experience spans across a wide range of student settings, from self-contained classrooms to collaborative environments, covering grades kindergarten through sixth. Melissa's qualifications include dual certifications in both elementary education and special education, and she holds a master's degree in school counseling, further enhancing her skill set as a certified school counselor. Melissa’s impact also extends beyond the classroom where she shares her expertise at numerous in-person and virtual conferences, including the Alabama Educational Technology Conference.

Are you a special education teacher looking for time management tips to make your life easier? Effective time management is crucial for managing the diverse and demanding responsibilities of special education teachers, ensuring a balanced and productive work environment. Join Melissa Mann for this timesaving, to the point session as we discover strategies to streamline daily tasks as you deal with behavior, classroom work, instructional strategies, and paperwork. Get ready to transform your approach to time management and make a lasting impact in your classroom! Melissa’s expertise in special education will equip you with the knowledge and tools you need to effectively manage your time, create a more balanced, efficient, and productive teaching environment, and ultimately enhance the educational experience for your students. Key Takeaways Learn how to prioritize tasks effectively to ensure that the most critical activities receive the attention they deserve. Discover organizational strategies that reduce clutter and streamline classroom activities, creating a more efficient learning environment. Explore time-efficient behavior management techniques that help maintain a positive and productive classroom atmosphere. Gain insights into methods for reducing and simplifying paperwork, allowing more time for direct student support. Presented by Melissa Mann Melissa Mann serves as a dedicated special education educator within the Madison County School System. Her teaching experience spans across a wide range of student settings, from self-contained classrooms to collaborative environments, covering grades kindergarten through sixth. Melissa's qualifications include dual certifications in both elementary education and special education, and she holds a master's degree in school counseling, further enhancing her skill set as a certified school counselor. Melissa’s impact also extends beyond the classroom where she shares her expertise at numerous in-person and virtual conferences, including the Alabama Educational Technology Conference.

Have you ever wondered how mobile devices can be used to support visually impaired students in the classroom? Mobile technology offers a wide range of accessibility features, including screen readers, magnification, speech-to-text, and voice control, that can support students with visual impairments in accessing digital content and navigating their devices independently. Join Dr. Samantha Fecich for this timesaving, to the point session as we explore different accessibility options that are available on mobile devices and how to operate and activate this accommodation for students who are blind or visually impaired. In addition, she will share some specific applications for these devices and discuss how they can be used in the classroom. Get ready to create a more inclusive classroom environment for visually impaired students! Samantha’s expertise in special education will provide you with the tools and resources you need to provide your students with additional support in areas such as reading, writing, organization, and communication. Key Takeaways Explore different accessibility options available on mobile devices, including screen readers, magnification, speech-to-text, and voice control, and learn how to customize these features to meet the needs of visually impaired students. Discover a variety of mobile apps designed to support visually impaired students in areas such as reading, writing, organization, and communication, and learn how to integrate these apps into your classroom to enhance the learning experience for all students. Learn practical strategies for creating a more inclusive classroom environment for visually impaired students, from designing accessible instructional materials to providing individualized support and accommodations. Gain insights into the ethical considerations and best practices for using mobile technology to support visually impaired students, including issues of privacy, equity, and accessibility, and learn how to navigate these challenges responsibly. Presented by Dr. Samantha Fecich Dr. Samantha Fecich teaches preservice teachers at Grove City College in Grove City, Pennsylvania. She has the honor and the pleasure of working with them in their courses related to educational technology and special education. Samantha is also the author of two books designed to support the new and future educator; EduMagic: A Guide for Preservice Teachers, and EduMagic Shine On: A Guide for New Teachers. In addition, she is also the host of the EduMagic Podcast, which shines a light on the work of future teachers.

Multi-tiered System of Supports (MTSS) is an organizational framework used to ensure that each students’ needs are met through increasingly targeted interventions across three levels of support. Join Melissa Mann for this time-saving, to the point session as she shares strategies for matching interventions to secondary students’ individual needs and monitoring their progress to make decisions about changes in instruction, interventions, and student goals. You will also walk away with a sampling of evidence-based MTSS interventions for secondary students that can be adapted for various grade levels and subject areas. Presented by Melissa Mann

A good working relationship between a teacher and a paraprofessional is essential to meeting the needs of diverse learners in the classroom. Join Michelle Dragalin for this time-saving, to the point session as she shares how paraprofessionals can assist special education teachers with tasks related to planning, organization, and management. You will also walk away with an understanding of the roles and responsibilities of paraprofessionals and how they provide instructional, behavioral, and other support to special education students. Presented by Michelle Dragalin Michelle Dragalin is an online freelance writer, curriculum developer, adjunct professor, and instructional designer. She holds a Master’s degree in curriculum and instruction and a Specialist’s degree in educational technology. Michelle has experience as a paraprofessional, a head start teacher, and working with diverse learners in grades Pre-K through ten.

Paraprofessionals are credentialed educators who work alongside certified teachers and are vital members of a school’s support staff. Join Michelle Dragalin for this time-saving, to the point session as she shares four common ways that paraprofessionals provide instructional, behavioral, and other support to students in and outside of the classroom. You will also walk away with a variety of resources that will help paraprofessionals and general education teachers collaborate to meet the needs of diverse learners. Presented by Michelle Dragalin Michelle Dragalin is an online freelance writer, curriculum developer, adjunct professor, and instructional designer. She holds a Master’s degree in curriculum and instruction and a Specialist’s degree in educational technology. Michelle has experience as a paraprofessional, a head start teacher, and working with diverse learners in grades Pre-K through ten.

Presented by: Michelle Cheasty Session Description:Distance learning isn't easy for most students, but it is particularly difficult for special needs students that require individualized education programs (IEPs). Join Dr. Michelle Cheasty as she shares strategies for transitioning your students' IEP goals from a face-to-face to a virtual environment. You'll also learn some online tools for organizing and delivering instruction, as well as how to document that your students' IEP goals are being met.

Are you passionate about creating a learning environment where every student, regardless of their abilities, can thrive? Imagine a classroom where students feel valued and empowered to reach their full potential. Join Michelle Dragalin for this hands-on, interactive workshop as she shares practical insights and actionable strategies that can truly make a difference in the education of students with special needs. Get ready to take your teaching to the next level and design a more inclusive and equitable classroom! Michelle’s expertise will equip you with the tools and knowledge you need to make a meaningful impact on your students’ lives. Key Takeaways Discover strategies to differentiate your teaching to meet the diverse needs of students with special needs, ensuring that no one is left behind. Learn how to design lessons and learning materials that cater to various learning styles, making your classroom a welcoming space for all. Explore ways to collaborate with support staff, parents, and specialists to create a cohesive support system for students with special needs. Master the art of assessment that fosters student growth and development, allowing every student to shine. Presented by Michelle Dragalin Michelle Dragalin is a versatile online freelance writer, curriculum developer, adjunct professor, and instructional designer. With a master's degree in curriculum and instruction, as well as a specialist’s degree in educational technology, Michelle brings a wealth of expertise to the field. Her background includes roles as a paraprofessional and head start teacher, along with extensive experience in catering to diverse learners across Pre-K to tenth grades.

Are you ready to unlock the potential of every student in your classroom? Inclusive education involves meeting the diverse needs of every student, and for those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), tailored intervention strategies are paramount. Join Melissa Mann as she guides you through evidence-based techniques that will enable you to create a supportive and nurturing learning environment. Prepare to gain invaluable insights into effective intervention strategies that will transform your teaching approach and empower your students to reach their full potential! Melissa’s special education expertise and engaging presentation style will inspire you to create a classroom where students with ASD can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Key Takeaways Gain a deep understanding of autism spectrum disorder, exploring its core characteristics and how they influence students' learning experiences. Discover proven intervention strategies that can be seamlessly integrated into your teaching practices to promote communication, social skills, and academic growth. Learn how to develop personalized intervention plans that cater to the unique needs and strengths of each student with ASD. Explore techniques for fostering collaboration between educators, parents, and specialists, ensuring a holistic and cohesive support system for students with ASD. Presented by Melissa Mann Melissa Mann serves as a dedicated special education educator within the Madison County School System. Her teaching experience spans across a wide range of student settings, from self-contained classrooms to collaborative environments, covering grades kindergarten through sixth. Melissa's qualifications include dual certifications in both elementary education and special education, and she holds a master's degree in school counseling, further enhancing her skill set as a certified school counselor. Melissa’s impact also extends beyond the classroom where she shares her expertise at numerous in-person and virtual conferences, including the Alabama Educational Technology Conference.

Presented by: Michelle Cheasty Session Description:Did you know that the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) allows IEP teams to use alternative means of meeting participation, such as video conferences and conference calls? Join Dr. Michelle Cheasty as she shares best practices for hosting effective and efficient virtual IEP meetings. You'll learn how to create and document your virtual IEP meetings, how to upload a draft copy of the IEP, as well as how to make changes in real- time, and more!

Presented by: Michelle Dragalin Teaching children with disabilities may seem like a challenge, but it can also be an incredible gift. Not only do these students contribute to the classroom, but they also help their peers and teachers grow. Join Michelle Dragalin as she shares strategies for teaching and supporting students with disabilities, as well as techniques that will help you build a stronger foundation as a teacher! You will also walk away with templates to include in your substitute teacher file for times when the regular education teacher and/or special education teacher are not available

Presented by: Melissa Mann Session Description: Special education teachers are essential to providing students with the learning activities and experiences they need to fulfill their potential for intellectual, emotional, physical, and social growth. Join Melissa Mann as she shares the basics of special education, including the key terminology and definitions frequently used by schools and districts. You will also walk away with a basic understanding of special education laws, the process for determining eligibility, and categories of disabilities. Assessment: Participants will complete an exit ticket in Google Jamboard to demonstrate their understanding of the session objectives and reflect on their learning.

Presented by: Melissa Mann Session Description: The essential standards are complex and rigorous for most students, but this is especially true for those students with exceptionalities. Join Melissa Mann as she discusses how collaborative teachers can increase rigor so their students can meet the standards for writing, math, speaking, and listening. You will also walk away with best practices for special education teachers participating in the PLC process. Assessment: Participants will join a collaborative backchannel chat and discuss best practices to increase rigor to demonstrate their understanding of the session objectives and reflect on their learning.

Presented by: Michelle Cheasty Session Description:Special education students have a unique set of needs that are challenging to meet in the best of learning environments. Join Dr. Michelle Cheasty as she shares strategies for supporting the needs of SPED students the virtual classroom. You'll also learn some online tools to reinforce skills in reading and math, provide small group and 1:1 instruction, including augmented reality tools that will bring information to life!

How can we create a supportive classroom environment for students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) while addressing their unique developmental needs? Students with Autism often encounter a range of behavioral challenges that can impact their learning experience. Join Ryan Jeffery to explore evidence-based approaches that foster positive behaviors, enhance learning, and create a more inclusive classroom. Get ready to embark on this informative journey and discover effective behavior strategies that empower students with ASD to thrive academically and socially! Ryan’s expertise will empower you with practical tools and resources to address behavioral challenges and foster an atmosphere of growth, understanding, and achievement. Key Takeaways Gain insights into the connection between autism spectrum disorder and behavior, understanding triggers, and responses. Learn how to develop and implement tailored behavior plans that address the unique needs of students with Autism. Discover practical strategies for utilizing positive reinforcement to encourage desired behaviors and foster a positive classroom environment. Explore approaches for enhancing communication and social interaction skills in students with Autism, leading to improved behavior and engagement. Presented by Ryan Jeffery Ryan Jeffery is an accredited PreK-12 administrator and a leading behavior intervention specialist within within the realm of public education. Renowned for his expertise in deciphering challenging behaviors, Ryan assists educators in achieving student cooperation through composed, assured, and uniform behavior management methods enabling them to navigate defiant behaviors and cultivate an environment conducive to learning.

Presented by: Melissa Mann Session Description:In this session, Melissa Mann will expand on how to use some of the tools she introduced in her Showcase Session "Teaching Students with Exceptionalities in the Remote Classroom." This webinar will go more in-depth to show you how to use the tools and practical applications to the special education environment. Some tools covered in this session include Google Forms, Jamboard, Edpuzzle and more.

Are you a teacher searching for effective ways to support students with fine motor, auditory, and visual needs in the digital age? Embracing technology as a tool for inclusivity can enhance teacher well-being and witnessing the progress and growth of all your students is incredibly rewarding. Join Melissa Mann for this hands-on, interactive workshop as she guides you through the world of assistive technology and its potential to transform learning experiences for students with diverse needs. Get ready to harness the power of technology to create inclusive and engaging learning experiences in your classroom! Melissa’s expertise in accessibility will inspire you to create an enriching learning environment that meets the unique needs of each individual student. Key Takeaways Dive into a comprehensive toolbox of assistive technology tools designed to support students with fine motor, auditory, and visual needs, including apps, software, and devices that enhance accessibility. Explore strategies for tailoring learning experiences to meet individual students' needs. Learn how to adapt and personalize technology tools to optimize engagement and learning outcomes. Discover ways to foster collaboration among students with diverse needs. Melissa will share techniques for creating inclusive group activities and projects that promote peer support and learning. Learn how to use technology tools to assess student progress and track their growth effectively. Discover how data-driven insights can inform your teaching strategies. Presented by Melissa Mann Melissa Mann serves as a dedicated special education educator within the Madison County School System. Her teaching experience spans across a wide range of student settings, from self-contained classrooms to collaborative environments, covering grades kindergarten through sixth. Melissa's qualifications include dual certifications in both elementary education and special education, and she holds a master's degree in school counseling, further enhancing her skill set as a certified school counselor. Melissa’s impact also extends beyond the classroom where she shares her expertise at numerous in-person and virtual conferences, including the Alabama Educational Technology Conference.

Presented by: Melissa Mann Session Description:Join us as we take a look at ways to adapt instruction online for students with exceptionalities. In both the brick and mortar, and online classroom, it is important to differentiate our instruction to help all students. In this session, we will take a specific look at how to adapt our online teaching and learning model to specifically address this population of students. Join expert teacher trainer, Melissa Mann, as she shares a variety of tools and strategies to keep students with exceptionalities engaged and learning even through distance learning.

Presented by: Michelle Cheasty Session Description:Teachers are often looking for the best tech tools for special needs students, as well as for students who do not have a special needs diagnosis but could also benefit from “just a little extra.” Join Dr. Michelle Cheasty as she shares a variety of resources to help diverse learners succeed in any classroom. You will learn how to effectively use the assistive tools built into mobile devices, as well as strategies for providing individualized learning opportunities for your students.

Presented by: Melissa Mann Session Description:In this session, Melissa Mann will expand on how to use some of the tools she introduced in her Showcase Session "Teaching Students with Exceptionalities in the Remote Classroom." This webinar will go more in-depth to show you how to use the tools and practical applications to the special education environment. Some tools covered in this session include Kahoot, Quizlet, Classtools, Flippity, and more!

Presented by: Melissa Mann Session Description:Do you struggle to keep up with daily data collection and note-taking in your special ed classroom? There are a variety of tech tools that can help make data collection and note-taking much smoother – and you may already be using some of these tools for other things. Join Melissa Mann as she shares ways to use a variety of free productivity apps that will help make your day flow a little smoother. Whether you have a mobile device or just a computer, this webinar will have something for you!

Teaching online is much more than understanding how to use technology – it requires a lot of work, planning, and preparation to make the transition. This is especially true for teachers who are supporting students with disabilities. Whether you are 100% online, or a blended classroom, it is critically important to make sure your learning experiences designed for all learners. Join us as we explore extra considerations and practical implementations necessary for designing online learning for IEP Students.

Are you passionate about creating an inclusive, diverse, equitable, and accessible learning space for all learners? As educators, we can provide our students with the tools they need to succeed in an increasingly diverse world. Join Dr. Courtney Teague for this transformative session where you will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to create a classroom environment that not only embraces the IDEA principles but also empowers every student to reach their full potential. Get ready to embark on this informative journey and take a significant step toward becoming a more inclusive and effective educator! Do not miss this opportunity to learn from Dr. Courtney Teague, a renowned expert in the field, and start your journey towards cultivating the IDEA! Key Takeaways Understand the importance of inclusive education and how to create a welcoming classroom atmosphere where all students feel valued, respected, and supported. Learn strategies for celebrating and leveraging the diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives of your students to enrich the learning environment. Explore techniques to identify and address disparities in educational opportunities, ensuring that every student has an equitable chance to succeed. Discover practical ways to make your curriculum and classroom materials more accessible to students with diverse needs, including those with disabilities. Presented by Dr. Courtney Teague Dr. Courtney Teague brings a wealth of educational experience to her role as a certified executive coach and change management practitioner. Throughout her career, she has worn many hats, including serving as an administrator during her assignment at McKinsey & Company and as a director of coaching for Verizon Innovative Learning Schools. With over two decades dedicated to education, Courtney has become a respected voice in the global education community. Her extensive expertise is reflected in her frequent engagements as a speaker at conferences worldwide. In these settings, Courtney passionately addresses essential topics such as inclusion, neurodiversity, equity, accessibility, and sustainability, inspiring positive change within the education landscape.

Multi-tiered System of Supports (MTSS) is an organizational framework used to ensure that each students’ needs are met through increasingly targeted interventions across three levels of support. Join Melissa Mann as she shares an introduction to MTSS and how it can be used to match the results of academic and social-emotional behavior assessments with the appropriate instructional resources to ensure the success of every student. You will also walk away with a glossary of key terms that will help you develop your baseline knowledge of the MTSS infrastructure. This is session one of four for the series titled “MTSS and Interventions for the Classroom.” Presented by Melissa Mann NOTE: While we recommend that you attend all four sessions of the series to meet the learning objectives, each session can be attended as a standalone. Full Members also have access to view the recordings on demand and earn up to two continuing education credits.

Are your IEP (Individualized Education Program) meetings leaving you feeling overwhelmed or unproductive? It is time to transform these crucial gatherings into dynamic and results-driven sessions that truly benefit your students. Join Melissa Mann as she shares 20 game-changing strategies designed to transform your IEP meetings into productive, collaborative sessions that truly benefit your students. Get ready to unleash the potential of your IEP meetings to create a more inclusive and student-focused educational experience! Melissa's expertise will empower you to approach these crucial gatherings with fresh insights, ensuring that each meeting is a step closer to your students' success. Key Takeaways - Discover strategies to streamline data gathering and preparation, ensuring that IEP meetings are well-organized and focused. - Learn techniques to foster meaningful collaboration with parents and guardians, turning them into proactive partners in the IEP process. - Explore approaches to set goals that prioritize each student's unique needs and aspirations, empowering them to take charge of their learning journey. - Master the art of conducting IEP meetings that are constructive, collaborative, and result-oriented, ensuring that everyone's time is used effectively.

Multi-tiered System of Supports (MTSS) is an organizational framework used to ensure that each students’ needs are met through increasingly targeted interventions across three levels of support. Join Melissa Mann for this time-saving, to the point session as she shares strategies for matching behavior interventions to individual students’ needs and monitoring their progress to make decisions about changes in instruction, interventions and/or student goals. You will also walk away with a sampling of evidence-based behavior interventions for MTSS that can be adapted for various grade levels and subject areas. Presented by Melissa Mann

Do you ever find yourself navigating the complexities of special education services for your students? Whether you are a seasoned educator or just beginning your teaching journey, it is essential to ensure the rights and needs of students with disabilities are being met. Join Melissa Mann as she addresses fundamental questions and provide invaluable insights into the legal landscape that governs special education in the United States. Prepare to enhance your knowledge of the key federal laws governing special education to ensure that you are providing the best possible support for your students with disabilities! Melissa's expertise in the special education field and her ability to distill complex legal concepts into practical guidance make this a valuable resource for educators at all levels. Key Takeaways Understand the legal framework that governs special education services including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. Gain practical guidance on how to ensure compliance with special education laws while providing the best possible education for students with disabilities. Explore the intricacies of the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process and the legal requirements surrounding its development and implementation. Learn about the rights and responsibilities of students with disabilities, their families, and educators under special education laws and explore how these laws protect students and guide educators in providing appropriate services. Presented by Melissa Mann Melissa Mann serves as a dedicated special education educator within the Madison County School System. Her teaching experience spans across a wide range of student settings, from self-contained classrooms to collaborative environments, covering grades kindergarten through sixth. Melissa's qualifications include dual certifications in both elementary education and special education, and she holds a master's degree in school counseling, further enhancing her skill set as a certified school counselor. Melissa’s impact also extends beyond the classroom where she shares her expertise at numerous in-person and virtual conferences, including the Alabama Educational Technology Conference.