Aledo ISD Empower 2025: Full Schedule

Welcome to Aledo ISD’s Professional Learning Academy Empower 2025!

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8:30am CDT

Keynote with Jack Berckemeyer - Optimism and Opportunity LIMITED

Thursday May 29, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am CDT

Inspiring, humorous and applicable to all in attendance. Choosing optimism—even in the face of tough challenges—helps restore the healthy interactions and positive relationships necessary for enacting real school change. Hear how teachers and school leaders can rekindle their individual and collective enthusiasm for a profession that has been progressively inundated with negativity. Be prepared to learn, to laugh, and to leave with a renewed sense of purpose. This is a fact-based, positive approach to “taking back our profession.” Research-based strategies, practical examples, and thought-provoking scenarios will be included.

Speakers

Jack Berckemeyer

Owner, Berckemeyer Consulting Group

A nationally recognized presenter, author, and humorist, Jack Berckemeyer began his career as a middle school teacher in Denver, Colorado. After only two years, he was recognized as the outstanding educator at his school and in his district. Then in 2003, Jack received the Outstanding... Read More →

Thursday May 29, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am CDT
Cafetorium

Wellness

Audience 3rd-5th, 6th-8th, 9th-12th, Administrators, PreK-2nd
Credit 1.5hr, CPE, FLEX

10:15am CDT

Big Top Instruction: When it’s planned for the circus to come to the classroom! LIMITED

Thursday May 29, 2025 10:15am - 11:45am CDT

B107

Join us for dynamic learning session where you'll explore engaging instructional strategies that spark student thinking and creativity. Discover how to make the Rigor and Relevance Rubrics the driving force behind meaningful, impactful instruction.

Speakers

Kristee Allen

Teacher, Aledo ISD

Donna Bonaldi

Teacher, Aledo ISD

Jordan Huemoeller

Thursday May 29, 2025 10:15am - 11:45am CDT
B107

Cross-disciplinary

Audience 6th-8th, 9th-12th
Credit 1.5hr, CPE, FLEX, ESL, GT

10:15am CDT

Crucial Conversations: Strengthening Teacher-Parent Communication LIMITED

Thursday May 29, 2025 10:15am - 11:45am CDT

Lecture Hall

Effective communication between teachers and parents is essential for student success, yet navigating difficult or sensitive conversations can be challenging. This professional development session, "Crucial Conversations: Strengthening Teacher-Parent Communication," will equip educators with the tools and strategies needed to engage in meaningful, respectful, and solution-focused discussions with parents.

Participants will explore techniques for de-escalating tense situations, addressing concerns with empathy, and fostering a partnership approach to student learning. Through real-world scenarios, role-playing exercises, and guided discussions, teachers will build confidence in handling challenging conversations while maintaining professionalism and positive relationships.

By the end of this session, educators will leave with practical strategies to enhance parent communication, promote collaboration, and ensure that every conversation—no matter how difficult—leads to positive outcomes for students.

Speakers

Amanda Sudderth

campus, Aledo

Jake Bean

Assistant Principal, Aledo

Jennifer Schull

Nancy Kocurek

Catherine Clay

Jennifer Grimm

Stephanie Smith

Thursday May 29, 2025 10:15am - 11:45am CDT
Lecture Hall

Parent Communication

Audience 3rd-5th, 6th-8th, 9th-12th, PreK-2nd, Administrators
Credit 1.5hr, CPE, FLEX

10:15am CDT

Student Engagement and Motivation with Jack Berckemeyer LIMITED

Thursday May 29, 2025 10:15am - 11:45am CDT

Cafetorium

Looking for great ways to motivate students? These hands-on ideas are perfect for all subjects. Easy to use and implement in any classroom or school. No technology, just fun and practical solutions.

Speakers

Jack Berckemeyer

Owner, Berckemeyer Consulting Group

Thursday May 29, 2025 10:15am - 11:45am CDT
Cafetorium

Student Engagement

Audience 3rd-5th, 6th-8th, 9th-12th, PreK-2nd
Credit 1.5hr, CPE, FLEX

10:15am CDT

Modified Curriculum for Students with Disabilities LIMITED

Thursday May 29, 2025 10:15am - 11:45am CDT

Library

Join us for a professional learning session on effectively implementing curriculum modifications for students with disabilities. Participants will explore the difference between accommodations and modifications, when and how to apply modifications, and the roles of those responsible for instruction and grading. The session also includes guidance from TEA and Aledo ISD to support informed ARD committee decisions. Don’t miss this chance to enhance your practice and support all learners.

Speakers

Lisa Cole

Aledo ISD

Thursday May 29, 2025 10:15am - 11:45am CDT
Library

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Audience 3rd-5th, 6th-8th, 9th-12th, PreK-2nd
Credit 1.5hr, CPE, FLEX

10:15am CDT

Ctrl + Alt + Teach: AI in the Elementary Classroom LIMITED

Thursday May 29, 2025 10:15am - 11:45am CDT

A111

In our ever-changing world, artificial intelligence is reshaping the way we teach and learn. As AI tools become more accessible, it’s essential to equip students with the knowledge and skills to engage with AI safely, ethically, and effectively. This session will explore practical ways K-12 educators can integrate AI into the classroom while fostering critical thinking, digital literacy, and responsible use. Join us as we navigate the opportunities and challenges of AI-powered learning—because the future of education isn’t just about keeping up, it’s about leading the way!

Speakers

Emily Kelley

5th Grade RLA, Walsh Elementary

Lori Cain

Thursday May 29, 2025 10:15am - 11:45am CDT
A111

Technology Integration

Audience 3rd-5th, 6th-8th, PreK-2nd
Subject Artificial Intelligence
Credit 1.5hr, CPE, ESL, FLEX, GT

10:15am CDT

Leading From the Heart LIMITED

Thursday May 29, 2025 10:15am - 11:45am CDT

A103

This session will guide educators on 3 main points to keep an engaging lesson, how to inspire critical thinking, and how to connect to all students, or staff in the case of administrators.

Speakers

Giselle Noack

Thursday May 29, 2025 10:15am - 11:45am CDT
A103

Wellness

Audience 3rd-5th, 6th-8th, 9th-12th, PreK-2nd
Subject Classroom Management
Credit 1.5hr, CPE, FLEX, GT

10:15am CDT

Level Up! Get More From Your Game LIMITED

Thursday May 29, 2025 10:15am - 11:45am CDT

A107

In this wellness session, we will explore practical strategies to boost resilience, recharge energy, and power-up overall wellbeing—so you feel “super” ready to take on the next school year.

Speakers

Amber Wheeler

RLA Instructional Specialist, Aledo ISD

Thursday May 29, 2025 10:15am - 11:45am CDT
A107

Wellness

Audience 3rd-5th, 6th-8th, 9th-12th, PreK-2nd
Credit 1.5hr, CPE, FLEX

1:00pm CDT

Curious by Design: Sparking Deeper Thinking with 5 Essential Questions and Role-Based Scenarios LIMITED

Thursday May 29, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT

B107

Get ready to transform your classroom conversations from surface-level to thought-provoking! In this energizing session, participants will explore how five simple but powerful questions—like “Wait, what?” and “I wonder...?”—can unlock deeper academic dialogue. Drawing from real classroom examples, including immersive role-based scenarios and Socratic seminars, this session demonstrates how to engage students in higher-level thinking across content areas. Whether you're looking to boost student voice, create equity in discussions, or just hear your students say, “That actually made me think,” you’ll leave equipped with practical tools and inspired to lead with curiosity.

Speakers

Melinda Jones

Hunter Meroney

Science Teacher

Thursday May 29, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT
B107

Cross-disciplinary

Audience 3rd-5th, 6th-8th, 9th-12th, PreK-2nd
Subject Academic Disucssion
Credit 1.5hr, CPE, FLEX, GT

1:00pm CDT

Desmos in Secondary Math and Science LIMITED

Thursday May 29, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT

A103

Now that Desmos Calculator is built into STAAR (8th math and Algebra 1 EOC), Math and Science AP and PSAT/SAT exams, let's learn how to use Desmos as a tool in secondary math and science courses to teach content while also preparing them to use the tool in these exams.

Speakers

Keely Hulme

Math Instructional Specialist, Aledo ISD

Thursday May 29, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT
A103

Cross-disciplinary

Audience 6th-8th, 9th-12th
Subject Science, Math
Credit 1.5hr, CPE, FLEX, GT

1:00pm CDT

XOXO, Hexagonal Thinking LIMITED

Thursday May 29, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT

A109

Hey, fabulous educators! Gossip Girl here. Ready to upgrade your classroom conversations from predictable to posh? In this hands-on session for educators of all content areas and age groups, you'll unlock the power of learning connections through Hexagonal Thinking—a strategy as adaptable as Blair’s wardrobe and as sharp as Serena’s wit. Foster student-led discussion, spark critical questioning, and inspire collaborative thinking that actually sticks. You’ll leave with fresh ways to help your students connect, discuss, and learn like total thought-leaders.
Because let’s be real… basic classroom talk?
So last season.
You know you’ll love it… XOXO.

Speakers

Hannah McConnell

Instructional Specialist, Aledo ISD

Georgi Hernandez

3rd Grade RLA, Aledo ISD

Thursday May 29, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT
A109

Cross-disciplinary

Audience 3rd-5th, 6th-8th, 9th-12th, PreK-2nd
Credit 1.5hr, CPE, ESL, FLEX

1:00pm CDT

Beyond the Basics - The Three Es of Extensions LIMITED

Thursday May 29, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT

B108

Empower your advanced learners with engaging, differentiated extensions that go beyond simple add-ons and deepen their curiosity and critical thinking. In this session, we’ll dive into the "3 E's" framework—Enrich, Extend, and Explore—designed to provide your students with enriching challenges, practical applications, and independent exploration opportunities.

Speakers

Shelly Morrill

GT Coordinator, Aledo ISD

Shelly Morrill has been an educator for over 20 years and holds a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership with Specialization in GT. Parenting her own gifted children sparked her interest in finding better ways to nurture, inspire and educate gifted students. Shelly has served... Read More →

Liz Garcia

GT Specialist, Aledo ISD

Liz has been in education for 15 years and holds a Master's Degree in Educational Leadership with a specialization in GT. She is passionate about STEM, differentiation, and creating meaningful, hands-on experiences for students.

Thursday May 29, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT
B108

Differentiation

Audience 3rd-5th, 6th-8th, 9th-12th, PreK-2nd
Subject Extensions
Credit 1.5hr, CPE, FLEX, GT

1:00pm CDT

All About Data! LIMITED

Thursday May 29, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT

A111

Data doesn’t have to be daunting! In this session, we’ll break down the different types of data and help you choose the right collection tools to match your students’ individual needs. You’ll learn practical tips for collecting, recording, and organizing data—plus how to include levels of prompting so your data tells the full story. All with one goal in mind: making IEP progress tracking clear, consistent, and, hopefully, more manageable!

Speakers

Kaitlin Phillips

Resource and Co-Teach Special Education Teacher, Aledo ISD

Thursday May 29, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT
A111

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Audience 3rd-5th, 6th-8th, 9th-12th, PreK-2nd
Credit 1.5hr, CPE, FLEX

1:00pm CDT

All About That Base(line): Data-Driven IEPs Start Here LIMITED

Thursday May 29, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT

A105

Join us for an engaging session focused on the critical role of baseline data in creating effective, data-driven IEPs. In this training, we’ll explore how baseline data sets the foundation for meaningful, measurable goals and provides the starting point for tracking student progress. Participants will learn how to gather accurate baseline data, interpret it, and use it to develop goals that truly meet the needs of students with disabilities. This session is designed to empower educators to make informed decisions that ensure every student’s IEP is based on solid evidence and set up for success.

Speakers

Jessica Cadis

Special Education Instructional Facilitator, Aledo ISD

Thursday May 29, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT
A105

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Audience 3rd-5th, 6th-8th, 9th-12th, PreK-2nd
Credit 1.5hr, CPE, FLEX

1:00pm CDT

Classroom Confidence: Behavior Solutions for Effective Management LIMITED

Thursday May 29, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT

Lecture Hall

Take control of your classroom with confidence! This professional development session equips Pre-K through 12th-grade teachers with practical strategies from the Behavior Solutions framework to create a structured, engaging, and productive learning environment. Learn how to proactively address behavior challenges, establish clear expectations, and foster a positive classroom culture that supports all learners. Walk away with actionable tools to increase student engagement, minimize disruptions, and empower yourself as the leader of your classroom.

Speakers

Karen May

Assistant Principal, Aledo ISD

Cheryl Jones

Principal, Aledo

Gina Henze

Jennifer Lawler

Stacy Donalson

Kim Raymond

ALEDO ISD

Katie Griffin

Galen Storey

Chris White

Thursday May 29, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT
Lecture Hall

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Audience 3rd-5th, 6th-8th, 9th-12th, PreK-2nd
Subject Classroom Management
Credit 1.5hr, CPE, FLEX

1:00pm CDT

Unlocking Potential: Supporting Multilingual Learners with Diverse Needs LIMITED

Thursday May 29, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT

B109

Let’s explore ways to support Multilingual Learners with different needs, including learning disabilities. Learn how to spot the differences between typical EBs and those with extra challenges.

Join us to unlock your Multilingual students’ potential and boost their language skills!

Speakers

Kayla Cope

ESL Lead, Aledo ISD Administration

Hi Bearcats!I'm excited to be starting my 24th year in public education and my 14th year as an ESL Specialist. It’s a true privilege to support the Emerging Bilingual families and staff of Aledo ISD!I began my teaching career in College Station ISD, working with 5th and 6th grade... Read More →

Nicki Dover

Catalina Rossi

ESL Lead

I am originally from Colombia, and Spanish is my first language. Before entering education, I worked as an architect for eight years. I began my teaching career as a substitute teacher and tutor at Birdville ISD, then became a bilingual teacher at Fort Worth ISD. For the past six... Read More →

Thursday May 29, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT
B109

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Audience 3rd-5th, 6th-8th, 9th-12th, Administrators, PreK-2nd
Subject Multilingual Learners
Credit 1.5hr, CPE, ESL, FLEX

1:00pm CDT

Fresh Canva AI Features! Zero Effort, All Results LIMITED

Thursday May 29, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT

B112

This session is so fresh Canva had to slap a “new car smell” sticker on it. Want to create resources, interactive timelines, and simulations without knowing how to code? You got it. These new AI features are here to make your life easier like a personal assistant but without the weird small talk. And guess what? That’s not all. We’re diving into every AI update Canva just dropped so you can finally say goodbye to the days of "I’ll just Google it later." Don’t miss out and come see how these fresh features will have you creating like a pro with zero stress.

Speakers

Thien Huynh

Instructional Technology Coordinator, Aledo ISD

Thursday May 29, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT
B112

Technology Integration

Audience 3rd-5th, 6th-8th, 9th-12th, PreK-2nd
Credit 1.5hr, CPE, ESL, FLEX

1:00pm CDT

Street Data vs Hard Data LIMITED

Thursday May 29, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT

B114

Utilizing street data & student data to serve students effectively; we will break down the concepts of street data, clarify the importance of both street and student data, then go into how teachers can use this data to tailor their teaching practices, build stronger relationships and foster student growth.

Speakers

Elizabeth Kuhns

Instructional Specialist, Aledo ISD

Elizabeth is an Instructional Specialist in Aledo ISD. As a classroom teacher for over twelve years, with both elementary and middle school experience, student growth is one of Elizabeth's many passions. She believes that teamwork and partnership within your professional learning... Read More →

Thursday May 29, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT
B114

Using Data Effectively

Audience 3rd-5th, 6th-8th, 9th-12th, PreK-2nd
Credit 1.5hr, CPE, ESL, FLEX, GT

1:00pm CDT

Time Well Spent: Streamlining Your Day with Smart Strategies and Student Support LIMITED

Thursday May 29, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT

B104

From grading papers to planning lessons and answering emails—teachers wear a lot of hats. In this energizing session, we’ll explore realistic, teacher-tested strategies to help you manage your time without burning out. Learn how to prioritize what matters most, streamline your workflow, and set boundaries that protect your energy. Walk away with tools and tips you can apply right away to bring more balance, focus, and peace to your day.

Speakers

Michelle Yates

Science Curriculum Coordinator, Aledo ISD

Hi my name is Michelle Yates I have been in education for 30 years. I am currently the Science Curriculum Coordinator at Aledo ISD. I love science and love learning new things. Throughout my career, I have taught littles from prekindergarten all the way through Seniors in high school... Read More →

Thursday May 29, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT
B104

Wellness

Audience 3rd-5th, 6th-8th, 9th-12th
Subject Time Management
Credit 1.5hr, CPE, FLEX

2:45pm CDT

Building Literacy in Social Studies LIMITED

Thursday May 29, 2025 2:45pm - 4:15pm CDT

A111

This training session helps teachers integrate literacy into social studies lessons. Educators will learn simple, effective strategies to build vocabulary, support text analysis, and promote evidence-based writing using historical content. The session includes hands-on activities that are low prep and time for collaborative planning. Teachers will leave with practical tools to strengthen both literacy and content learning.

Speakers

Cathy Williams

Social Studies Curriculum Coordinator, Aledo ISD

Thursday May 29, 2025 2:45pm - 4:15pm CDT
A111

Cross-disciplinary

Audience 3rd-5th, 6th-8th, 9th-12th
Subject Reading/Language Arts, Social Studies
Credit 1.5hr, CPE, FLEX

2:45pm CDT

Creating Student Opportunities Outside the Classroom LIMITED

Thursday May 29, 2025 2:45pm - 4:15pm CDT

Library

Discover innovative ways to extend learning beyond the four walls of your classroom. This session will explore how educators can integrate STEM learning into out-of-classroom experiences, providing students with meaningful, hands-on opportunities that align with your content area. Whether through cross-curricular projects, community partnerships, or informal learning environments, you’ll leave with practical strategies and activity ideas to enhance student engagement and real-world application of STEM concepts.

Speakers

Tim Rogers

Chris Tondre

Angie Wilkinson

Director of Advanced Academics and CTE, Aledo ISD

Thursday May 29, 2025 2:45pm - 4:15pm CDT
Library

Cross-disciplinary

Audience 3rd-5th, 6th-8th, 9th-12th, PreK-2nd
Subject STEM
Credit 1.5hr, CPE, FLEX

2:45pm CDT

Differentiation Stations: A Strategy Walkthrough FILLING

Thursday May 29, 2025 2:45pm - 4:15pm CDT

A109

This session is designed to empower teachers to design differentiated lessons that foster critical thinking, student choice, and creative expression—essential for meeting the needs of GT learners. In this station-based workshop, participants will walk away with practical strategies, adaptable resources, and a personalized action plan to implement differentiation immediately in their classrooms.

Speakers

Shelly Morrill

GT Coordinator, Aledo ISD

Liz Garcia

GT Specialist, Aledo ISD

Thursday May 29, 2025 2:45pm - 4:15pm CDT
A109

Differentiation

Audience 3rd-5th, 6th-8th, 9th-12th, PreK-2nd
Credit 1.5hr, CPE, ESL, FLEX, GT

2:45pm CDT

Piecing It Together: Differentiation for Every Learner LIMITED

Thursday May 29, 2025 2:45pm - 4:15pm CDT

B104

In this session, we’ll explore how to differentiate tasks, learning methods, and student products to support all learners. Just like a puzzle, every student is unique—and finding the perfect piece for each child helps the whole picture come together. Walk away with practical strategies to meet diverse learning needs and create a classroom where every student can thrive.

Speakers

Ashley Swords

4th Grade Teacher

Kami Hilton

Thursday May 29, 2025 2:45pm - 4:15pm CDT
B104

Differentiation

Audience 3rd-5th, 6th-8th, 9th-12th, PreK-2nd
Credit 1.5hr, CPE, ESL, FLEX, GT

2:45pm CDT

Secondary Math Fluency LIMITED

Thursday May 29, 2025 2:45pm - 4:15pm CDT

A103

We will expand our fluency toolbox to add strategies you can use on a daily basis to support students math fluency in secondary math classrooms.

Speakers

Keely Hulme

Math Instructional Specialist, Aledo ISD

Thursday May 29, 2025 2:45pm - 4:15pm CDT
A103

Math

Audience 6th-8th, 9th-12th
Credit 1.5hr, CPE, FLEX

2:45pm CDT

Language for Learning: Strategies to Support K-12 Language Acquisition and Growth LIMITED

Thursday May 29, 2025 2:45pm - 4:15pm CDT

B107

This session equips K-12 teachers with practical strategies to support students at various stages of language acquisition and development. Participants will explore how language influences learning across all content areas and discover ways to create a classroom environment that promotes language growth. The session will focus on understanding the stages of language acquisition, differentiating instruction for multilingual learners and students with language delays, and integrating academic language into daily instruction. Teachers will also learn how to use scaffolding, visuals, and structured conversations to enhance comprehension and expression. By the end of the session, educators will have actionable tools to build students' confidence, expand their vocabulary, and support their communication skills in both academic and social settings.

Speakers

Axelle Brown

Shannon Elliott

Speech-Language Pathologist

Thursday May 29, 2025 2:45pm - 4:15pm CDT
B107

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Audience 3rd-5th, 6th-8th, 9th-12th, PreK-2nd
Credit 1.5hr, CPE, ESL, FLEX

2:45pm CDT

Google Sheets for Teachers: Because Tracking Student Data on Napkins Doesn't Work FULL

Thursday May 29, 2025 2:45pm - 4:15pm CDT

B106

Create and utilize google sheets for progress monitoring, analyzing assessment results, and motivating students. Walk away with templates that you can incorporate on day one of next year! An added bonus in this session includes discussion connecting trackers and higher ratings on rubrics for the CT Continuum and T-TESS.

Speakers

Paula Vidaurri

Instructional Specialist, 6-8 RLA, Aledo ISD

Tyler Bauer

6th Grade RLA, McAnally Middle School

Amanda Douglas

6th Grade RLA Teacher

Thursday May 29, 2025 2:45pm - 4:15pm CDT
B106

Technology Integration

Audience 3rd-5th, 6th-8th, 9th-12th, PreK-2nd
Subject Classroom Management
Credit 1.5hr, CPE, ESL, FLEX, GT

2:45pm CDT

Think Outside The Bot! Growing AI Thinkers in the Classroom LIMITED

Thursday May 29, 2025 2:45pm - 4:15pm CDT

B112

Ready to move beyond the “wow” of AI and into the “how”? In this practical session, we’ll explore quick and powerful strategies you can use to help your students become thoughtful, responsible AI users. You’ll learn how to break down complex concepts like how AI works, what it can (and can’t) do, and how to guide students in analyzing AI-generated content for accuracy, bias, and reliability. Whether you're just beginning or already experimenting with AI in your classroom, this session will equip you to grow curious, critical thinkers so that they're not just prompt users, but prompt thinkers.

Speakers

Thien Huynh

Instructional Technology Coordinator, Aledo ISD

Thursday May 29, 2025 2:45pm - 4:15pm CDT
B112

Technology Integration

Audience 3rd-5th, 6th-8th, 9th-12th
Subject Artificial Intelligence
Credit 1.5hr, CPE, FLEX

2:45pm CDT

Taking care of YOU! LIMITED

Thursday May 29, 2025 2:45pm - 4:15pm CDT

Lecture Hall

Prioritize your well-being in this empowering session focused on practical wellness strategies, meaningful self-care, and effective ways to set boundaries for a healthier work-life balance. Walk away with tools to help you thrive both personally and professionally.

Speakers

Audience 6th-8th, 9th-12th
Credit 1.5hr, CPE, FLEX