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

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

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