Aledo ISD Empower 2025: Full Schedule

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

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8:30am CDT

Connecting the Dots: Applying Classroom Lessons to Real Life LIMITED

Friday May 30, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am CDT

In this engaging session, educators will explore strategies to bridge the gap between classroom instruction and real-life application. By designing authentic, scenario-based learning experiences, we can help students see the relevance of what they’re learning and develop skills that extend beyond the classroom. This presentation will provide practical examples, planning tools, and collaborative opportunities to create meaningful connections between academic content and the world students live in.

Speakers

Heather Cortez

Heather Ling

Friday May 30, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am CDT
A104

Cross-disciplinary

Audience 9th-12th
Subject Relevance
Credit 1.5hr, CPE, FLEX

10:15am CDT

I have an answer, do you have a question? LIMITED

Friday May 30, 2025 10:15am - 11:45am CDT

A104

Want to ignite deeper thinking and spark student ownership in your classroom? This interactive session will give you practical strategies to elevate your questioning techniques and empower students to craft their own powerful questions. Learn how to guide discussions that go beyond surface-level responses and promote critical thinking, curiosity, and engagement. Whether you're looking to enrich your lessons or energize your learners, this session will leave you inspired and ready to transform classroom conversations. Come ready to think, ask, and grow!

Speakers

Robin Newkirk

7th grade science teacher, Aledo Middle School

I have been teaching for 17 years. I am currently a 7th grade science teacher at AMS. This is my 6th year in Aledo.

Valerie Whitehead

Special Education Collaborative Teacher

With 22 years of experience in education, I’ve has the opportunity to teach students from kindergarten through 8th grade in various roles, including kindergarten teacher, 4th grade departmentalized and self-contained, physical education coach, middle school math teacher for both... Read More →

Adriane Jenkins

7th Grade Science - Aledo ISDI am finishing year 11 in Education. 5 years were at the Elementary level teaching Science, Social Studies, and Math. This year I finished my 6th year in Middle School Science. My passion is encouraging students to use their strengths to find success... Read More →

Friday May 30, 2025 10:15am - 11:45am CDT
A104

Cross-disciplinary

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

1:00pm CDT

Wellness in the Classroom LIMITED

Friday May 30, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT

A104

This training equips teachers with practical tools to introduce mindfulness, simple stretching, and guided imagery to students, fostering emotional regulation and enhancing classroom behavior. Designed for both educators and students, these techniques are easy to incorporate at the start of the school year and at the beginning of the year and at the beginning of each class, setting a positive intention. By taking just a few minutes each day, teachers can create a calm, focused environment that benefits students’ emotional well-being and academic success. These lifelong skills can be used anytime, empowering both students and adults to manage stress and improve overall wellness.

Speakers

Nancy Kocurek

Friday May 30, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT
A104

Wellness

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

2:45pm CDT

The Oral Language Series: Think a Little, Talk a Little, Write a Little LIMITED

Friday May 30, 2025 2:45pm - 4:15pm CDT

A104

This professional learning session explores how oral language skills serve as a foundation for strong writing development. Participants will engage in strategies that encourage thinking, discussion, and verbal expression to enhance student writing skills. Through interactive activities and practical applications, educators will learn how to integrate speaking and listening into the writing process to support student growth.

Speakers

Audra Ellerbusch

Early Literacy Specialist, Aledo ISD

I am entering my 23rd year in education with a deep passion for teaching Reading and Language Arts and empowering young learners. As a proud mom of four amazing boys and a wife of 24 years, I cherish both my family and my career. My heart is in literacy education, and I am dedicated... Read More →

Friday May 30, 2025 2:45pm - 4:15pm CDT
A104

Reading/Language Arts

Audience 3rd-5th, PreK-2nd
Subject Early Literacy
Credit 1.5hr, CPE, ESL, FLEX, GT