Aledo ISD Empower 2025: Full Schedule

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

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

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

Make the most of your “TIME” ⏰ LIMITED

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

B109

3rd-5th grade teachers usually never have enough time to do stations in the classroom. This session will give teachers a structured plan to incorporate district resources you already have into a “station-like” environment. Allowing for student-choice and growing ALL learners!

Speakers

Brandy Arnold

5th Grade Math, Aledo ISD

I love teaching Math, but mostly I teach so that I can help kids feel valued and important. I have taught all grades 5-8th grade and also Pre-K. I love creating things and making learning fun and engaging.

Courtney Upp

Thursday May 29, 2025 10:15am - 11:45am CDT
B109

Math

Audience 3rd-5th
Subject Student Choice, Extensions
Credit 1.5hr, CPE, ESL, FLEX, GT

10:15am CDT

Simple is as Simple does at the Teacher Table LIMITED

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

B104

Knowing what to do to grow readers and writers can be daunting. Taking a systematic and explicit approach can guarantee success for students and teachers alike. New ways can be overwhelming but growth is the goal. Are you ready to grow?

Speakers

Rebekah Getz

Katie Harbour

First Grade Teacher, Aledo ISD

Thursday May 29, 2025 10:15am - 11:45am CDT
B104

Reading/Language Arts

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

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

From Movement to Meaning LIMITED

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

A104

This session is designed to help encourage classroom teachers to incorporate movement in their classroom to build meaning for their students. This session could also be helpful for specials teachers (PE, Music, Art, etc…) on incorporating Gen. Ed. classroom curriculum into their classes as well.

Speakers

Crystal Mehrhoff

Mimi Tarnowieckyi

Thursday May 29, 2025 10:15am - 11:45am CDT
A104

Wellness

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

1:00pm CDT

Tiny Thinkers-Academic Discussion LIMITED

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

A107

Tiny Thinkers is a professional development session designed to equip early childhood educators with strategies to foster rich academic discussions in the K-2 classroom. This training focuses on building young learners’ oral language skills, encouraging critical thinking, and creating a classroom culture where all students feel confident sharing their ideas.

Speakers

Kendall Ferguson

Megan Hutson

Thursday May 29, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT
A107

Cross-disciplinary

Audience PreK-2nd
Subject Academic Disucssion
Credit 1.5hr, CPE, ESL, 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

Magic in Math LIMITED

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

B106

Unleash the magic in your math classroom with innovative differentiation techniques designed to engage and challenge all learners. In this interactive session, participants will explore dynamic strategies, including math games, hexagonal thinking, goal setting, and powerful lesson closing activities, to support diverse student needs. Through hands-on experiences and collaborative discussions, educators will discover how to seamlessly integrate these approaches to deepen mathematical understanding and foster a growth mindset. Walk away with ready-to-use strategies that transform your lessons into an engaging and inclusive learning experience for every student!

Speakers

Ashley Davis

Third Grade Teacher, Aledo ISD

Stacey Roberson

3rd Grade Math, Aledo ISD

Thursday May 29, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT
B106

Math

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

1:00pm CDT

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

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

Thursday May 29, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT
A104

Reading/Language Arts

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

1:00pm CDT

Writing with Checklists LIMITED

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

A101

Learn how to empower your students to write their best using a checklist!

Speakers

Lara Blanchard

Sherrie Griswold

Thursday May 29, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT
A101

Reading/Language Arts

Audience 3rd-5th
Credit 1.5hr, CPE, ESL, FLEX, GT

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

2:45pm CDT

Moving Kids Up! Through Academic Discussion and HLQ LIMITED

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

A101

Since promoting academic discussion and higher-order questioning continues to be a problem of practice, how can we adjust our daily practices to make them a consistent and integral part of instruction? Together, we’ll explore practical, cross-curricular strategies and activities that foster meaningful academic discourse and deepen student thinking through higher-level questioning.

Speakers

Casi Faulk

Kindergarten Teacher, Aledo ISD

Autumn Stephens

Anastasia Conrad

Thursday May 29, 2025 2:45pm - 4:15pm CDT
A101

Cross-disciplinary

Audience 3rd-5th, PreK-2nd
Subject Academic Disucssion, High-level Questioning
Credit 1.5hr, CPE, ESL, FLEX, GT

2:45pm CDT

Differentiation Stations: A Strategy Walkthrough LIMITED

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

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 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

Early Literacy Oral Language Series - The Magic of Words: Enchanting Oral Language, Vocabulary & Comprehension in Young Learners LIMITED

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

B108

Unlock the magic of oral language, vocabulary, and comprehension in your PreK-2nd grade classroom! Guided by inspired by The 7 Mighty Moves, this interactive session will equip educators with powerful, research-backed strategies to build confident speakers, engaged listeners, and strong readers.

Speakers

Maggie Lozano

Instructional Specialist, Aledo ISD

Thursday May 29, 2025 2:45pm - 4:15pm CDT
B108

Reading/Language Arts

Audience PreK-2nd
Subject Early Literacy
Credit 1.5hr, CPE, ESL, 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 LIMITED

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

8:30am CDT

DIY Project Based Learning LIMITED

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

A105

This session will guide participants in designing a cross-disciplinary Project-Based Learning (PBL) project that integrates mathematics, reading, and writing through an engaging and authentic experience. Participants will explore an example of a DIY PBL unit that utilizes Google Sites, Canva, and AI applications as well as incorporates opportunities within the project to extend or scaffold elements. Participants will have the opportunity DIY their own PBL unit that incorporates multiple cross-disciplinary skills such as mathematical concepts, structured critical writing, and research skills while leveraging technology to create an interactive and meaningful final product.

Speakers

Chelsea Cook

Amanda Coomer

Tanya Sides

3rd Grade Teacher, AISD - Annetta EL.

Friday May 30, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am CDT
A105

Cross-disciplinary

Audience 3rd-5th, 6th-8th
Credit 1.5hr, CPE, ESL, FLEX, GT

8:30am CDT

Love for Learning: Cultivating Curiosity through Discussion and Questioning LIMITED

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

B107

In Love for Learning: Cultivating Curiosity through Discussion and Questioning, educators will explore the importance of curiosity in the classroom and the role rigor plays in nurturing it. We will focus on:
Understanding the Power of Curiosity
Incorporating High-Level Questioning
And Creating Tools for Your Classroom: Question Stems to use Now!
No matter what you're teaching, this session will provide actionable tools to help spark thoughtful discussions and elevate the rigor of your classroom interactions.

Speakers

Jennifer Lawler

Friday May 30, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am CDT
B107

Cross-disciplinary

Audience 3rd-5th, 6th-8th, 9th-12th
Subject High-level Questioning, Academic Discussion
Credit 1.5hr, CPE, ESL, FLEX

8:30am CDT

Differentiation Stations: A Strategy Walkthrough LIMITED

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

B110

Speakers

Liz Garcia

GT Specialist, Aledo ISD

Shelly Morrill

GT Coordinator, Aledo ISD

Friday May 30, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am CDT
B110

Differentiation

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

8:30am CDT

Early Literacy Oral Language Series - The Magic of Words: Enchanting Oral Language, Vocabulary & Comprehension in Young Learners LIMITED

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

A101

Speakers

Maggie Lozano

Instructional Specialist, Aledo ISD

Friday May 30, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am CDT
A101

Reading/Language Arts

Audience PreK-2nd
Subject Early Literacy
Credit 1.5hr, CPE, ESL, FLEX

8:30am CDT

Empowering Educators: Innovative Strategies and Tools for Supporting Struggling Readers LIMITED

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

A111

Unlock new ways to support all readers in this empowering session designed for today's educators. Explore innovative strategies and practical tools to help struggling readers — including those with dyslexia, specific learning disabilities (SLD), emerging bilinguals (EB), and even gifted learners (GT) — reach their full potential.

Speakers

Amber Jaime

Dyslexia Specialist, AISD--Vandagriff Elementary

Dyslexia Specialist at Vanda C.A.L.P. Wrapping up my 20th year as an educator, my 8th year serving students with Dyslexia.

Kelly Dyson

Friday May 30, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am CDT
A111

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

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

8:30am CDT

Building Classroom Leaders: Data-based Management LIMITED

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

A107

In this session, educators will explore how to create a proactive, student-centered classroom culture rooted in data from the very first day. Discover how to design a dynamic, behavior-informed seating chart that evolves with your learners and supports leadership development. Participants will walk away with practical strategies to:
• Use classroom data to structure student groups proactively—not reactively.
• Foster student investment by introducing rotating leadership roles and emphasizing flexibility within collaborative teams.
• Build a culture of continuous improvement and positive peer accountability.
Whether you're new to using data in the classroom or ready to level up your approach, this training will equip you with tools to create a thriving, student-led learning environment.

Speakers

C. Alan Landrum

Teacher, Aledo ISD

Skye Lindgron

6th & 7th Math Teacher, Aledo Middle School

Karah Dale

Friday May 30, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am CDT
A107

Using Data Effectively

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

10:15am CDT

Building Powerful Units: Leveraging Team Strengths for Comprehensive Content Design LIMITED

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

A103

In this professional development session, participants will explore how to create cohesive, high-impact units by strategically utilizing the diverse strengths of their teaching teams. Through the lens of backward design, we will dive into how to effectively plan and align learning goals, assessments, and instructional activities. You’ll learn how to craft engaging lessons that meet the needs of all students, while seamlessly incorporating interventions for struggling learners and extensions for those ready for more. By the end of the session, you will be equipped with tools and strategies to construct units that are not only rigorous and engaging but also adaptable to the unique needs of your students and the strengths of your teaching team.

Speakers

Allison Dearman

3rd Grade Teacher, Aledo ISD

Catherine Clay

Stefanie Story

Friday May 30, 2025 10:15am - 11:45am CDT
A103

Cross-disciplinary

Audience 3rd-5th
Subject Reading/Language Arts, Social Studies
Credit 1.5hr, CPE, ESL, FLEX, GT

10:15am CDT

Clueless About Clauses? As If! LIMITED

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

A107

Take student writing from totally buggin’ to totally brilliant with sentence-level strategies that make writing feel way more concrete. Even if you teach a content other than RLA, you’ll leave this interactive session feeling equipped to model, support, and provide explicit feedback on syntax—no plaid skirt required. Whether you're working with struggling writers or advanced learners, these strategies are an easy way to differentiate without the drama. You'll walk away with sentence-building strategies that even Cher Horowitz would find are totally essential!

Speakers

Hannah McConnell

Instructional Specialist, Aledo ISD

Friday May 30, 2025 10:15am - 11:45am CDT
A107

Cross-disciplinary

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

10:15am CDT

Teaching in Time: The Power of Timelines to Deepen Thinking Across Texts LIMITED

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

B114

Back by popular demand—but with a fresh focus—this session builds on our previous exploration of timelines as powerful classroom tools. In this next-level session, we’ll move beyond timeline basics and dive into how timeline activities can promote rigorous reading, purposeful writing, and dynamic discussion across disciplines. Participants will rotate through three interactive stations that model how timelines can support analysis, historical thinking, and argument development. You'll walk away with ready-to-use strategies and a tailored plan for integrating timelines into your instruction. Whether you joined us last time or are new to timeline thinking, this session will expand your toolkit and inspire new possibilities for helping students make meaning across time, text, and content area. Open to all, but designed for RLA and Social Studies teachers.

Speakers

Staci Hammer

RLA Curriculum Coordinator, Aledo ISD

Staci Hammer coordinates reading language arts curriculum for Aledo ISD. Her passions include developing teacher expertise and empowering students to identify as readers, writers, listeners, speakers, and thinkers.

Friday May 30, 2025 10:15am - 11:45am CDT
B114

Cross-disciplinary

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

10:15am CDT

Choice Boards That Work: Make, Take, and Differentiate! LIMITED

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

B107

Calling all primary teachers! Join us for a fun, hands-on professional learning session designed to spark creativity and empower your teaching practice. This Make & Take workshop is all about Differentiation, Extensions, and Choice Boards—and you’ll leave with ready-to-use tools that meet the diverse needs of your students from day one!
Whether you're looking to challenge high-flyers, support your little learners, or offer more student voice and choice, this session is packed with practical ideas, customizable templates, and engaging activities you can take straight back to your classroom.
Be ready to collaborate with colleagues as you differentiate, extend, and ignite learning together—see you there!

Speakers

Stacey Utley

1st Grade Teacher

Jennifer Sarvis

1st Grade Teacher

Friday May 30, 2025 10:15am - 11:45am CDT
B107

Differentiation

Audience PreK-2nd
Credit 1.5hr, CPE, ESL, FLEX, GT

10:15am CDT

Simplifying Progress Tracking via Student Goal-Setting LIMITED

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

A109

Do you find it hard to progress monitor for your students to identify specific needs and celebrate success? Come ready to build some goal-setting templates that you can use to empower your students to track their own progress.

Speakers

Loryn Windwehen

Associate Principal, Aledo High School

Friday May 30, 2025 10:15am - 11:45am CDT
A109

Differentiation

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

10:15am CDT

ESL is "Spillin' the Tea" on Our Best Resource: Summit K-12! LIMITED

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

B104

Come explore Summit from a student's point of view and see how it supports EB (Emergent Bilingual) development in Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing.

Stop by for refreshments, connect with others, and "Spill your own Tea"!

Speakers

Kayla Cope

ESL Lead, Aledo ISD Administration

Audrey Mann

Teacher

Catalina Rossi

ESL Lead

Friday May 30, 2025 10:15am - 11:45am CDT
B104

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

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

10:15am CDT

Fresh Canva AI Features! Zero Effort, All Results LIMITED

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

B112

Speakers

Thien Huynh

Instructional Technology Coordinator, Aledo ISD

Friday May 30, 2025 10:15am - 11:45am CDT
B112

Technology Integration

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

10:15am CDT

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

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

B106

Speakers

Tyler Bauer

6th Grade RLA, McAnally Middle School

Amanda Douglas

6th Grade RLA Teacher

Paula Vidaurri

Instructional Specialist, 6-8 RLA, Aledo ISD

Friday May 30, 2025 10:15am - 11:45am CDT
B106

Technology Integration

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

1:00pm CDT

Clueless About Clauses? As If! LIMITED

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

A109

Speakers

Hannah McConnell

Instructional Specialist, Aledo ISD

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

Cross-disciplinary

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

1:00pm CDT

Annotating Digital Texts for Critical Reading and Writing LIMITED

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

B104

Teachers will practice a strategy students can use to help with summary, analysis, and evaluating ideas to make choices before writing.

Speakers

Shea Douglas

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

Reading/Language Arts

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

1:00pm CDT

Supporting Students with Active Neuro-Minds (ADHD): Strategies for Engaging Minds & Bodies LIMITED

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

A107

In this session, educators will gain practical tools and strategies to effectively support K-12 students with active-neuro minds (ADHD) in the school setting. Participants will explore the unique ways these learners process information, regulate emotions, and engage with their environment. The session will focus on understanding how the ADHD brain works, identifying common challenges faced by these students, and implementing proactive supports to foster academic and social success.

Educators will leave equipped with evidence-based strategies for classroom management, flexible instruction, and physical movement integration to help these students thrive. Join us to discover how engaging both the mind and body can transform learning experiences for students with active-neuro minds.

Speakers

Axelle Brown

Amy Rankin

Occupational Therapist, Aledo ISD

I am have been a occupational therapist for 12 years with my primary focus of practice with a pediatric population. Where I have provided occupational therapy services in a pediatric hospital setting, home health setting, and school-based setting. I have served as a school based occupational... Read More →

Friday May 30, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT
A107

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

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

1:00pm CDT

AI’m on It: Using AI to Develop Literacy Resources LIMITED

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

B106

In this hands-on session, educators will explore how AI can streamline the creation of effective literacy intervention materials and interactive learning tools. Participants will learn to generate differentiated reading passages and adaptive activities that meet diverse student needs. The session will also introduce AI-powered tools for teachers and students, including automated feedback systems and interactive discussion aids. By the end, attendees will leave with practical strategies and ready-to-use AI-generated resources that can enhance literacy instruction with efficiency and creativity.

Speakers