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Aledo ISD Empower 2025
Welcome to Aledo ISD’s Professional Learning Academy Empower 2025!
Type: Cross-disciplinary clear filter
Thursday, May 29
 

10:15am CDT

All Things Studies Weekly
Thursday May 29, 2025 10:15am - 11:45am CDT
B110
Come and join a representative from Studies Weekly to learn more about how best to utilize Studies Weekly in our integrated RLA/Social Studies classes along with time for Q&A.
Speakers
DH

Danny Hulshult

Regional Curriculum Coordinator, Studies Weekly
Thursday May 29, 2025 10:15am - 11:45am CDT
B110
  Cross-disciplinary

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
avatar for Kristee Allen

Kristee Allen

Teacher, Aledo ISD
avatar for Donna Bonaldi

Donna Bonaldi

Teacher, Aledo ISD
avatar for Jordan Huemoeller
Thursday May 29, 2025 10:15am - 11:45am CDT
B107
  Cross-disciplinary

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
avatar for Melinda Jones
avatar for Hunter Meroney

Hunter Meroney

Science Teacher
Thursday May 29, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT
B107
  Cross-disciplinary

1:00pm CDT

Desmos in Math and Science LIMITED
Thursday May 29, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT
A103
Now that Desmos is built into STAAR, AP and SAT exams, let's learn how to use Desmos as a tool in math and science content to teach content while also preparing them to use the tool in these exams.
Speakers
avatar for Keely Hulme

Keely Hulme

Math Instructional Specialist, Aledo ISD
Thursday May 29, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT
A103
  Cross-disciplinary

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
avatar for Kendall Ferguson
avatar for Megan Hutson
Thursday May 29, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT
A107
  Cross-disciplinary

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
avatar for Hannah McConnell

Hannah McConnell

Instructional Specialist, Aledo ISD
avatar for Georgi Hernandez

Georgi Hernandez

3rd Grade RLA, Aledo ISD
Thursday May 29, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT
A109
  Cross-disciplinary

2:45pm CDT

All Things Studies Weekly LIMITED
Thursday May 29, 2025 2:45pm - 4:15pm CDT
B110
Come and join a representative from Studies Weekly to learn more about how best to utilize Studies Weekly in our integrated RLA/Social Studies classes along with time for Q&A.
Speakers
DH

Danny Hulshult

Regional Curriculum Coordinator, Studies Weekly
Thursday May 29, 2025 2:45pm - 4:15pm CDT
B110
  Cross-disciplinary

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
avatar for Cathy Williams

Cathy Williams

Social Studies Curriculum Coordinator, Aledo ISD
Thursday May 29, 2025 2:45pm - 4:15pm CDT
A111
  Cross-disciplinary

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
avatar for Tim Rogers
avatar for Chris Tondre
avatar for Angie Wilkinson

Angie Wilkinson

Director of Advanced Academics and CTE, Aledo ISD
Thursday May 29, 2025 2:45pm - 4:15pm CDT
Library
  Cross-disciplinary

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
avatar for Casi Faulk

Casi Faulk

Kindergarten Teacher, Aledo ISD
avatar for Autumn Stephens
avatar for Anastasia Conrad
Thursday May 29, 2025 2:45pm - 4:15pm CDT
A101
  Cross-disciplinary
 
Friday, May 30
 

8:30am CDT

Building Literacy in Social Studies LIMITED
Friday May 30, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am CDT
B112
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
avatar for Cathy Williams

Cathy Williams

Social Studies Curriculum Coordinator, Aledo ISD
Friday May 30, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am CDT
B112
  Cross-disciplinary

8:30am CDT

Connecting the Dots: Applying Classroom Lessons to Real Life LIMITED
Friday May 30, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am CDT
A104
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
avatar for Heather Cortez
avatar for Heather Ling
Friday May 30, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am CDT
A104
  Cross-disciplinary

8:30am CDT

Creating Student Opportunities Outside the Classroom LIMITED
Friday May 30, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am 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
avatar for Angie Wilkinson

Angie Wilkinson

Director of Advanced Academics and CTE, Aledo ISD
avatar for Chris Tondre
avatar for Tim Rogers
Friday May 30, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am CDT
Library
  Cross-disciplinary

8:30am CDT

Desmos in Math and Science LIMITED
Friday May 30, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am CDT
A103
Now that Desmos is built into STAAR, AP and SAT exams, let's learn how to use Desmos as a tool in math and science content to teach content while also preparing them to use the tool in these exams.
Speakers
avatar for Keely Hulme

Keely Hulme

Math Instructional Specialist, Aledo ISD
Friday May 30, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am CDT
A103
  Cross-disciplinary

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
avatar for Chelsea Cook
avatar for Amanda Coomer
avatar for Tanya Sides

Tanya Sides

3rd Grade Teacher, AISD - Annetta EL.
Friday May 30, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am CDT
A105
  Cross-disciplinary

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
avatar for Jennifer Lawler
Friday May 30, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am CDT
B107
  Cross-disciplinary

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
AD

Allison Dearman

3rd Grade Teacher, Aledo ISD
avatar for Catherine Clay
avatar for Stefanie Story
Friday May 30, 2025 10:15am - 11:45am CDT
A103
  Cross-disciplinary

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
avatar for Hannah McConnell

Hannah McConnell

Instructional Specialist, Aledo ISD
Friday May 30, 2025 10:15am - 11:45am CDT
A107
  Cross-disciplinary

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
avatar for Robin Newkirk

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. 
avatar for Valerie Whitehead

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 →
avatar for Adriane Jenkins

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

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
avatar for Staci Hammer

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

1:00pm CDT

Clueless About Clauses? As If! LIMITED
Friday May 30, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT
A109
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
avatar for Hannah McConnell

Hannah McConnell

Instructional Specialist, Aledo ISD
Friday May 30, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT
A109
  Cross-disciplinary

1:00pm CDT

Focusing on Results: Celebrating Success in the Secondary Classroom LIMITED
Friday May 30, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT
A101
Many secondary educators struggle to celebrate student and team success due to the daily demands of teaching, which hinders progress on the “focus on results” section of the CT rating rubric. This session aims to clarify the difference between tracking data and truly celebrating results, which is essential for reaching the “sustaining” level. Practical, team-based strategies—such as rewards, class privileges, competitions, and educator celebrations—will be shared to help teachers implement a systematic approach to celebration.
Speakers
avatar for John Collins
Friday May 30, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT
A101
  Cross-disciplinary

2:45pm CDT

Teaching in Time: The Power of Timelines to Deepen Thinking Across Texts LIMITED
Friday May 30, 2025 2:45pm - 4:15pm 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
avatar for Staci Hammer

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 2:45pm - 4:15pm CDT
B114
  Cross-disciplinary
 
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