Proactive Classroom Management and Behavior Basics

Attendees will explore elements of classroom management that lead to positive learning environments where students are engaged in active learning experiences. An overview of how different behavioral principles can impact classroom management, and strategies for addressing these within a classroom management system will also be addressed. Participants will gain an understanding for how they can structure a learning environment that sets students up for success.

January 11, 2024 at 7:30 PM/ET/6:30 PM CT/5:30 PM MT/4:30 PM PT

Presented by Shannon Rice

Shannon Rice joined the Corning-Painted Post Area School District in 2021 as a Committee on Special Education Chairperson and Special Education Teacher. Prior to her appointment at Corning Painted Post, Rice worked at Jefferson Central School for 15 years as a teacher in the Special Education department. Rice has provided instruction for students in grades 1-12 in the following areas: Resource Room, Consultant Teacher, Integrated, and Self-Contained settings. She has also served in the capacity of Internal Coach of Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS), Color Guard Director, and as a mentor to new teachers. 

Courageous listening is the act of fearlessly engaging with diverse perspectives, even when they differ from our own. It involves overcoming vulnerability and potential risks to foster understanding and growth. The benefits include expanded knowledge, empathy, and fostering inclusive dialogues that can lead to meaningful change. Please come prepared to speak and engage with others in the session.

February 8, 2024 at 7:30 PM/EST/6:30 PM CST/5:30 PM MST/4:30 PM PST

Presented by  Anna Adl

Anna Adl has been a proud member of CEC since 2006. Currently, she works for the School District of Cudahy as an Early Childhood Inclusion Coordinator and New Teacher Induction Coordinator. She has served as both member-at-large and treasurer for the Wisconsin Council for Exceptional Children. She was a proud member of the intitial Council for Exceptional Leadership Development Committee. Most recently, Anna was elected as member-at-large to the Council for Exceptional Children board of directors.

SpedBits are my specialty. You take a those research based paper interventions, and turn them into digital resources. From turning Google slides into movable interactive activities to turning a spread sheet into a fun learning game. Not techy? Then you can learn about premade activities that are free to low cost.

April 11, 2024 at 7:30 PM/ET/6:30 PM CT/5:30 PM MT/4:30 PM PT 

Presented by Tracey Antista

Tracey Antista teaches ELA resource in Flowing Wells School District, Tucson AZ.  She embeds the use of technology in her teaching and acts as the technology guru for the Special Education Department in her school district.  Tracey has presented on the use of technology in the classroom at state and national level conferences and contributed to numerous publications including the CEC Exceptional Teacher Resource Repository: Technology Tools for Students with Learning Disabilities 2022.  Recognized as the Arizona CEC Teacher of the Year, Tracey is an active CEC member and serves on the Arizona CEC Board as the Membership Chair for Arizona CEC.

Every co-teaching relationship is uniquely developed over time, and is the cornerstone of a successful classroom. For the past four years, the presenters have experienced the process of building a foundation for working cohesively to establish a positive classroom environment, engage students, and differentiate instruction to meet the needs of all learners they have worked with. Attendees will learn about their personal experiences and how to build a successful co-teaching relationship. The presenters will review the six co-teaching models, share strategies for implementing differentiated instruction and modifications/ accommodations for all learners. Attendees will see sample schedules, learn about integrating a theme into the classroom, and gain an understanding of how the classroom benefits from having two teachers who work collaboratively to deliver instruction. There’s also a whimsical twist you don't want to miss!

September 14, 2023 at 7:30 PM/ET/6:30 PM CT/5:30 PM MT/4:30 PM PT

Presented by Leanna Malinowsky and Paul Garcia

Ms. Leana Malinowsky has been a practicing educator in NJ since 2008. Ms. Malinowsky is the 2022-2023 Middlesex County Teacher of the Year. She was also a State Teacher of the Year Finalist. Leana is a graduate of Kean University. She has taught first and second grade general education, special education, and ESL students. Ms. Malinowsky has been a member of CEC since 2006, and served as an officer for her chapter at Kean, and currently works with the Division of Leadership and Legacy for professional development.

Paul Garcia has over 30 years experience in education as a special education teacher and literacy coach. He earned his MS in Education with a focus in elementary reading and literacy in 2009. In 1993 and 2014, Paul was one of the district’s honorees for the Governor’s Teacher Recognition Award. He received an honorary membership to Kappa Delta Pi honor society in 2021. 

Teachers will inevitably have difficult conversations throughout their careers. Effective communication is critical when tackling tricky situations, whether with coworkers, administration, teachers, or parents. Before any conversation, be prepared with battle cards. Designed to help teachers when they go head-to-head in what could be a contentious conversation, battle cards help prepare, organize, and document each exchange. This workshop will help teachers develop a winning battle card strategy, build battle cards for use in various educational situations, and create clear, concise post-conference documentation with each battle card.

October 11, 2023 at 7:30 PM/ET/6:30 PM CT/5:30 PM MT/4:30 PM PT

Presented by Danielle Kovach

Dr. Danielle Kovach began her teaching career in 1997 and has taught general and special education in various settings. She is currently a third-grade special education teacher and adjunct professor of special education at Centenary University in New Jersey. Danielle was the 2022 President of The Council for Exceptional Children and now serves as the Immediate Past President. She is the 2011 New Jersey State Teacher of the Year, the 2012 NEA Foundation Award for Teaching Excellence recipient, and the 2014 CEC Teacher of the Year.