Teachers have one of the most influential jobs on the planet. Whether you are a lawyer, doctor, health care worker or even a president, every one of us needed a teacher who believed in us. The keynote reminds us that teachers create lifelong interactions that stay with students for the rest of their lives. Teachers matter.
Limited Capacityfull Adding this to your schedule will put you on the waitlist.
Dealing with intense behavior requires more than just patience; it requires a plan. This session will provide practical strategies and compassionate approaches for working with autistic and emotionally disabled students who may exhibit intense behaviors. This guide provides evidence-based techniques to help every student thrive. Participants will walk away understanding students needs, redirection strategies, cooling off spaces and academic expectations for high needs learners.
Want to spot FRICTION points and reduce STRESS before either occurs? Discover a powerful new digital tool with CORE-Recon and experience how we use technology to strengthen real-time human connection. Learn how to quickly assess how you show up, anticipate friction, and adjust communication in the moment to build trust and reduce conflict. Walk away understanding there is a way to improve everyday team interactions.
Discover how storybooks can lead to fun, hands-on science and building activities. Learn ways to use open-ended play to spark creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving in young children. Explore ideas that support STEM learning through books, play, and developmentally appropriate practices you can use right away in your classroom.
Early Learning Specialist, Education Service Center Region 9
Christi Luig is an Early Learning Specialist at Region 9 Education Service Center, where she supports Prekindergarten and Early Childhood Special Education programs across 37 districts. With over 20 years of experience in early childhood education, Christi has served as a Head Start... Read More →
Wednesday July 8, 2026 1:30pm - 2:45pm CDT Kids Zone
Combine imagination, sensory play, and self-expression, with no “right” way to make art. Just curious minds, messy fun, and lots of smiles as books and creativity come together in the most magical way!
Limited Capacityfull Adding this to your schedule will put you on the waitlist.
Turn the TEA Rubric of Effective Practices into your new favorite toolkit! Join us for a high-energy session designed to transform technical standards into everyday classroom wins. We’re stripping away the jargon to focus on what matters most: simple environment tweaks, stress-free engagement, and a hands-on 'Make-&-Take' sensory bottle workshop. Whether you teach General Ed, Special Ed, or a mix of both, you’ll leave with a fresh lens for your space and a tool your students will love!
Crista Mitchel is an Educational Consultant for Special Populations at Region 18 Education Service Center. Prior to joining Region 18, Crista served as a case manager for Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) and spent ten years in Ector County ISD, where she worked as a special education... Read More →
Wednesday July 8, 2026 1:30pm - 2:45pm CDT Room 345/346
Get ready to move, groove, and sign! In this high-energy, hands-on professional development session, PreK teachers will learn how to incorporate functional American Sign Language (ASL) into their daily classroom routines using music and instructional vocabulary. Designed specifically for early childhood educators, this session blends rhythm, repetition, and real-world classroom language to make signing natural, memorable, and fun for both teachers and students.
Participants will explore practical signs for everyday instructional phrases such as line up, clean up, listen, more, finished, help, bathroom, and sit down—all embedded into catchy songs, chants, and transition routines that young learners love. Teachers will discover how pairing sign language with music strengthens language development, supports multilingual learners, enhances classroom management, and promotes inclusive practices for all children.
Through interactive activities, call-and-response songs, role-play scenarios, and collaborative practice, educators will leave feeling confident and excited to immediately implement functional sign language in their classrooms.
I have been an educator for 38 years. As a Speech Language Pathologist, I have served in a variety of capacities, including public schools, private therapy as well as Early Childhood Intervention (ECI). As a school leader, I worked as a Site Facilitator, and Administrator in early c... Read More →
Wednesday July 8, 2026 1:30pm - 2:45pm CDT Suite 9
This session offers realistic, practical wellness strategies designed for the busy world of preschool teaching. Learn simple ways to manage stress, protect your energy, and build sustainable self-care habits that actually fit into your workday. Because caring for yourself is essential to caring for children.
Sherri Heiting has been in the field of education for 20 years and currently serves as Educational Consultant for Counseling Services and T4 Mental/Behavior Health. Before joining Region 18, she served as an elementary teacher, elementary counselor, and her last assignment with MISD... Read More →
Wednesday July 8, 2026 1:30pm - 2:45pm CDT Worship Center
Curious about AI but think it’s just for tech giants and robots? Think again! This isn't about teaching kids with a screen, it's about giving YOU your Sunday nights back. In this fast-paced, 75-minute "Power Hour," we’re diving into the magic of AI tools. We will explore:
Gemini: Your new AI personal assistant for newsletters and lesson ideas. Suno: The magic wand that turns your words into professional classroom songs. Book Creator: Where we bring it all together to build digital books your kids will LOVE
No "tech-speak," no fluff—just pure creativity. Bring your laptop and leave with a finished book and a custom class song!
Wednesday July 8, 2026 1:30pm - 2:45pm CDT Suite 6
Limited Capacityfull Adding this to your schedule will put you on the waitlist.
Dealing with intense behavior requires more than just patience; it requires a plan. This session will provide practical strategies and compassionate approaches for working with autistic and emotionally disabled students who may exhibit intense behaviors. This guide provides evidence-based techniques to help every student thrive. Participants will walk away understanding students needs, redirection strategies, cooling off spaces and academic expectations for high needs learners.
Want to spot FRICTION points and reduce STRESS before either occurs? Discover a powerful new digital tool with CORE-Recon and experience how we use technology to strengthen real-time human connection. Learn how to quickly assess how you show up, anticipate friction, and adjust communication in the moment to build trust and reduce conflict. Walk away understanding there is a way to improve everyday team interactions.
Discover how storybooks can lead to fun, hands-on science and building activities. Learn ways to use open-ended play to spark creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving in young children. Explore ideas that support STEM learning through books, play, and developmentally appropriate practices you can use right away in your classroom.
Early Learning Specialist, Education Service Center Region 9
Christi Luig is an Early Learning Specialist at Region 9 Education Service Center, where she supports Prekindergarten and Early Childhood Special Education programs across 37 districts. With over 20 years of experience in early childhood education, Christi has served as a Head Start... Read More →
Wednesday July 8, 2026 3:15pm - 4:30pm CDT Kids Zone
Limited Capacityfull Adding this to your schedule will put you on the waitlist.
Combine imagination, sensory play, and self-expression, with no “right” way to make art. Just curious minds, messy fun, and lots of smiles as books and creativity come together in the most magical way!
Turn the TEA Rubric of Effective Practices into your new favorite toolkit! Join us for a high-energy session designed to transform technical standards into everyday classroom wins. We’re stripping away the jargon to focus on what matters most: simple environment tweaks, stress-free engagement, and a hands-on 'Make-&-Take' sensory bottle workshop. Whether you teach General Ed, Special Ed, or a mix of both, you’ll leave with a fresh lens for your space and a tool your students will love!
Crista Mitchel is an Educational Consultant for Special Populations at Region 18 Education Service Center. Prior to joining Region 18, Crista served as a case manager for Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) and spent ten years in Ector County ISD, where she worked as a special education... Read More →
Wednesday July 8, 2026 3:15pm - 4:30pm CDT Room 345/346
Get ready to move, groove, and sign! In this high-energy, hands-on professional development session, PreK teachers will learn how to incorporate functional American Sign Language (ASL) into their daily classroom routines using music and instructional vocabulary. Designed specifically for early childhood educators, this session blends rhythm, repetition, and real-world classroom language to make signing natural, memorable, and fun for both teachers and students.
Participants will explore practical signs for everyday instructional phrases such as line up, clean up, listen, more, finished, help, bathroom, and sit down—all embedded into catchy songs, chants, and transition routines that young learners love. Teachers will discover how pairing sign language with music strengthens language development, supports multilingual learners, enhances classroom management, and promotes inclusive practices for all children.
Through interactive activities, call-and-response songs, role-play scenarios, and collaborative practice, educators will leave feeling confident and excited to immediately implement functional sign language in their classrooms.
I have been an educator for 38 years. As a Speech Language Pathologist, I have served in a variety of capacities, including public schools, private therapy as well as Early Childhood Intervention (ECI). As a school leader, I worked as a Site Facilitator, and Administrator in early c... Read More →
Wednesday July 8, 2026 3:15pm - 4:30pm CDT Suite 9
This session offers realistic, practical wellness strategies designed for the busy world of preschool teaching. Learn simple ways to manage stress, protect your energy, and build sustainable self-care habits that actually fit into your workday. Because caring for yourself is essential to caring for children.
Sherri Heiting has been in the field of education for 20 years and currently serves as Educational Consultant for Counseling Services and T4 Mental/Behavior Health. Before joining Region 18, she served as an elementary teacher, elementary counselor, and her last assignment with MISD... Read More →
Wednesday July 8, 2026 3:15pm - 4:30pm CDT Worship Center
Curious about AI but think it’s just for tech giants and robots? Think again! This isn't about teaching kids with a screen, it's about giving YOU your Sunday nights back. In this fast-paced, 75-minute "Power Hour," we’re diving into the magic of AI tools. We will explore:
Gemini: Your new AI personal assistant for newsletters and lesson ideas. Suno: The magic wand that turns your words into professional classroom songs. Book Creator: Where we bring it all together to build digital books your kids will LOVE
No "tech-speak," no fluff—just pure creativity. Bring your laptop and leave with a finished book and a custom class song!
ECSE consultant, Education Service Center Region 14
Suzanne McGuire has spent her career supporting young children, families, and the educators who serve them. As an Early Childhood Special Education Consultant, she is passionate about play, meaningful learning experiences, and helping teachers feel confident in their work. Suzanne... Read More →
Wednesday July 8, 2026 3:15pm - 4:30pm CDT Suite 6
That's right! ATYC is taking YOU out to the ball game! Join your ATYC friends as we cheer on the Midland Rockhounds! 6:30 p.m. Momentum Bank Ballpark 5514 Champions Drive Midland, TX. 79706 Please click onRSVP HERE! to let us know whether or not you will be able to attend so we are sure to purchase the right amount of tickets.
Wednesday July 8, 2026 6:30pm - 8:00pm CDT Momentum Bank Ballpark5514 Champions Drive Midland, TX. 79706
