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
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 is designed for paraprofessionals and teachers committed to fostering supportive, collaborative classrooms. We will explore clearly defined roles and responsibilities, legal and ethical considerations, and evidence-based instructional strategies to meet each student’s unique needs.
Leadership/Special Education Support, Region 18 ESC
My background includes special education, campus/district administration, and Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS). I enjoy sports, theatre, volunteer work, and having fun. Talk to me about any of this and more!
Thursday July 9, 2026 9:00am - 10:15am CDT Suite 9
This session is designed for paraprofessionals and teachers committed to fostering supportive, collaborative classrooms. We will explore clearly defined roles and responsibilities, legal and ethical considerations, and evidence-based instructional strategies to meet each student’s unique needs.
Leadership/Special Education Support, Region 18 ESC
My background includes special education, campus/district administration, and Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS). I enjoy sports, theatre, volunteer work, and having fun. Talk to me about any of this and more!
Thursday July 9, 2026 10:45am - 12:00pm CDT Suite 9
Behavior issues in the classroom can feel like a never-ending cycle that frustrates teachers and overwhelms school resources. This powerful breakout session is designed to help educators break free from the cycle of conflict and stress. By understanding how the brain’s natural protective powers shape both student and staff interaction, participants will learn how to spot potential reactions, apply strengths-based strategies, and leave with concrete tools to boost regulation and respond to student needs. Engaging stories, perspective-shifting visuals, and active problem-solving make this PD a lasting change-maker!
Behavior issues in the classroom can feel like a never-ending cycle that frustrates teachers and overwhelms school resources. This powerful breakout session is designed to help educators break free from the cycle of conflict and stress. By understanding how the brain’s natural protective powers shape both student and staff interaction, participants will learn how to spot potential reactions, apply strengths-based strategies, and leave with concrete tools to boost regulation and respond to student needs. Engaging stories, perspective-shifting visuals, and active problem-solving make this PD a lasting change-maker!
