The Ultimate Professional Development Experience for Educators of Low-Incidence Disabilities
Hey Educators! Are you tired of attending conferences that don't cater to your unique teaching needs? We know the feeling! So we are bringing back the Beat the Heat Conference - with a twist!
This year, participants will all attend the same series of high-quality sessions on hot topics that are driving the field of low-incidence disabilities. This format will provide attendees the chance to take a step off the island and form connections with a larger pool of educators who truly know what it’s like in their classrooms! This two-day, in-person professional development experience is one of the only conferences specifically designed for educators of students with significant cognitive disabilities and complex access needs.
Connect with Experts in the Field!
This conference brings together a group of renowned presenters, including Dr. Bree Jimenez, Dr. Ginevra Courtade, Stephanie DeLussey, Allison Officer, and Lynn DeMange. Learn from the best in the field and get practical, hands-on tips on topics like STEM, adapting classroom materials for all learners, aligning instruction to TEKS, reinforcement, and creating opportunities for useful breaks for students that will make a difference in your classroom.
Laugh and Learn with Devin Siebold!
Our keynote speaker, Devin Siebold, is a teacher, comedian, and presenter who will keep you engaged and motivated throughout the conference. His topic, Laughter in the Lesson, is a must-see, and you won't find it anywhere else.
Take Advantage of Optional Make and Take Activities!
This conference offers optional Make and Take activities to create materials you can use in your classroom. Plus, lunch is provided daily, so you can focus on learning and networking with other educators.
Take advantage of this unique opportunity to enhance your teaching skills and connect with like-minded professionals. Register now for the Return of the Beat the Heat Conference, and prepare to be energized and inspired!
If you are a paraprofessional or parent of a child with complex access needs, please reach out to Melanie Collins at melanie.collins@esc13.txed.net for more information on special rates.
Devin Siebold
Laughter in the Lesson
There is a science behind laughter, and this veteran stand-up comedian has mastered it. Now, imagine being able to bottle that energy, positivity, and feel-good vibe that you get from a comedy show and channel it into your classroom, workplace, or everyday life. It’s easier than you think. Devin delivers a comedy-filled message that puts the power of the punchline into the hands of the staff in a way that benefits the entire school. Better mental health, lower turnover rate, improved classroom participation, and a massive drop in disciplinary issues. All of these have proven real-world demonstrations that Devin experienced in his classroom and can pass on to you!
There are many types of breaks that students may benefit from, each with their own distinct purpose. In this session, we will discuss the importance of implementing a concrete plan for reinforcement breaks, sensory breaks, and spontaneous breaks to help students self-manage “in the moment.” Without a plan, expectations can be unclear and may lead to behavior problems or work avoidance. Attendees will learn about when and why to implement each type of break, and examples will be provided.
Teaching Science and Engineering to Students with Extensive Support Needs
Dr. Bree Jimenez, Associate Professor
This interactive session will engage participants in research and evidence-based practices to teach grade-aligned Science and Engineering to students with extensive support needs (moderate to severe ID and/or autism). Educators will participate in hands-on inquiry science activities and engineering design challenges. Participants will practice using systematic instruction procedures, such as task analysis, system of least prompts, and constant time delay, to plan meaningful grade-aligned (elementary, middle, and high school) lessons while considering their student's communication and accessibility needs.
Adapting Materials for Any Classroom
Stephanie DeLussey, Author of the Special Education Blog: Mrs. D’s Corner
Description: In this session, you'll learn about the nine types of adaptations, what the adaptations look like and how to do this adaptation in your classroom, and the IEP teams expectations of who should be doing the adaptations. The session will end with a 15-minute Q&A.
Aligning Instruction to the TEKS for Students with Complex Access Needs
Dr. Ginevra Courtade, Professor of Special Education
This session discusses six strategies that educators can use to craft instruction that is aligned with the TEKS for students with complex access needs. Participants will also learn how to create educational alignment by connecting the TEKS to student IEP goals.
Register now to secure your spot!
Gain invaluable insights from expert speakers, connect with fellow educators, and transform your teaching approach!
