Aledo ISD Empower 2026: Full Schedule

Welcome to Aledo ISD’s Summer Learning Academy!

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8:30am CDT

Keynote with Trevor Ragan: How to Get Better at Getting Better

Thursday May 28, 2026 8:30am - 10:00am CDT

Limited Capacity seats available

Learning is the skill underneath every other skill. When we get better at learning, we get better at adapting to change, solving problems, and growing in our work. The good news is that learning is itself a skill — one we can get better at. This keynote breaks down what the research says about how learning actually works, and the key building blocks that help individuals and teams keep improving.

Speakers

Trevor Ragan

Trevor Ragan is the founder of The Learner Lab - an educational website designed to unpack and share the science of learning and development.

He spends his time with thought leaders and researchers from the worlds of psychology and developmental science, consumes their research, c... Read More →

Thursday May 28, 2026 8:30am - 10:00am CDT
Cafetorium

Science of Learning

Audience PreK-2nd, 3rd-5th, 6th-8th, 9th-12th, Administrators
Credit 1.5hr., CPE, FLEX

10:15am CDT

Breakout Session with Trevor Ragan: Leading Learners: How Our Mindsets and Actions Shape the Learning Environment

LIMITED

Thursday May 28, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am CDT

Cafetorium

Limited Capacity seats available

The way leaders think and act shapes how their people learn and perform. This session covers three simple tools you can use to build a stronger learning environment for the people you lead.

Speakers

Trevor Ragan

Thursday May 28, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am CDT
Cafetorium

Science of Learning

Audience 3rd-5th, 6th-8th, 9th-12th, Administrators, PreK-2nd
Subject Cross-disciplinary
Credit 1.5hr., CPE, FLEX

10:15am CDT

Grow Our Own: Pathways into Specialized Student Support Roles

LIMITED

Thursday May 28, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am CDT

B110

Limited Capacity seats available

This informational professional learning session is designed to support staff who are interested in transitioning into specialized student support roles such as Speech-Language Pathology, Diagnostician, School Psychology, and related fields. Facilitators will share their personal journey into their current role, offer a realistic “day in the life” perspective, and highlight key skills and mindsets needed for success. Participants will also receive practical information about local and regional preparation programs, certification pathways, and resources that provide an accessible track for growing into these roles from within our district.

Speakers

Kelly Paiz

Diagnostician, Aledo ISD

Mandy Overturff

TSVI, Aledo ISD

Shannon Elliott

Speech-Language Pathologist

Jill Keith

School Psychologist, Aledo ISD

Sarah Hall

Lynn Jameson

Executive Director of Special Programs, Aledo ISD

Thursday May 28, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am CDT
B110

Student Support

Audience 3rd-5th, 6th-8th, 9th-12th, Administrators, PreK-2nd
Subject Special Education
Credit 1.5hr., FLEX, CPE

10:15am CDT

Get to Know Your Chromebook

FULL

Thursday May 28, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am CDT

A105

Limited Capacity full
Adding this to your schedule will put you on the waitlist.

In this session, we will explore practical tips and shortcuts for using your Chromebook to complete everyday tasks efficiently. Participants will also learn key differences between Windows and ChromeOS, including navigation, file management, and common tools, to help make the transition smoother and more confident.

Speakers

Michael Cullers

Technology, Aledo ISD

Michael Lotter

ALEDO ISD

Tim Burley

Thursday May 28, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am CDT
A105

Technology

Audience 3rd-5th, 6th-8th, 9th-12th, Administrators, PreK-2nd
Credit 1.5hr., CPE, FLEX

1:00pm CDT

Small Moves, Big Gains Part 1

LIMITED

Thursday May 28, 2026 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT

B201

Limited Capacity seats available

Small Moves Big Gains, by Nancy Motley, Seidlitz Senior Educational Consultant, focuses on how small, everyday teacher habits can increase student talk, deepen thinking, and improve learning. This session highlights simple, high-impact strategies that make classrooms more interactive, language-rich, and student-centered — without adding extra work. You’ll leave with practical ideas you can use right away to help students talk more, think more, and achieve more.

Speakers

Kayla Cope

ESL Program Specialist, Aledo ISD Administration

Hi Bearcats!I'm excited to be starting my 24th year in public education and my 14th year as an ESL Specialist. It’s a true privilege to support the Emerging Bilingual families and staff of Aledo ISD!I began my teaching career in College Station ISD, working with 5th and 6th grade... Read More →

Thursday May 28, 2026 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT
B201

Academic Discussion

Audience 3rd-5th, 6th-8th, 9th-12th, Administrators, PreK-2nd
Credit 1.5hr., CPE, ESL, FLEX

1:00pm CDT

Yes, Even If You "Don't Like Poetry": Practical Strategies for Deep Analysis

LIMITED

Thursday May 28, 2026 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT

B110

Limited Capacity seats available

Poetry can feel intimidating — abstract, confusing, even inaccessible. But what if it’s actually the most efficient way to teach rigorous comprehension? In this hands-on session, we’ll demystify poetry and model simple, repeatable protocols that help readers unpack meaning, analyze craft, and support claims with evidence. Because poems can be brief, students can go deeper — and those thinking skills transfer seamlessly to novels, primary sources, and beyond. Even if you just need a moment surrounded by beautiful words and well-crafted lines, this session is for you.

Speakers

Staci Hammer

RLA Curriculum Coordinator, Aledo ISD

Staci Hammer coordinates the 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.

Thursday May 28, 2026 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT
B110

Reading/Language Arts

Audience 3rd-5th, 6th-8th, 9th-12th, Administrators
Subject Reading/Language Arts
Credit 1.5hr., CPE, ESL, FLEX, GT

1:00pm CDT

Breakout Session with Trevor Ragan: Leading Learners: How Our Mindsets and Actions Shape the Learning Environment

LIMITED

Thursday May 28, 2026 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT

Cafetorium

Limited Capacity seats available

The way leaders think and act shapes how their people learn and perform. This session covers three simple tools you can use to build a stronger learning environment for the people you lead.

Speakers

Trevor Ragan

Thursday May 28, 2026 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT
Cafetorium

Science of Learning

Audience 3rd-5th, 6th-8th, 9th-12th, Administrators, PreK-2nd
Subject Cross-disciplinary
Credit 1.5hr., CPE, FLEX

1:00pm CDT

TBRI- Trust-Based Relational Intervention- Caregiver Training

LIMITED

Thursday May 28, 2026 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT

A107

Limited Capacity seats available

Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) is a holistic, attachment-based, and trauma-informed intervention designed to meet the complex needs of vulnerable children. Developed by Karyn Purvis and Dr. David Cross at he Karyn Purvis Institute of Child Development (KPICD) at Texas Christian University,

Speakers

Galen Smith

Anne Navarrette

Thursday May 28, 2026 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT
A107

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Audience 3rd-5th, 6th-8th, 9th-12th, Administrators, PreK-2nd
Subject Trauma Informed Care
Credit 1.5hr., CPE, FLEX

1:00pm CDT

Welcome to MagicSchool: Time-Saving AI Tools

FILLING

Thursday May 28, 2026 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT

B114

Limited Capacity filling up

Discover how MagicSchool reclaims hours of your week through powerful time-saving features like Class Writing Feedback, Quizzes, and Teacher Tools. Learn real-world strategies to eliminate after-school grading and streamline lesson planning so you can focus on what matters most—connecting with students.

Speakers

Allen Schagene

Professional Development and Community Specialist, MagicSchool AI

Allen Schagene is originally from Louisville, Kentucky, and has taught in both private and public schools in Houston, Texas. He is a lifelong learner dedicated to helping educators, caregivers, and students develop meaningful AI literacy skills. With twelve years of experience as... Read More →

Thursday May 28, 2026 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT
B114

Technology

Audience 3rd-5th, 6th-8th, 9th-12th, Administrators, PreK-2nd
Subject Artificial Intelligence
Credit 1.5hr., CPE, FLEX

2:45pm CDT

Excellence in Action: AISD Campus Teacher of the Year Panel

LIMITED

Thursday May 28, 2026 2:45pm - 4:15pm CDT

Cafetorium

Limited Capacity seats available

Join us for an inspiring panel discussion featuring our 2025-2026 Campus Teachers of the Year, recognized for their outstanding classroom practices and student impact. Moderated by Dr. Crissey, this session will highlight effective teaching strategies, innovative instructional techniques, and practical tips that drive student success. Whether you're a new teacher or a seasoned educator, you'll leave with actionable ideas and renewed enthusiasm for your craft.

Speakers

Tyler Bauer

6th Grade RLA, McAnally Middle School

Tricia Pettigrew

Elizabeth Garcia

GT Specialist, Aledo ISD

Liz has been in education for 15 years and holds a Master's Degree in Educational Leadership with a specialization in GT. She is passionate about STEM, differentiation, and creating meaningful, hands-on experiences for students.

Olivia Ulmer

Aledo ISD

Emily Lyle

Math Teacher, Aledo ISD

Teressa Love

Emily Kelley

5th Grade RLA, Walsh Elementary

Anna Reed

Sara Garner

Stacey Roberson

3rd Grade Math, Aledo ISD

Amber Crissey

Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum & Instruction, Aledo ISD

Thursday May 28, 2026 2:45pm - 4:15pm CDT
Cafetorium

Leadership

Audience 3rd-5th, 6th-8th, 9th-12th, Administrators, PreK-2nd
Credit 1.5hr., CPE, FLEX

2:45pm CDT

Leverage AI to Transform Critical Writing in Math

LIMITED

Thursday May 28, 2026 2:45pm - 4:15pm CDT

B204

Limited Capacity seats available

In this professional learning session, teachers will explore how to use MagicSchool to support and extend students’ critical writing in mathematics. Participants will learn strategies for guiding students through structured math responses, deepening reasoning, and strengthening justification of answers using tools that scaffold thinking without reducing rigor. The session will include practical examples, ready-to-use prompts, and opportunities to design activities that align with grade-level standards while increasing student ownership of mathematical communication. Teachers will leave with actionable strategies to enhance both problem-solving and written explanation in their classrooms.

Speakers

Amanda Coomer

Thursday May 28, 2026 2:45pm - 4:15pm CDT
B204

Technology

Audience 3rd-5th, Administrators
Subject Math, Artificial Intelligence
Credit 1.5hr., CPE, ESL, FLEX, GT

8:30am CDT

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10:15am CDT

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2:45pm CDT

2:45pm CDT

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