Aledo ISD Empower 2026

Friday May 29, 2026 8:30am - 10:00am CDT

A109

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

This session is designed to empower teachers to design differentiated lessons that foster critical thinking, student choice, and creative expression—essential for meeting the needs of GT learners. In this station-based workshop, participants will walk away with practical strategies, adaptable resources, and a personalized action plan to implement differentiation immediately in their classrooms.

Speakers

Shelly Morrill

GT Coordinator, Aledo ISD

Shelly Morrill has been an educator for over 20 years and holds a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership with Specialization in GT. Parenting her own gifted children sparked her interest in finding better ways to nurture, inspire and educate gifted students. Shelly has served... Read More →

Friday May 29, 2026 8:30am - 10:00am CDT
A109

Differentiation

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

8:30am CDT

Building Meaning Before Reading

Friday May 29, 2026 8:30am - 10:00am CDT

B104

Limited Capacity seats available

In this session, teachers will explore how effective pre-reading strategies can help Emergent Bilingual (EB) students access grade-level texts with greater confidence and comprehension. Participants will learn how to intentionally build background knowledge, preview academic vocabulary, activate prior experiences, and use visuals and structured discussion to develop meaning before students encounter a text.

Speakers

Cathy Williams

Social Studies Curriculum Coordinator, Aledo ISD

Catalina Rossi

ESL Lead

I am originally from Colombia, and Spanish is my first language. Before entering education, I worked as an architect for eight years. I began my teaching career as a substitute teacher and tutor at Birdville ISD, then became a bilingual teacher at Fort Worth ISD. For the past six... Read More →

Friday May 29, 2026 8:30am - 10:00am CDT
B104

Emergent Bilingual Students

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

8:30am CDT

Turning Ideas Into Dollars: A Grant Writing Playbook

Friday May 29, 2026 8:30am - 10:00am CDT

A105

Limited Capacity seats available

During this session we will go over the process of writing a grant from the Aeldo Education Foundation. We will go over the grant writing process, tips and tricks, and how to make your project stand out.

Speakers

Rod Arnold

Kindergarten Teacher, Aledo ISD

Friday May 29, 2026 8:30am - 10:00am CDT
A105

Grant Writing

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

8:30am CDT

Amplify Desmos Math (K–5): Differentiation Strategies Built Into the Curriculum

Friday May 29, 2026 8:30am - 10:00am CDT

A103

Limited Capacity filling up

In this session, teachers will explore the built-in differentiation features within Amplify Desmos Math that support all learners. Participants will examine how mini lessons, centers, and extension activities can be used within each unit to support, strengthen, and stretch student thinking.

Speakers

Lindsey Rutherford

4th Grade Math/Science Teacher

Friday May 29, 2026 8:30am - 10:00am CDT
A103

Math

Audience 3rd-5th, K-2, K-5th
Subject Math
Credit 1.5hr., CPE, FLEX, ESL, GT

8:30am CDT

Amplify Desmos Math (K–5): Navigating the Platform & Exploring Your New Curriculum

Friday May 29, 2026 8:30am - 10:00am CDT

Library

Limited Capacity seats available

Get an introduction to Amplify Desmos Math, our newly adopted K–5 math curriculum. In this hands-on session, teachers will explore the digital teacher platform while becoming familiar with the structure and key components of the program. Participants will have time to interact with the teacher materials, examine lesson resources, and navigate the tools that support planning and instruction. By the end of the session, teachers will feel more confident locating resources, understanding how lessons are organized, and beginning to envision how the curriculum will support student learning in their classrooms.

Speakers

Deanne Torres

Math Curriculum Coordinator, Aledo ISD

Friday May 29, 2026 8:30am - 10:00am CDT
Library

Math

Audience 3rd-5th, K-2
Credit 1.5hr., CPE, FLEX, ESL, GT

8:30am CDT

Let’s Talk STEMscopes! Language & Vocabulary Supports for Math Success

Friday May 29, 2026 8:30am - 10:00am CDT

B109

Limited Capacity seats available

Join us as we dive into the vocabulary supports and supplemental resources available through STEMscopes! This session will highlight tools designed to strengthen core instruction and help support the transition to our new math curriculum for grades 6–Algebra 1. Walk away with ideas and resources you can start using right away.

Speakers

Emily Lyle

Math Teacher, Aledo ISD

Friday May 29, 2026 8:30am - 10:00am CDT
B109

Math

Audience 3rd-5th, K-2, 6th-8th
Subject Math
Credit 1.5hr., CPE, FLEX, ESL, GT

8:30am CDT

Purposeful Craft: The Author's Purpose TEKS - 3-5

Friday May 29, 2026 8:30am - 10:00am CDT

B110

Limited Capacity seats available

Come dive into the Author's Purpose & Craft TEKS strand, with a specific focus on examining the different ways that organization is tested. Leave with resources, ideas, & lessons to use with students with every genre and every text.

Speakers

Tosh McGaughy

Educational Consultant, Tosh McGaughy LLC

(say it Mc-GOY)
I am a certified English teacher who enjoys learning & sharing about literacy, leadership, assessment, curriculum design, & school improvement. I share free TEKS-based resources on my website: www.tinyurl.com/ToshShares

Friday May 29, 2026 8:30am - 10:00am CDT
B110

Reading/Language Arts

Audience 3rd-5th
Subject Reading/Language Arts
Credit 1.5hr., CPE, FLEX

8:30am CDT

Building Collaborative Relationships with Parents for Successful IEP Meetings

Friday May 29, 2026 8:30am - 10:00am CDT

A101

Limited Capacity seats available

Communicating effectively with challenging parents and ensuring their meaningful involvement in the preparation for their child’s upcoming IEP meeting.

Speakers

Terry Alexander

Friday May 29, 2026 8:30am - 10:00am CDT
A101

Special Education

Audience Special Education Teachers, 3rd-5th, 6th-8th, 9th-12th
Credit 1.5hr., CPE, FLEX

8:30am CDT

Capture the Flag of Success

Friday May 29, 2026 8:30am - 10:00am CDT

A107

Limited Capacity seats available

This session will show how to use a modified classroom version of capture the flag as an engaging tool for reviewing new and old concepts. It will also show how this could be tied to multiple areas of the Rigor and Relevance Rubric. Cross-curricular examples will be given, so this session can be for all contents.

Speakers

Kristen Loyd

Aledo ISD

Friday May 29, 2026 8:30am - 10:00am CDT
A107

Student Engagement

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

8:30am CDT

Unlocking Student Growth: Using MAP Insights with IXL

Friday May 29, 2026 8:30am - 10:00am CDT

B106

Limited Capacity seats available

MAP data provides powerful insight into what students know and what they are ready to learn next—but the real impact comes from making that data actionable. In this session, teachers will learn simple, low-effort systems for translating MAP results into targeted IXL skill assignments that meet students exactly where they are. Participants will explore how to use MAP data to identify skill gaps, assign meaningful practice, and monitor growth without adding to their workload. These practical strategies help ensure every student receives the right level of support and challenge, empowering them to grow farther and faster than we thought possible.

Speakers

Lexi Jones

Friday May 29, 2026 8:30am - 10:00am CDT
B106

Using Data Effectively

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

10:15am CDT

From Reactive to Proactive: L.E.A.D.ing through De-escalation

Friday May 29, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am CDT

A107

Limited Capacity seats available

We will examine effective strategies to support students before and during dysregulation so that we can provide proactive measures to ensure learning and safety for all students.

Speakers

Gina Henze

Aledo Principal

Heather Street

Katie Griffin

Friday May 29, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am CDT
A107

Behavior Management

Audience 3rd-5th, 6th-8th, 9th-12th, PreK-2nd
Subject L.E.A.D. Matrix
Credit 1.5hr., CPE, FLEX

10:15am CDT

What Gifted Kids Want You to Know (A Teacher’s Guide to the Inner World of Advanced Learners)

Friday May 29, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am CDT

A109

Limited Capacity filling up

Purpose:
Help teachers understand gifted learners beyond test scores—how they think, feel, and experience school—and what teachers can do immediately in response.
Outcomes
Teachers will:
• Understand common social-emotional and cognitive traits of gifted learners
• Reframe “challenging” behaviors
• Identify small shifts that make a big difference

Speakers

Emily Mooney

GT Specialist- Stuard & Vandagriff Elementaries, Aledo ISD

Nora Hawkins

Jill Hall

Friday May 29, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am CDT
A109

Classroom Management

Audience 3rd-5th, PreK-2nd
Credit 1.5hr., CPE, FLEX, GT

10:15am CDT

Amplify Desmos Math 3–5: Inside the Math Block (Model Lesson)

Friday May 29, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am CDT

B108

Limited Capacity seats available

What does a strong math block look like with our new Amplify curriculum? In this practical, hands-on session, teachers will experience the structure of an Amplify math lesson by participating in a model math block. As we move through each component, we’ll unpack the purpose of each part of the lesson and explore how it fits into your daily instructional time. By the end of the session, teachers will have a clear understanding of the different elements of Amplify and feel confident organizing their own math block to make the most of the curriculum.

Speakers

Marissa Torres

Aledo ISD

Instructional Specialist, Aledo ISD

Friday May 29, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am CDT
B108

Math

Audience 3rd-5th, K-2
Subject Math
Credit 1.5hr., CPE, FLEX, ESL, GT

10:15am CDT

Amplify Desmos Math K–2: Inside the Math Block (Model Lesson)

Friday May 29, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am CDT

A103

Limited Capacity seats available

Speakers

Barb Williams

Instructional Specialist, Aledo ISD

Friday May 29, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am CDT
A103

Math

Audience 3rd-5th, K-2
Subject Math
Credit 1.5hr., CPE, FLEX, ESL, GT

10:15am CDT

Figuring out Fluency

Friday May 29, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am CDT

B206

Limited Capacity seats available

Let’s explore how to build true mathematical fluency in Grades 3–5! You will learn how to move beyond memorization by developing student accuracy, efficiency, and flexibility through engaging fluency routines, mathematical discourse, and strategy-based instruction. Participants will leave with practical tools to strengthen multiplication and division fluency while supporting diverse learners.

Speakers

Stacey Roberson

3rd Grade Math, Aledo ISD

Friday May 29, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am CDT
B206

Math

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

10:15am CDT

Studies Weekly - Your Questions Answered

Friday May 29, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am CDT

B107

Limited Capacity seats available

Whether you're a pro at Studies Weekly or new to the resource, you will learn how to best utilize Studies Weekly in your integrated RLA/Social Studies lessons. This session also includes a Q&A portion to help with implementation.

Speakers

Danny Hulshult

Friday May 29, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am CDT
B107

Social Studies

Audience 3rd-5th, PreK-2nd
Subject Social Studies, Reading/Language Arts
Credit 1.5hr., CPE, FLEX

10:15am CDT

Many Goals, One Classroom: The Workshop Model in a Resource Setting

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Friday May 29, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am CDT

B202

Limited Capacity filling up

This session focuses on using the workshop model in a resource setting to effectively address multiple IEP goals within a single classroom. Participants will explore how structured routines and targeted small-group instruction allow teachers to individualize instruction, provide specific skill-based interventions, and deliver immediate feedback aligned to student goals. Emphasis is placed on practical strategies for managing diverse needs, flexible grouping, and goal-driven instruction to support student progress.

Speakers

Erin Gray

Kathryn Wilson

Brandi Shackelford

Friday May 29, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am CDT
B202

Audience 3rd-5th, PreK-2nd
Subject Reading/Language Arts, Math, Special Education
Credit 1.5hr., CPE, ESL, FLEX

10:15am CDT

Winning at WIN- Connect Map and IXL

Friday May 29, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am CDT

A101

Limited Capacity filling up

Discover how to use MAP data alongside IXL to form targeted student groups and intentionally plan instruction. Move beyond the recommended skill path to design focused, meaningful lessons that drive real growth—while saving valuable planning time.

Speakers

Brandy Arnold

5th Grade Math, Aledo ISD

I love teaching Math, but mostly I teach so that I can help kids feel valued and important. I have taught all grades 5-8th grade and also Pre-K. I love creating things and making learning fun and engaging.

Brittany Crimmings

Friday May 29, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am CDT
A101

Using Data Effectively

Audience 3rd-5th
Subject Reading/Language Arts, Math
Credit 1.5hr., CPE, ESL, FLEX, GT

1:00pm CDT

From Feet to Beat: Whole-Body Pathways to Rhythmic Literacy

Friday May 29, 2026 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT

A105

Limited Capacity seats available

In this high-energy, hands-on session, participants will experience how whole-body movement unlocks deep rhythmic understanding in elementary students. Through Dalcroze-inspired activities, we’ll walk, clap, gesture, and explore beat, division, and multiple before ever looking at notation. Attendees will discover how embodied learning leads naturally to iconic and traditional rhythm reading — making abstract concepts click. Walk away with ready-to-use activities, a clear instructional sequence, and practical strategies to make rhythm literacy joyful, active, and accessible for every learner.

Speakers

Olivia Ramirez

Friday May 29, 2026 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT
A105

Fine Arts

Audience 3rd-5th, PreK-2nd
Subject Music
Credit 1.5hr., CPE, FLEX

1:00pm CDT

Amplify Desmos Math (K–5): Differentiation Strategies Built Into the Curriculum

Friday May 29, 2026 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT

Library

Limited Capacity seats available

Speakers

Lindsey Rutherford

4th Grade Math/Science Teacher

Friday May 29, 2026 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT
Library

Math

Audience 3rd-5th, K-2, K-5th
Subject Math
Credit 1.5hr., CPE, FLEX, ESL, GT

1:00pm CDT

Studies Weekly - Your Questions Answered

Friday May 29, 2026 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT

B107

Limited Capacity seats available

Speakers

Danny Hulshult

Friday May 29, 2026 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT
B107

Social Studies

Audience 3rd-5th, PreK-2nd
Subject Social Studies, Reading/Language Arts
Credit 1.5hr., CPE, FLEX

1:00pm CDT

Stay Stong, End Smart: Engagement & Closures That Actually Work

Friday May 29, 2026 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT

B109

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

The first and last five minutes of a lesson can make or break student learning. In this session, participants will learn simple, high-impact engagement and closure strategies that promote student thinking, support language development, and extend learning for gifted students, without adding extra prep. Teachers will leave with tools they can use immediately in any classroom.

Speakers

Karen Lasater

Friday May 29, 2026 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT
B109

Student Engagement

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

1:00pm CDT

AI Powered Classroom - Reclaiming Your Time

Friday May 29, 2026 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT

B204

Limited Capacity seats available

Become a content creation expert by leveraging AI-powered chatbot tools to design engaging, standards-aligned lessons, assessments, and resources with greater efficiency and precision. This session will equip you with practical strategies and reusable prompt frameworks that elevate instructional quality while giving you back valuable time.

Speakers

Matthew Simmons

EMPOWER 2026 pdf

Friday May 29, 2026 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT
B204

Technology

Audience 3rd-5th, 6th-8th, 9th-12th
Subject Artificial Intelligence, Cross-disciplinary
Credit 1.5hr., CPE, FLEX

1:00pm CDT

Beyond the Classroom: Integrating GT and ESL Learning Through VR

Friday May 29, 2026 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT

A109

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

This session explores how virtual reality can be used to integrate Gifted and Talented and ESL instruction through immersive, language-rich learning experiences. Participants will learn how VR supports higher-level thinking, inquiry, and creativity while providing visual and contextual supports that enhance language development and access for English learners. Teachers will leave with practical strategies for using VR to extend learning beyond the classroom for diverse student populations.

Speakers

Emily Mooney

GT Specialist- Stuard & Vandagriff Elementaries, Aledo ISD

Nora Hawkins

Jill Hall

Friday May 29, 2026 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT
A109

Technology

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

1:00pm CDT

Google Slides to Canva: Dare To Switch?

Friday May 29, 2026 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT

Lecture Hall

Limited Capacity seats available

Feeling left behind while everyone’s making Canva Slides? Don’t worry, you don’t have to dive in headfirst! This session is perfect for Google Slides users who want to dip their toes into Canva presentations without the overwhelm.

You’ll get hands-on practice creating slides that look polished and professional - and yes, bring your laptop! By the end, you’ll have a few tricks up your sleeve and the confidence to experiment with Canva at your own pace.

Speakers

Thien Huynh

Instructional Technology Coordinator, Aledo ISD

Friday May 29, 2026 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT
Lecture Hall

Technology

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

2:45pm CDT

Google Sheets for Teachers: Because Tracking Student Data on Napkins Doesn't Work

Friday May 29, 2026 2:45pm - 4:15pm CDT

Library

Limited Capacity filling up

Create and utilize google sheets for progress monitoring, analyzing assessment results, and motivating students. Walk away with templates that you can incorporate on day one of next year! An added bonus in this session includes discussion connecting trackers and higher ratings on rubrics for the CT Continuum and T-TESS.

Speakers

Paula Vidaurri

Instructional Specialist, 6-8 RLA, Aledo ISD

Tyler Bauer

6th Grade RLA, McAnally Middle School

Amanda Douglas

6th Grade RLA Teacher

Friday May 29, 2026 2:45pm - 4:15pm CDT
Library

Classroom Management

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

2:45pm CDT

Amplify Desmos Math (K-2): mClass and Boost Learning

Friday May 29, 2026 2:45pm - 4:15pm CDT

A103

Limited Capacity seats available

Explore how mCLASS and Boost Learning support instruction within Amplify Desmos Math for K–2 students. This session will provide an overview of how these tools connect to the curriculum and support student learning, progress monitoring, and targeted practice. Participants will learn about key features of each platform and how they can be used to strengthen early numeracy development. Teachers will also have time to explore the platforms themselves to become more familiar with the tools and resources available to support their students.

Speakers

Deanne Torres

Math Curriculum Coordinator, Aledo ISD

Friday May 29, 2026 2:45pm - 4:15pm CDT
A103

Math

Audience 3rd-5th, K-2
Subject Math
Credit 1.5hr., CPE, FLEX, ESL, GT

2:45pm CDT

Light Up Learning with IXL Spark Studio

Friday May 29, 2026 2:45pm - 4:15pm CDT

B108

Limited Capacity seats available

Explore IXL Spark Studio to enhance classroom instruction, practice, and review. In this session, teachers will learn how to effectively navigate Spark Studio and design interactive, engaging activities that make practice and review meaningful and enjoyable for students. The session will also highlight strategies for using the tool to differentiate instruction and support both English Language Learners and Gifted & Talented students. This is a repeat session from February 13th PL.

Speakers

Tammy Schank

Math Instructional Specialist, Aledo ISD

Friday May 29, 2026 2:45pm - 4:15pm CDT
B108

Math

Audience 3rd-5th, K-2, 3rd-6th
Subject Math
Credit 1.5hr., CPE, FLEX, ESL, GT

2:45pm CDT

We Need to Talk…. About your Parent Communication!

Friday May 29, 2026 2:45pm - 4:15pm CDT

A101

Limited Capacity filling up

Communicating with parents is HARD. Like a game of telephone, information can be interpreted and shared differently, leading to unintentional confusion or frustration for staff, students, and families. In this interactive session, participants will role-play several parent communication scenarios that inevitably arise each year. Together, we’ll practice navigating difficult conversations with families: How do you broach sensitive topics? How do you maintain a positive working relationship while addressing concerns? Participants will leave with practical strategies for deciding when to send a Remind message, when to email, and when it’s best to pick up the phone and call. Shared resources will include sample scenarios and phone scripts to support productive, respectful conversations with the people who love our students the most.

Speakers

Hannah McConnell

Instructional Specialist, Aledo ISD

Heather Street

Friday May 29, 2026 2:45pm - 4:15pm CDT
A101

Parent Communication

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

2:45pm CDT

Learning Through Inquiry

Friday May 29, 2026 2:45pm - 4:15pm CDT

B112

Limited Capacity seats available

We will be presenting on how we set up our student driven inquiry projects. Students guide themselves through independent learning tasks and then apply their knowledge to engineering some type of a project. We will share how we set up the learning tasks and facilitate without giving the answers. How we guide students through their own creative process in the design phase, and finally how we add in elements of critical writing.

Speakers

Luke Campbell

8th Grade Science, Aledo ISD

Kate Thomas

8th Grade Science, Aledo ISD

Friday May 29, 2026 2:45pm - 4:15pm CDT
B112

Science

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

2:45pm CDT

Empowering Educators: Morphological Strategies and Tools for Supporting Struggling Readers with Vocabulary and Comprehension