Aledo ISD Empower 2026: Full Schedule

Welcome to Aledo ISD’s Summer Learning Academy!

arrow_back View All Dates

8:30am CDT

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

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

10:15am CDT

Ignite, Engage, Inspire: Driving Instruction Through Rigor and Relevance

LIMITED

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

B104

Limited Capacity seats available

Join us for a dynamic learning session where you'll explore engaging instructional strategies that spark student thinking and creativity. Discover how to make the Rigor and Relevance Rubric the driving force behind meaningful, impactful instruction.
Throughout our time together, you'll experience a variety of high-energy, student-centered activities you can take back to your classroom immediately. Whether you're looking to boost engagement, deepen rigor, or make learning more relevant and memorable, this session will leave you inspired and equipped to transform your classroom.

Speakers

Kristee Allen

Teacher, Aledo ISD

Finishing year 26 in the classroom and year 3 in Aledo ISD. I am passionate about trying and adapting new things to engage students in their learning.
You can always ask me about my pug!

Donna Bonaldi

Teacher, Aledo ISD

William Smith

Friday May 29, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am CDT
B104

Student Engagement

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

2:45pm CDT

Special Programs Curriculum Resources: A Deep Dive into Lexia, TouchMath, Diffit, & More!

LIMITED

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

B104

Limited Capacity seats available

We will spend time reviewing all the curriculum resources that are provided to special programs teachers. We will look at resources for math, ELAR, social skills and behavior support, AI tools, and discover practical and useful ways to integrate these into your instruction.

Please bring a device for some hands-on activities.

Speakers

Vicki Boring

Professional Learning Facilitator, Lexia Learning

Katie Tonemah

Friday May 29, 2026 2:45pm - 4:15pm CDT
B104

Special Education

Audience Special Education Teachers
Credit 1.5hr., CPE, FLEX

8:30am CDT

10:15am CDT

2:45pm CDT

Get help with the event