Aledo ISD Empower 2026

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

Glow & Grow: Making Writing Feedback Work

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

B106

Limited Capacity seats available

Join us to explore how meaningful feedback can transform student writing! In this session, we’ll dive into teacher-led conferences, peer-to-peer feedback, and using Magic School to provide structured, actionable comments. Participants will learn strategies for building a culture of accountable talk, guiding students to give and receive “glows and grows,” and supporting all learners, including gifted and ESL students, through targeted, growth-focused feedback. Walk away with practical tools to make writing conferences engaging, efficient, and truly impactful.

Speakers

Hope Tuel

6th - 8th ESL, Aledo ISD

Emily Kelley

5th Grade RLA, Walsh Elementary

Thursday May 28, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am CDT
B106

Student Feedback

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

10:15am CDT

Grow Our Own: Pathways into Specialized Student Support Roles

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

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

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

10:15am CDT

MagicSchool: Setting Up Student Rooms

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

B114

Limited Capacity seats available

Master the complete setup and management of Student Rooms. Explore best practices for structuring rooms to boost student outcomes and scale AI implementation across your classrooms.

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 10:15am - 11:45am CDT
B114

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

10:15am CDT

Yes, you CANVA!

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

A101

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

Create It, Teach It: Join us as we explore and create lessons utilizing Canva to enhance student engagement and achievement. A portion of this session will be focused on a Canva "Make and Take" to better prepare you for the upcoming school year.

Speakers

Stacey Utley

1st Grade Teacher

Maggie Tass

Jennifer Sarvis

1st Grade Teacher

Ashton Adams

Thursday May 28, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am CDT
A101

Audience PreK-2nd, 9th-12th
Subject Student Engagement
Credit 1.5hr., CPE, ESL, FLEX, GT

1:00pm CDT

Small Moves, Big Gains Part 1

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

Empowered to L.E.A.D: Supporting Every Student, Every Teacher

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

B202

Limited Capacity seats available

In this professional learning session, educators will explore how the L.E.A.D. framework can be used intentionally to support students and teachers in meaningful, practical ways. Participants will reflect on real classroom and campus scenarios, share strategies, and walk away with actionable ideas for building a culture rooted in learning, empathy, accountability, and dedication.

Speakers

Joni Myres

Science Teacher, Aledo ISD

Tyler Bauer

6th Grade RLA, McAnally Middle School

Thursday May 28, 2026 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT
B202

Behavior Management

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

1:00pm CDT

Connection Before Correction

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

B208

Limited Capacity seats available

Students are more likely to engage, regulate, and learn when they feel safe, seen, and connected. This session explores the importance of building strong relationships with students before placing academic or behavioral demands. Participants will learn how connection serves as the foundation for regulation and positive behavior, and why correction without connection often leads to resistance, escalation, or shutdown.

Through real-world classroom examples, this presentation will highlight practical strategies for establishing trust, using co-regulation, and responding to challenging behavior with empathy and consistency. Educators will leave with tools they can immediately apply to reduce power struggles, support emotional regulation, and create environments where students are ready to learn.

Speakers

Brittany Mallory

Gini Lott

Thursday May 28, 2026 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT
B208

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

1:00pm CDT

From Surface to Synthesis: Two Power Routines for Deeper Thinking

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

B206

Limited Capacity filling up

In this interactive workshop, teachers will learn two research-based questioning routines that help students ask better questions, make meaningful connections, and think more deeply about content. By using protagonists, participants will explore the Question Pencil Routine—a framework that helps students generate intentional questions across eight question stems—and the Hexagonal Questioning Routine—a collaborative strategy that makes conceptual connections visible and builds higher-order thinking skills. Through hands-on practice, teachers will discover how to implement these routines in their classrooms, scaffold for diverse learners (including English language learners), and use these strategies to guide student inquiry and learning. Perfect for teachers seeking to move beyond surface-level questions and foster genuine curiosity and engagement!

Speakers

Hannah McConnell

Instructional Specialist, Aledo ISD

Zan Banks

4th Grade RLA/SS

Thursday May 28, 2026 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT
B206

High-level Questioning

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

1:00pm CDT

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

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

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

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

IEP Strategies and Supports with Accommodations & Modifications

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

A109

Limited Capacity seats available

This session will focus on practical, classroom-ready strategies which align to IEP goals. Participants will explore how to design meaningful accommodations and modifications in their lessons and use data binders to track progress efficiently to support student growth. Teachers will leave with concrete tools, examples, and systems they can immediately apply to strengthen IEP implementation and progress monitoring.

Speakers

Kelsey Smith

Katie Tonemah

Thursday May 28, 2026 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT
A109

Special Education

Audience 3rd-5th, 6th-8th, 9th-12th, PreK-2nd
Subject Cross-disciplinary

1:00pm CDT

Stage to Classroom: Strengthening Rigor, Discourse, and Literacy Across Content Areas

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

B204

Limited Capacity seats available

This session introduces practical theatre-based strategies that increase cognitive engagement, academic language development, and depth of understanding across content areas. Through structured approaches such as perspective reading, hot seating, tableaux, and guided discourse, teachers will learn how to strengthen literacy, student voice, and standards-driven rigor while supporting multilingual learners and diverse levels of readiness.

Speakers

Joseph Dassinger

Theatre Director, Aledo High School

Thursday May 28, 2026 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT
B204

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

1:00pm CDT

Supporting Students with Active Neuro-Minds (ADHD): Strategies for Engaging Minds & Bodies

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

A103

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

In this session, educators will gain practical tools and strategies to effectively support K-12 students with active-neuro minds (ADHD) in the school setting. Participants will explore the unique ways these learners process information, regulate emotions, and engage with their environment. The session will focus on understanding how the ADHD brain works, identifying common challenges faced by these students, and implementing proactive supports to foster academic and social success.

Educators will leave equipped with evidence-based strategies for classroom management, flexible instruction, and physical movement integration to help these students thrive. Join us to discover how engaging both the mind and body can transform learning experiences for students with active-neuro minds.

Speakers

Axelle Brown

I am a Special Education Resource and Co-Teacher with over 12 years of experience supporting students across inclusive classroom settings. I specialize in working with learners with ADHD, Autism, Specific Learning Disabilities, and behavioral challenges. As both a teacher with ADHD... Read More →

Amy Rankin

Occupational Therapist, Aledo ISD

I am have been a occupational therapist for 12 years with my primary focus of practice with a pediatric population. Where I have provided occupational therapy services in a pediatric hospital setting, home health setting, and school-based setting. I have served as a school based occupational... Read More →

Thursday May 28, 2026 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT
A103

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

1:00pm CDT

TBRI- Trust-Based Relational Intervention- Caregiver Training

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

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

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

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

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

2:45pm CDT

From Silence to Insight: Unlocking Student Thinking with Chalk Talks

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

B203

Limited Capacity seats available

What happens when students discuss ideas without speaking? Powerful thinking. In this session, teachers will experience a Chalk Talk from the student perspective and learn how this simple strategy can transform classroom discussions. We’ll explore how silent written conversations can build participation, deepen thinking, and naturally lead to stronger questions and richer dialogue. Participants will leave with ready-to-use prompts, facilitation tips, and strategies to help students move from quick answers to thoughtful, higher-level responses.

Speakers

Tiffany Nakamura

Thursday May 28, 2026 2:45pm - 4:15pm CDT
B203

Academic Discussion

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

2:45pm CDT

Building the Culture, Designing the Work: Creating Meaningful Collaboration in Secondary Classrooms

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

B107

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

Creating meaningful collaboration in the classroom requires more than simply placing students in groups—it requires intentionally building a learning environment where students feel safe sharing ideas, taking risks, and thinking beyond traditional approaches. This professional development session will focus on practical strategies teachers can use to foster a classroom culture that encourages collaboration, creativity, and student ownership of learning. The session will also address adaptations of familiar collaborative structures to incorporate technology, accommodate large class sizes, and enhance rigorous and creative thinking.

Speakers

Rachel Grier

Sarah Zedler

Thursday May 28, 2026 2:45pm - 4:15pm CDT
B107

Collaboration

Audience 9th-12th
Subject Math, Reading/Language Arts
Credit 1.5hr., CPE, ESL, FLEX, GT

2:45pm CDT

Understanding EB Needs and How to Help Close the Gap

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

A109

Limited Capacity seats available

Essential information all teachers of EBs need to know and ways we can unlock their potential, including strategies that can work for any student.

Speakers

Audrey Mann

Teacher

Thursday May 28, 2026 2:45pm - 4:15pm CDT
A109

Emergent Bilingual Students

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

2:45pm CDT

Excellence in Action: AISD Campus Teacher of the Year Panel

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

McGraw-Hill High School Math: Navigating the Platform and Exploring the Curriculum

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

B202

Limited Capacity seats available

Get an introduction to McGraw Hill, our newly adopted curriculum for grades Geometry, PAP Geometry, Algebra II and Pre-cal. In this session, teachers will explore the digital platform and gain an overview of how the curriculum is organized to support instruction. Participants will be guided through key features of the site, including where to locate lessons, resources, and instructional supports for planning and implementation. By the end of the session, teachers will have a clearer understanding of the structure of the curriculum and feel more confident navigating the platform as they begin preparing to use McGraw Hill in their classrooms.

Speakers

Keely Hulme

Math Instructional Specialist, Aledo ISD

Thursday May 28, 2026 2:45pm - 4:15pm CDT
B202

Math

Audience 3rd-5th, K-2, 9th-12th
Subject Math
Credit 1.5hr., CPE, FLEX, ESL, GT

2:45pm CDT

We Need to Talk…. About your Parent Communication!

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

B206

Limited Capacity seats available

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

Thursday May 28, 2026 2:45pm - 4:15pm CDT
B206

Parent Communication

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

2:45pm CDT

5 Questions for Any Text

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

B110

Limited Capacity filling up

This professional learning session introduces Marilyn Perle’s “5 Questions for Any Text” as a simple, powerful framework for helping students read more deeply and think critically about what they encounter. Participants will explore how the five questions guide students to analyze purpose, audience, message, and perspective across any type of text. Educators will leave with ready-to-use prompts that support stronger comprehension, discussion, and media literacy across content areas.

Speakers

Staci Hammer

RLA Curriculum Coordinator, Aledo ISD

Thursday May 28, 2026 2:45pm - 4:15pm CDT
B110

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

2:45pm CDT

High Impact, Low Overwhelm: Practical RLA Moves That Strengthen Student Thinking

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

B109

Limited Capacity seats available

Explore seven high-leverage RLA instructional shifts that deepen student thinking and discussion—without adding extra planning, materials, or grading.

Speakers

Katelyn Smith

RLA Instructional Specialist, Aledo ISD

Hi everyone! I’m Katelyn Smith, and I’m the 6-12 RLA Instructional Specialist. While AHS has been my home for several years, I’ve really enjoyed finding a new home at both AMS and MMS and getting to know those campuses this year. Although RLA is my primary focus and where my... Read More →

Thursday May 28, 2026 2:45pm - 4:15pm CDT
B109

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

2:45pm CDT

Visual Supports in the Classroom

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

B201

Limited Capacity seats available

In this session, teachers will learn how to implement visual supports for their students to increase independence, student engagement and success in the general and special education classrooms.

Speakers

Dawn McNair

teacher, Aledo ISD

Thursday May 28, 2026 2:45pm - 4:15pm CDT
B201

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

2:45pm CDT

MagicSchool: Building Custom MagicSchool Student Chatbots

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

B114

Limited Capacity seats available

Create personalized chatbots tailored to your curriculum in minutes—no coding required. Learn to add guardrails, deploy safely with students, and provide differentiated support that increases engagement while keeping learning focused and secure.

Speakers

Allen Schagene

Professional Development and Community Specialist, MagicSchool AI

Thursday May 28, 2026 2:45pm - 4:15pm CDT
B114

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

8:30am CDT

Lead the Way, Capture the Heart: Aligning LEAD with the EXCEL Model

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

B108

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

What happens when Aledo ISD’s LEAD statement meets the relationship-driven practices of Capturing Kids’ Hearts? Powerful classrooms where leadership, connection, and purpose thrive. In this session, educators will examine the alignment between the LEAD statement and the EXCEL model and discover practical strategies for embedding both into everyday classroom practice. Participants will leave with clear connections and actionable ideas to help students grow as learners and leaders.

Speakers

Maggie Lozano

Instructional Specialist, Aledo ISD

Maggie Lozano is a passionate literacy leader committed to strengthening foundational reading and writing instruction in classrooms. She partners with teachers to use data-driven practices to identify student needs, design targeted interventions, and close literacy gaps. In addition... Read More →

Friday May 29, 2026 8:30am - 10:00am CDT
B108

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

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

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

Quick Canvas Quizzes

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

B114

Limited Capacity seats available

Short on time but big on standards? In this hands-on session, you’ll get step-by-step guidance on using AI and a simple online tool to create standards-aligned quizzes and upload them directly into Canvas — in minutes. Walk away with a repeatable system you can use again and again.

Speakers

Meghan Roberson

Friday May 29, 2026 8:30am - 10:00am CDT
B114

Audience 6th-8th, 9th-12th
Subject Artificial Intelligence, Canvas
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

Building Positive Connections in the Secondary Classroom

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

B204

Limited Capacity seats available

Back by popular demand, this engaging session explores the art of building positive relationships in your secondary classroom. Fostering connections in the classroom is not only essential for academic success, but also contributes to a supportive and collaborative learning environment. Whether you are a seasoned teacher, or just starting out, this session offers practical tips to cultivate a thriving classroom.

Speakers

Amber Wheeler

RLA Instructional Specialist, Aledo ISD

Friday May 29, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am CDT
B204

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

10:15am CDT

Purposeful Craft: The Author's Purpose TEKS - 6-12

Friday May 29, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am 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 10:15am - 11:45am CDT
B110

Audience 6th-8th, 9th-12th
Subject Reading/Language Arts
Credit 1.5hr., CPE, FLEX

10:15am CDT

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

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

10:15am CDT

Taking care of YOU!

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

B106

Limited Capacity filling up

Taking care of you- A ‘PUP’ talk. The important roles animals can play in self – care and wellness. Prioritize your well-being in this empowering session focused on practical wellness strategies, meaningful self-care, and effective ways to set boundaries for a healthier work-life balance. Walk away with tools to help you thrive both personally and professionally.

Speakers

Tricia Hackfeld

Aledo ISD

Annie Walker

Lindsay Fuller

Maggie Alexander

Friday May 29, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am CDT
B106

Wellness

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

1:00pm CDT

LOVE Learning with Delta Math

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

A107

Limited Capacity seats available

Explore how to effectively use the DeltaMath platform to enhance instruction, increase student engagement, and support differentiated learning in the mathematics classroom. Through hands-on exploration, participants will learn how to create assignments, develop meaningful reteach opportunities, and provide targeted feedback that promotes mastery and confidence.

Speakers

Teressa Love

Friday May 29, 2026 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT
A107

Math

Audience 6th-8th, 9th-12th
Subject Technology Integration
Credit 1.5hr., CPE, FLEX

1:00pm CDT

Focus on Revising! - 6-12

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

B110

Limited Capacity seats available

Come explore the skills tested in the Revising passages with hands-on interaction. Leave with resources, lessons, and ideas to use with your students throughout the year.

Speakers

Tosh McGaughy

Educational Consultant, Tosh McGaughy LLC

Friday May 29, 2026 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT
B110

Audience 6th-8th, 9th-12th
Subject 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

B107

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

Unlock ways to support all readers across content areas in this empowering session. Explore strategies and practical tools to help struggling readers — including those with dyslexia, specific learning disabilities (SLD), emerging bilinguals (EB), and even gifted learners (GT) — reach their full potential using morphology to enhance vocabulary and comprehension.

Speakers

Amber Jaime

Dyslexia Specialist, AISD--Vandagriff Elementary

Dyslexia Specialist at Vanda C.A.L.P. Wrapping up my 20th year as an educator, my 9th year serving students with Dyslexia.

Kelly Dyson

Friday May 29, 2026 2:45pm - 4:15pm CDT
B107

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

2:45pm CDT

Build-a-Bot Workshop: Practical MagicSchool Chatbots for Any Experience Level

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

B109

Limited Capacity seats available

This session is designed for everyone, from first-time users to MagicSchool “magicians,” with clear entry points and extension options throughout. Teachers will learn how to move from using existing MagicSchool chatbots to designing custom bots that support instruction and student buy-in. We will start with common use cases like character conversations, debate partners, and writing feedback. Then we will explore custom bots for escape rooms, dynamic student interaction, and student goal creation. Teachers will leave with a polished, ready-to-use chatbot they can plug into instruction next year, plus collaboration strategies for building, revising, and sharing bots across a team so they stay valuable over time.

Speakers

Thomas Mistler

RLA 9th Grade Teacher

Friday May 29, 2026 2:45pm - 4:15pm CDT
B109

Audience 6th-8th, 9th-12th
Subject Technology Integration, Reading/Language Arts
Credit 1.5hr., CPE, FLEX

2:45pm CDT

Google Slides to Canva: Dare To Switch?

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

Lecture Hall

Limited Capacity seats available

Speakers

Thien Huynh

Instructional Technology Coordinator, Aledo ISD

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