Sped Summit
World's Biggest Special Education Conference. It's completely free!
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Is the conference virtual only?Yes Sped Summit is completely virtual. All presentations will be delivered online only.
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Can I watch replays if I am unable to attend live?Yes replays are available for all sessions till March 9, 2025.
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How will I get the Professional Development Certificates?You would be asked to take up a short quiz after each session. If you score above a certain percentage, the PD certificate will be delivered to you over email.
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How do I sign up for Sped Summit?Use this link to sign up for the summit.
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Who is this for?The Sped Summit is for all special ed professionals, be it special educations teachers, SLPs, PTs, OTs, ABA therapists and more...
Frequently Asked Questions
10th Feb - 09th Mar 2025
CONNECT
Connect with the members on our Facebook Group
Never miss an announcement, or a fun anecdote. Join our Facebook and stay in touch with the community.
Starbucks Gift Cards, TpT Resources, AbleSpace Subscriptions, and much more...
We have multiple giveaways lined up for you during the entire conference. Raffles, quizzes, and surprise gifts. Get ready to learn and get ready to win!
Professional Development and Fun!
Professional
Development Certificates
Get professional development certificates for each session you attend
Multiple
Giveaways
Opportunities to win multiple giveaways during the conference
Resources and
Bonus Materials
Powerful resources and bonus materials to upgrade your practice!
Session List
Learn from the who's who in the special education space. Practical professional development sessions for FREE!
Are you a Sped Professional? This is for you!
Special Education Teachers, SLPs, PTs, OTs, ABA Professionals and more...
Sessions starts
10th Feb 2024
10 speakers and 10 sessions
4-day virtual conference
Completely Virtual and online
Replays available through Feb & Mar
Absolutely free at no extra cost
Speakers
People who have been there and done that. Practical tips at the comfort of your home.
Dr. Byron Swartz
Intervention Specialist
Dr. Byron Swartz is a passionate advocate for special education and educator well-being. With over seven years of experience as both a paraprofessional and special education teacher, he understands the demands of the profession and the impact of teacher burnout. He holds an Ed.D. in Special Education Curriculum and Instruction from Liberty University, along with degrees from the University of Toledo, Wright State University, and Owens Community College. Dr. Swartz is committed to helping educators thrive by providing practical strategies to sustain their passion and effectiveness in the field.
District Supervisor Of Special Education
Steve Howey
Steve is currently the Supervisor of Special Education for the Consolidated School District of New Britain, located in New Britain, Connecticut. He is an 18 year veteran in the field of special education and brings a wealth of knowledge from various settings and school districts he has been a part of. Steve started his career as an inclusion teacher at the high school level and then found his niche within the therapeutic and alternative setting within the elementary and secondary level. In 2014, Steve earned his Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies (C.A.G.S.) in Educational Leadership and has since held Special Education Leadership roles in various capacities. Steve is the co-owner of Primrose Educational Group which offers virtual professional growth programs and one-on-one coaching for teachers, professional development and consulting to school districts. They also have a division that provides advocacy for families navigating the special education process.
M.SpEd., educator & accredited OG-P
Nicola Lott
Nicola Lott, M.SpEd., is a seasoned educator and accredited OG Practitioner dedicated to supporting neurodiverse learners. Passionate about simplifying the Science of Reading and supporting educators, she founded CAI Hub to bring together reading specialists who feel overwhelmed by diverse student needs, are frustrated by conflicting advice, and isolated in their pursuit of meaningful change. Through CAI Hub, Nicola integrates proven reading practices with often-overlooked support systems essential for success to help specialists meet their students’ academic and emotional needs, and find balance in their own lives.
M.A. CCC-Speech Language Pathologist
Courtney Gebhart
Courtney Gebhart, M.A. CCC-SLP, brings transformative solutions to special education programs as the Founder of Metamorphosis Therapy Group, Inc. With over 16 years as an ASHA-certified speech-language pathologist, she specializes in developing and implementing innovative solutions for diverse student populations when staffing is challenging. Drawing from her extensive experience in both direct school employment and district-wide consulting, Courtney helps special education programs optimize their resources through strategic staffing solutions and service delivery models. Her unique perspective bridges administrators' operational challenges with the clinical excellence students deserve. Under her leadership, Metamorphosis has supported thousands of students across the full spectrum of special education settings, from autism-specific programs to Special Day Classes spanning preschool through high school. As a part-time lecturer at California State University, Fresno's Communication Sciences and Deaf Studies department, Courtney shapes the next generation of special education professionals through courses on exceptional children and language development. Her combination of clinical expertise, administrative acumen, and academic involvement makes her a valuable voice in advancing special education services.
Special Education Expert
Catherine Kahl, M.Ed
Catherine Kahl, M.Ed., is an IEP Leadership expert and founder of the Master IEP Coach® Mentorship. With over 25 years of experience, she helps parents and educators navigate special education with confidence. Catherine is dedicated to equipping all IEP team members to be collaborative, effective, and focused on long-term outcomes for students—without conflict, confusion, and overwhelm.
M.Ed, CSLDI- Dyslexia Expert
Jennifer Jacobsen
Mrs. Jennifer Jacobsen's journey as an educator showcases the profound impact of dedication and continuous learning in the field of special education, particularly in addressing dyslexia. Her 19-year tenure as an Intervention Specialist underscores her commitment to supporting students with dyslexia, a condition that often presents significant challenges in traditional educational settings. Mrs. Jacobsen's expertise in Structured Literacy and dyslexia intervention is not only reflected in her classroom success but also in her role as a public speaker and educator. Through her company, Demystifying Dyslexia, LLC, she shares her knowledge and experiences with fellow educators, equipping them with the tools and strategies needed to create inclusive learning environments where all students, including those with dyslexia, can thrive. She resides in the Midwest with her husband, two sons, and her dog.
Want to share your expertise in special education? Apply to be a speaker at SPED Summit!
Smita Prakash
Pediatric Occupational Therapist
Smita Prakash is a Senior Occupational Therapist based in New York City, specializing in supporting children ages 4 and up in school settings and providing early intervention for children from birth to age 3. She is also a Certified Autism Specialist. She serves on the Special Education Advisory Council for the City of New York and is the founder of ThinkingZebras.org, a platform offering therapeutic resources to help parents support children with developmental challenges. With experience leading therapy teams at an international school in Singapore and working in hospital settings with children facing complex medical diagnoses, Smita brings a wealth of expertise and a culturally sensitive perspective. Her strength-based approach focuses on empowering children by nurturing their unique abilities, helping them grow into confident and happy individuals.
Assistive Technology Instructor
Mark Surabian
Mark Surabian operates ATHelp.org, a free Assistive Technology clinic that serves individuals with learning, communication, sensory, and physical disabilities, and ATTrain.org, a professional training program that serves schools and agencies in the greater NYC area and offers remote support across the globe. He is an instructor on assistive/educational technologies in the graduate schools of New York University, Bank Street College, and St. Joseph’s College.
Nicola Lott
M.SpEd., educator & accredited OG-P
Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) for reading instruction at all levels
Join Nicola Lott as she unpacks Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) for reading instruction across all levels. Discover effective strategies to assess, intervene, and monitor student progress, ensuring every learner receives the support they need to succeed. Empower your teaching with evidence-based practices that drive reading achievement for all.
10th Feb, 9:00AM PST
Jennifer Jacobsen
M.Ed, CSLDI- Dyslexia Expert
How Teachers Can Close the Reading/Writing/ Spelling Gap In 10 Minutes A Day
Join us for an exclusive session where you'll discover the #1 framework that has transformed reading instruction for hundreds of teachers and helped thousands of students overcome the reading, writing, and spelling gap. In this presentation, you'll learn exactly what this proven framework is, how to seamlessly integrate it into your busy lesson plans, and gain actionable strategies to make a real impact on your students' progress. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to empower your teaching and close the gap for your students once and for all!
10th Feb, 9:00AM PST
Catherine Kahl, M.Ed
Special Education Expert
Conflict resolution at the IEP table
Teachers should never have to choose between speaking up at the IEP table and keeping their job. Parents shouldn’t feel like they have to fight just to be heard. In this session, you'll learn proven strategies and key phrases to navigate tough conversations, tackle disagreements, and build real collaboration. You’ll walk away with the tools and confidence to turn IEP conflict into solutions that put your students first—without the stress.
11th Feb, 9:00AM PST
Mark Surabian
Assistive Technology Instructor
How Assistive Technology Impacts Learning Disabilities: Research and User Outcomes
Discover how the technology you currently have in your classroom is invaluable for empowering students with learning disabilities, through an examination of the research, several case studies, and the tools themselves.
11th Feb, 9:00AM PST
Steve Howey
District Supervisor Of Special Education
Trauma-Informed Practices in Special Education
Explore the transformative impact of trauma-informed practices in special education with Steve Howey. Learn strategies to create safe, supportive learning environments that address the unique needs of students affected by trauma. Gain insights into fostering resilience, promoting emotional well-being, and empowering students to thrive academically and personally.
12th Feb, 9:00AM PST
Courtney Gebhart
M.A. CCC-Speech Language Pathologist
How Speech Services can be handled amid a nationwide shortage
Courtney Gebhart addresses the critical challenge of managing speech services during a nationwide shortage. Learn innovative strategies to optimize resources, prioritize caseloads, and implement creative solutions. This session offers practical insights to ensure students continue receiving quality support, even amidst staffing challenges in the field of speech-language pathology.
12th Feb, 9:00AM PST
Smita Prakash
Pediatric Occupational Therapist
Addressing the Sensory Needs of Children with Neurodevelopmental Disorders in the Classroom: Strategies for Creating an Inclusive Learning Environment
Discover practical strategies to address the sensory needs of children with neurodevelopmental disorders in the classroom. Smita Prakash shares insights on creating inclusive, sensory-friendly environments that enhance learning and engagement. Gain actionable tips to support diverse sensory profiles and promote positive educational outcomes for all students.
13th Feb, 9:00AM PST
Dr. Byron Swartz
Intervention Specialist
Coping Strategies for Managing Feelings of Burnout
Discover effective strategies to manage and overcome feelings of burnout in the demanding field of special education. Byron Scott shares practical coping techniques, self-care practices, and tools to foster resilience, helping educators stay motivated, balanced, and fulfilled while supporting their students. Empower yourself to thrive professionally and personally in challenging times.
13th Feb, 9:00AM PST