Sped Summit
World's Biggest Special Education Conference. It's completely free!
Frequently Asked Questions
15th Jan - 16th Feb 2024
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 Educations Teachers, SLPs, PTs, OTs, ABA Professionals and more...
Sessions starts 15th January 2024
10 speakers and 10 sessions
5-day virtual conference
Completely Virtual and online
Replays available through Jan & Feb
Absoultely free at no extra cost
Speakers
People who have been there and done that. Practical tips at the comfort of your home.
Lois Letchford
Special Education Teacher
Lois Letchford trained as a literacy specialist, studying in Australia and Texas, and received her Master's degree from SUNY (Albany). She spent years as the District Reading Specialist in Lubbock, Texas. Lois teaches children with Dyslexia, Developmental Language Disorder, Hyperlexic, and Learning Disabled. Her first book is Reversed: A Memoir. Lois speaks at conferences around the world.
Special Education Teacher
Lisa Parnello
Lisa Parnello is a dyslexia therapist and CEO of Parnello Education Services. She is a dyslexia expert with over 15 years of experience including public school, and private schools, with a primary focus on students with learning differences such as dyslexia, and dysgraphia. She started her career teaching general education students and discovered her heart was set on helping the children who struggled the most. She earned her M.Ed. in special education and has since dedicated her life to helping the most struggling learners. She is a certified Wilson Dyslexia Therapist and a Wilson Credentialed Trainer. Lisa served as the Lower School Director of Sand Hill School at CHC in Palo Alto before expanding Parnello Education Services. She trains and guides teachers as they develop into successful special education instructors including mentoring teachers and instructional coaching.
Behavior special education teacher
Rachel Irwin
Rachel Irwin is, a dedicated special education teacher and coach with over a decade of experience in supporting students with disabilities and behavioral needs. Rachel's expertise spans from pre-kindergarten to secondary education, showcasing her commitment to inclusive teaching practices. As a parent to a child with behavioral needs and a former student with an Individualized Education Program (IEP), Rachel brings a unique perspective to her work. Rachel holds a Master's in Special Education from Indiana University, grounding her practice in both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience. Passionate about empowering others, she enjoys guiding parents and teachers on effectively supporting students with PDA autism and emotional behavioral disabilities. Beyond the classroom, Rachel extends her impact through digital platforms. She manages the "Behavior Check In" YouTube channel, providing valuable insights and strategies for teachers, administrators, and parents. Additionally, Rachel operates a Teachers Pay Teachers store under the same name, offering practical resources to further assist educators in meeting the diverse needs of their students. Join us in welcoming Rachel Irwin as she shares her wealth of knowledge at the SpEd Summit.
Special Education Teacher
Associate clinical professor, and a speech-language pathologist
Lisa Hollady
Fe González Murray
With over 16 years of dedicated experience in the field of special education, I bring a wealth of knowledge and passion to our training session. My journey as an educator has spanned across various age groups, from preschool to high school self-contained settings. Family is at the core of my life, as I am happily married to my best friend, and we have three wonderful children aged 4, 8, and 10. My personal connection to the special needs community is deepened by my son, who has Down Syndrome. While I've worked with a spectrum of disabilities, my heart lies in working with individuals on the autism spectrum, making me a self-proclaimed autism expert. I led the Autism Consult team for my entire district for three years, gaining valuable insights into effective strategies and interventions. In addition to my role as an educator, I run a thriving Teachers Pay Teachers (TpT) store, which has been a passion project for over 8 years. This store boasts over 900 resources, with a primary focus on adapted materials tailored for special education teachers. I've expanded my reach through courses, podcasts, a membership platform, a blog, and even an Etsy shop. Among my creations, Task Boxes stand out as best sellers, with over 700 different individual task boxes designed to enhance the learning experience for special education teachers and their students. I am thrilled to share my expertise and experiences with you during this session.
Dr. Fe González Murray is an associate clinical professor at Northern Arizona University. Prior to joining the NAU faculty, she worked as a bilingual speech-language pathologist in schools for 25 years. In addition, she worked as a professional Spanish/English interpreter and translator for a period of time. In addition to teaching at NAU, Dr. Murray facilitates workshops around the country on issues related to working with culturally and linguistically diverse students and their families.
Special Education Teacher
Evan Trad
Evan Trad is a seasoned Special Educator with a rich professional journey spanning 17 years, dedicated to transforming the educational landscape for students with special needs. Currently serving as a special education co-teacher in a public school, Evan's career has been marked by a steadfast commitment to fostering inclusive environments for students in grades Pre-K through 8th grade. For the past 8 years, Evan has been a driving force in championing the cause of fully integrating special education students into general education settings. His work in a fully co-taught classroom exemplifies a dedication to creating educational spaces that honor diversity and ensure every student receives the support they need to thrive. Beyond the classroom, Evan has been a tireless advocate for the rights of special education students, striving to secure their rightful place in the general education class. His efforts have played a pivotal role in expanding the inclusion model at his school. Collaborating with fellow teachers and administrators, Evan has actively contributed to professional development initiatives, emphasizing the importance of inclusive education and providing strategies to ensure access for all students. In addition to his contributions within the educational sphere, Evan is an entrepreneur who founded Team EVAN five years ago. Team EVAN, driven by a powerful mission, passionately develops individuals with disabilities, empowering them to surpass limitations and transform their visions into reality. Evan's entrepreneurial spirit has created a platform dedicated to enabling people with disabilities to live the lives they have always aspired to lead. Evan Trad's multifaceted career showcases his unwavering commitment to reshaping educational paradigms, ensuring that individuals with disabilities not only receive the education they deserve but also have the tools to exceed expectations and contribute meaningfully to society. "
Cecilia Sweeney
General Education Co-teacher
With a career spanning three decades in education, Cecilia Sweeney has dedicated herself to fostering inclusive and impactful learning environments for students. Currently serving as a general education teacher in a Chicago Public School, Cecilia's journey in education has been marked by a commitment to excellence and advocacy for the rights of special education students. Cecilia's extensive experience encompasses teaching across various grade levels in both private and public elementary school settings. Having worked tirelessly with students from Kindergarten through 4th grade, she brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep understanding of the developmental needs of children at different stages. In the past eight years, Cecilia has been at the forefront of a transformative movement within her school community, championing fully co-taught classrooms. Her passion for advocating for the inclusion of special education students in general education settings has been a driving force in her career. By devoting considerable time and effort to advancing the rights of these students, she has played a pivotal role in reshaping educational practices at her school. Cecilia's impact extends beyond her own classroom as she collaborates with fellow teachers and administrators. She has actively contributed to the growth of the inclusion model at her school by providing professional development sessions. These sessions focus on the significance of inclusive education and offer practical insights on facilitating access to all students within a classroom setting. Her collaborative approach has fostered a culture of support and understanding, making her an invaluable asset to her school community. As an educator, advocate, and catalyst for change, Cecilia Sweeney continues to inspire and make a lasting impact on the educational landscape. Her unwavering dedication to inclusive education reflects a commitment to creating learning environments where every student has the opportunity to thrive and succeed.
Krystal Grif
Special Education Teacher
Krystal is a veteran special education teacher, author, and speaker who holds a masters degree in education. In addition to her seven years of classroom experience, she has also facilitated social skills groups for teenagers in residential facilities and therapy clinics, as well as providing community skills training. She is dedicated to supporting teachers and preparing students for life outside of the classroom. Krystal creates accessible, relevant resources to assist teens in special education with their transition into adulthood, as well as offering professional development opportunities to make teachers' lives more manageable. You can connect with her at Check in with Mrs G.
Rhosemarie
Special Education Teacher
I am a moderate/severe education specialist. I teach grades Tk-2 functional academics. I work closely with students who require assistance with various daily living activities, communication, and motor skills. I have spent hours adapting lessons so my students can engage and participate alongside their peers.
Special Education Teacher
Jennifer Hofferber
Jennifer Hofferber is the Special Education Instructional Coach for her district and a veteran special education teacher with 27 years of experience working in a cross-categorical resource room setting. In 2007, Jennifer was named Special Educator of the Year for the state of Kansas, and in 2015 she received the great honor of being named to the Kansas Teacher of the Year Team where she and her seven teammates traveled the state visiting schools, talking to legislators, and collaborating with some amazing administrators and educators. Through these impactful experiences, Jennifer embarked on a leadership journey that revealed her passion was not only for teaching children, but also for teaching teachers. Jennifer’s passion for supporting and empowering other special educators is evident in her multifaceted approach to sharing her knowledge and expertise leading her to start a podcast, sell courses on her website and become a teacher seller on TPT all by the name Sped Prep Academy.
Lois Letchford
Special Education Teacher
LD? Dyslexic? : Critical Ingredients for Reading Success
Learning to read is a complex skill, especially for those struggling with literacy skills. This presentation communicates some critical ingredients of literacy instruction that lead to student success. Research dictates that teaching students to decode is critical. However, when students fail to progress as expected, what underlying skills can be focused on to assist growth? Following the case study of one student, this presentation demonstrates how teaching Learning Disabled or Dyslexic students exposes components of instruction that are often unknown. Based on the research of Professor Stanislas Deheane, we will explore: · Words with multiple meanings · Pronouns · Text cohesion · Attention · Creating Active Learners
15th Jan, 9:00AM PST
Lisa Parnello
Special Education Teacher
IEP Goals that Lead to Success
Writing IEP goals requires a lot of things to consider all at once. In this session, we will explore the ways to think about skills being addressed in an IEP goal to make sure we write measurable goals that get to the heart of a child's challenges. We dive into some common goal writing mistakes, ideas to generate excellent goals, weaving in both specific academic and functional goals, along with some extra resources to support your efforts.
15th Jan, 9:00AM PST
SPED Summit Team
Special Session
Data Collection Tools
This presentation delves into the critical role of data collection in enhancing educational outcomes for students in special education. Participants will explore various data collection tools, with a focus on one such tool - Ablespace, and methods tailored to assess academic progress, behavior, and individualized goals. The presentation aims to empower educators with practical insights into selecting, implementing, and leveraging data effectively to inform instructional decisions and support the overall success of students in special education.
16th Jan, 9:00AM PST
Jennifer Hofferber
Special Education Teacher
Navigating Leadership in Special Education: Overcoming the 'I Don't Know How to Be a Boss' Mindset
Ever thought, "I don't know HOW to be a boss?" This mentality is a common struggle for most special educators. In this workshop we'll equip you with the essential tools you need to cultivate positive relationships, establish clear expectations, and define roles to transcend the barriers that come with being a supervisor and become an effective leader for your department.
16th Jan, 9:00AM PST
Rachel Irwin
Behavior special education teacher
Supporting Students With Significant Behavioral Needs in the Classroom
This presentation addresses the complexities of supporting students with significant behavioral needs in the classroom setting. Participants will explore the underlying factors contributing to challenging behaviors, and learn practical strategies for fostering a positive and inclusive learning environment. The presentation aims to empower educators with the knowledge and tools needed to implement proactive interventions, build positive relationships and social skills, classroom management and hacks for creating a supportive classroom atmosphere for students facing behavioral challenges, as well as collaborative team approach.
17th Jan, 9:00AM PST
Lisa Hollady
Special Education Teacher
5 Strategies for Optimizing Learning in Self -Contained Settings
Today, we'll explore five key strategies tailored for self-contained settings, ensuring optimal learning experiences. 1)Schedule Setup: Create a consistent routine for stability. Tailor schedules to individual needs. 2)Prompt Hierarchy: Learn and apply prompt levels effectively. Gradually fade prompts for independence. 3)Individual Work Systems (IWS): Personalize systems for each student. Foster engagement and independence. 4)Differentiated Learning Materials: Adapt materials for diverse needs. Ensure accessibility for all students. 5)Visual Supports: Integrate visuals for communication and understanding. Enhance engagement through visual aids. Conclusion: By implementing these strategies—scheduling, prompt hierarchy, IWS, differentiated materials, and visual supports—you'll create an inclusive and supportive environment, maximizing learning potential for students with special needs. Thank you for your dedication to their success!
17th Jan, 9:00AM PST
Fe González Murray
Associate clinical professor, and a speech-language pathologist
Effective Collaboration with Spoken Language Interpreters in SPED
Through this session, participants will explore the why, when, and how of collaborating with spoken language interpretations during meetings, assessments and treatment sessions. Important qualities and qualifications of an interpreter will be discussed, as well as effective strategies that service providers should employ when working with interpreters in their practice. As a result of this course, participants will be able to: 1) Identify situations when an interpreter and/or translator would be needed. 2) Explain the minimal competencies of a qualified interpreter and translator and the possible ethical and legal ramifications of not meeting those competencies. 3) Summarize responsibilities of SPED providers when using interpreters. Disclosures. Financial disclosures: Non-financial disclosures: Fe is employed by an academic organization that values scholarly work. Promotions within the university may be directly impacted by productivity in this area. Fe is a member of the American Association of Interpreters and Translators in Education (AAITE) Fe is a member of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and is an associate coordinator for Special Interest Group (SIG) 14, Cultural and Linguistic Diversity (CLD).
18th Jan, 9:00AM PST
Krystal Grif
Special Education Teacher
Strategies for Teaching Transitional Skills in Special Education
Empower your students with essential transitional skills, beginning right within the classroom. This specialized training delves into an exploration of three impactful strategies tailored for teaching transitional skills before you ever leave the educational setting. Join me to learn effective teaching methods that will pave the way for successful transitions from the classroom to the real world. As a bonus, you will get free resources just for attending!
19th Jan, 9:00AM PST
Evan Trad
Special Education Teacher
How to promote Inclusion in General ed classrooms
This presentation focuses on cultivating inclusive practices within general education classrooms to create environments that celebrate diversity and accommodate the needs of all learners. Participants will explore key principles of inclusive education, practical strategies for differentiation, Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and fostering positive attitudes among students. The presentation aims to empower educators with the tools needed to create welcoming spaces where every student feels valued, supported, and engaged in the learning process.
18th Jan, 9:00AM PST
Rhosemarie
Special Education Teacher
Benefits and use of AAC and other technology in SPED classrooms
This presentation explores the transformative impact of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) and various other technologies in Special Education (SPED) classrooms. We delve into the multifaceted benefits these tools offer, including enhanced communication, increased engagement, and personalized learning experiences for students with diverse abilities. The goal is to empower educators with insights into effective implementation strategies, fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment for all students.
19th Jan, 9:00AM PST
Cecilia Sweeney
General Education Co-teacher
How to promote Inclusion in General ed classrooms
This presentation focuses on cultivating inclusive practices within general education classrooms to create environments that celebrate diversity and accommodate the needs of all learners. Participants will explore key principles of inclusive education, practical strategies for differentiation, Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and fostering positive attitudes among students. The presentation aims to empower educators with the tools needed to create welcoming spaces where every student feels valued, supported, and engaged in the learning process.
18th Jan, 9:00AM PST