Special Education Conference 2025
Date: November 13-14, 2025
Location: Kalahari Resort and Convention Center, Wisconsin Dells, WI
Schedule 
This schedule is subject to change. Registrants will receive a conference program at conference check in.
Click on the dates below to view a specific date.
Thursday, November 13, 2025
7:30 am - 9:00 am
Check In, Light Breakfast, Networking, ExhibitorsSuite 1, 2, 7, 8
9:00 am - 9:15 am
Welcome: Mr. Patrick Vavra, CESA 11, EdEvents DirectorSuite 1, 2, 7, 8
9:15 am - 10:30 am
Katie Berg- KeynoteSuite 1, 2, 7, 8
10:30 am - 10:45 am
Break: Exhibitors, NetworkingSuite 1, 2, 7, 8
10:45 am - 12:00 pm
Katie Berg- WorkshopSuite 1, 2, 7, 8
12:00 pm - 12:45 pm
LunchSuite 1, 2, 7, 8
12:50 pm - 1:40 pm
1. Leveraging AI in ELA to Support Students with DisabilitiesAloeswood
Presenter: Kiera Bridley (Special Education Teacher)This session explores how AI tools like SchoolAI, Book Creator, and Brisk can support students with disabilities in meeting grade-level ELA standards and reading goals. Attendees will learn how to use these platforms to scaffold instruction, personalize learning, and align supports with IEPs and UDL. The session includes tool demos, classroom strategies, and best practices for ethical, inclusive AI integration in literacy instruction.
Level: Beginner2. High Expectations for Students with Disabilities: Empowering IndependenceAralia
Presenters: Arielle Mueller (Project SEARCH Instructor); Heidi Lehman (WSPEI Family-School Partnership Coordinator)High Expectations for students with disabilities is one of the 5 beliefs in the College and Career Ready IEP framework. But do we always embed this belief when planning for life after High School? In this session, participants will examine their mindsets around students' dis-ABILITIES. Participants will leave with tools to write and implement strength-based IEPs, promote self-determination, and engage both students and families in the transition process, including the PTP.
Level: Intermediate3. Regulation in Action: Teaching Regulation in Early Learning EnvironmentsMangrove
Presenter: Lizzy Augustin (Statewide Early Childhood SEL Coach)Turn challenging moments into learning opportunities! Discover how curiosity reveals student strengths, engagement styles, and understanding of skill progressions. Walk away with practical strategies to task analyze the steps of regulation, plan how to target specific skills, and embed specially designed instruction seamlessly into play and activity-based learning within early learning environments (EC through 1st grade).
Level: Beginner4. Sel- The Prison VersionMarula
Presenters: Rosalind Hardy (Special Education Teacher); Vanessa Lundgren (Special Education Teacher)Special Education teachers at Racine Youthful Offender Correctional Facility, a prison in Racine, Wisconsin, discuss how SEL can make a difference in the young men, ages 18 -24. Come sit and have some candid discussion about SEL, Special Education, and the Wisconsin Prison System. Discussions will include the challenges introducing SEL practices into the prison system, long term benefits to teaching SEL in prison, and reintegration into society post-incarceration.
Level: Advanced5. Processing Speed Deficits: The Academic and Social/Emotional TollTamboti
Presenter: Annika Heyworth (Assistant Director)Many gifted students struggle with a deficit in their processing speed. It takes a lot of effort to diagnose and can be difficult to identify. Often, these are the most frustrated students in school and can be labeled lazy or unmotivated. This presentation will focus on defining processing speed, the signs to look for, the impact that they may have, and how to help students overcome these challenges academically and emotionally.
1:45 pm - 2:25 pm
6. DPI UpdatesSuite 1, 2, 7, 8
Presenter: Daniel Parker (DPI Consultant)Wisconsin DPI will provide updates on key resources and guidance related to special education.
Level: Beginner2:30 pm - 3:20 pm
7. Harnessing AI in Special Education: Empowering Educators and LearningSuite 1, 2, 7, 8
Presenters: Dawn Merth-Johnson (Education Consultant); Michelle Silverman (Education Consultant)Explore how artificial intelligence is already transforming special education by equipping educators with powerful tools to personalize learning, streamline interventions, and improve accessibility. It highlights AI-driven strategies that support diverse student needs while assisting educators in data-driven decision-making, workload reduction, and inclusive teaching practices. Gain insights into practical applications, legal, ethical and student safety considerations, and the future of AI.
Level: Beginner8. What You Need To Know About Long-Term Services in WIAloeswood
Presenters: Jamie Champine (Self-Determination Supervisor); Lakisha LaGrant-Heart (ADRC Youth Transition Supervisor); Paul Mross (Community Partnership Specialist); Victoria Gunderson (Executive Director, WI )Are you confused about what long-term supports and services are in WI? What are they? Who handles what role? When do you begin the process? Where to go to begin? How to begin? Looking for answers to these questions? Attend this session and you will leave with an understanding of the long-term care supports and services that are available to people with a disability in Wisconsin.
9. From Access to Achievement: Personalized IEP Support at eAchieve AcademyAralia
Presenters: Jason Smith (Principal); Maureen Knudson (Special Education Teacher and Department Chair)Looking for a high-quality virtual alternative placement for students with IEPs? eAchieve Academy serves over 200 IEP students in a fully online setting, boasting a 100% graduation rate for students with IEPs. Discover how our 1:1 instructional model, SDI, and integration of UDL and WICOR strategies foster authentic learning and support the achievement of IEP goals. Discover a proven, student-centered approach to virtual special education that ensures both access and success.
Level: Intermediate10. Alternative Dispute Resolution - Parent AcademyMangrove
Presenters: Mildred Browne (Consultant, ADR Coach); Susan Bobbitt-Voth (Consultant, ADR Coach, Author)Education is an integral component to engage parents as partners in the educational process and to reduce conflict at the earliest point possible. The presenters will provide an overview of parent academies they have conducted to train parents on important components of Alternative Dispute Resolution, foundational information about special education and with a focus on the importance of parents as educational partners.
Level: Beginner11. Six Step Instructional Approach for Responding to Challenging BehaviorMarula
Presenter: Grant Allen (Assistant Professor)Supporting the behavioral success of students, including those with disabilities, is a necessary component of meeting instructional goals. Preventing challenging behavior is important, but what should educators do to support students when they demonstrate challenging behaviors? In this presentation, participations will learn a six step approach to responding to initial behavioral challenges, why each of these steps is important, and what not to do at each step of the process.
Level: Beginner12. Accelerating Foundational Skills for Older ReadersTamboti
Presenter: Kari Steck (Manager of Educational Partnerships)We all recognize the urgent need to identify and support older (gr 4-12) students who struggle to read. Foundational reading skills are often at the heart of reading difficulties and it is crucial to provide instruction that is research-based, respectful, dignified, and age-appropriate to this vulnerable group of students. We will unpack and bridge the research to practice by experiencing effective instructional routines, ensuring appropriate practice leading to mastery of critical skills.
Friday, November 14, 2025
7:30 am - 8:15 am
Light Breakfast, Exhibitors, NetworkingSuite 1, 2, 7, 8
8:20 am - 8:30 am
Welcome: Mr. Patrick Vavra, CESA 11, EdEvents DirectorSuite 1, 2, 7, 8
8:30 am - 9:45 am
Keynote- Brandi LustSuite 1, 2, 7, 8
9:50 am - 10:20 am
Break: Exhibitors, NetworkingSuite 1, 2, 7, 8
10:20 am - 11:35 am
Workshop- Brandi LustSuite 1, 2, 7, 8
11:40 am - 12:30 pm
Lunch, Networking, ExhibitorsSuite 1, 2, 7, 8
12:35 pm - 1:25 pm
13. The Integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Special EducationAloeswood
Presenters: Carol M. Michels (Director of District Services); Sandra K. Michels (Supervisor of Special Education)This session explores the shifting special education landscape and challenges faced with AI entering into this sometimes turbulent environment. AI challenges include the shifting role of special education teachers, threats to teacher agency, personalization pitfalls, and student isolation. The CAIR Model aligns AI supports at the level of tool, collaborator, and thought partner to provide practical solutions to these challenges. We also “flip the script” on traditional narratives around AI.
Level: Intermediate14. Functional Behavioral AssessmentsAralia
Presenter: Katherine Smith (Consultant/Trainer)As educator teams navigate increased demands for supporting student behavior that challenges us, a key tool is understanding functional behavioral assessments (FBAs). This session equips teams with tools to understand the function and root cause of behaviors that interfere with a student’s learning through a functional behavior assessment. Using the WI DPI 2025 FBA resources, we will explore clearer consent rules, directly connecting function and root cause to culturally responsive practices,
Level: Beginner15. Play Based Learning for the Secondary ClassroomMangrove
Presenter: Amy Richards (Teacher/Author)Play isn’t just for little kids. In this hands-on session, author and teacher Amy Heusterberg-Richards shares how play-based learning can support engagement, differentiation, and access in inclusive secondary classrooms. Explore adaptable games, visual tools, and creative routines that make rigorous content more accessible—and fun—for all learners.
Level:16. Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Early Childhood Special Education Marula
Presenter: Michelle Ogorek (Statewide Early Childhood Coordinator)Come join this interactive session that will bring you up to date on everything you need to know about ECSE. Best practices, recent changes, common questions and new resources in the following areas will be covered: SDD, EC CCR IEPs, LRE, Collaborative Inclusive Itinerant Services, Specially Designed Instruction, Indicator 6 (Preschool Environmental Codes) and Indicator 7 (Child Outcomes). The session will also share state updates and services and supports to assist you in your work.
Level: Intermediate17. Strengthening Executive Function in Special Education and BeyondTamboti
Presenters: Aisha Simon (Chief Academic Officer ); Hannah Broido (Chief Product Officer)Executive functioning (EF) skills—planning, focus, flexibility, and emotional regulation—are vital for student success, yet often underdeveloped in students with IEPs, who often need targeted, consistent support. This session shows special education leaders how to embed EF development across all three tiers of MTSS, while equipping general educators with reinforcement strategies. Participants will gain practical, research-based tools to strengthen EF, foster smoother transitions, and create equi
Level: Intermediate1:30 pm - 2:20 pm
18. More than Meets the Eye: Understanding Sensory and Behavior NeedsSuite 1, 2, 7, 8
Presenter: Carley Neuhaus (Special Education Program Specialist)This session examines how sensory needs influence student behavior, regulation,and learning. For some, everyday classroom experiences—like noise, clothing textures, or lighting—can overwhelm or under-stimulate, leading to disengagement, anxiety, or challenging behaviors. We'll connect sensory processing differences and behavior needs to real classroom scenarios.Participants will learn how to purposefully integrate sensory supports to address behavior, promote independence, and academic success.
Level: Beginner19. Success for All and How We Get ThereAloeswood
Presenter: Sam Mitchell (Executive Director)We are Autism Rocks and Rolls Corporation. Our organization started with Sam Mitchell, a then 16 year-old started a podcast, Autism Rocks and Rolls. Sam is now 22-years-old and still running the podcast and a nonprofit. Sam was diagnosed with autism when he was 4. We have the mission of destigmatizing autism and changing the perception in classrooms, the workforce, and in society in general. We want to show that those with autism can be very successful in and out of the classroom.
Level: Intermediate20. How Your Data Tells the Story – Quantitative DataAralia
Presenter: Susan Bobbitt-Voth (Consultant, ADR Coach, Author)This session will cover how to design data reports and file reviews that will tell the story of the pathway into and through special education for students. Methods for identifying success gaps and root causes that result in overidentification of students with disabilities and contribute to low academic performance will be discussed. Sample presentations with visuals to enhance the meaningfulness of the data for various audiences such as parents, staff and school boards will be shared.
Level: Intermediate21. Fostering Independence through Trauma-Informed PracticesMangrove
Presenter: Samantha Abbott (Special Education Coach)This session explores how trauma-informed care, Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), and the least restrictive environment (LRE) intersect to promote student independence in special education. Participants will learn strategies to reduce over-reliance on 1:1 supports, embed self-advocacy, increase student autonomy through choice and design trauma-responsive, inclusive practices that foster resilience, equity, and long-term success.
Breakout SessionMarula
22. SHARK FINS RISING: Creating A Dynamically Inclusive School Culture!Tamboti
Presenter: David Parrish (Dr.)Colgan High School's FIN Friends have transcended its role as a school club to become a regional movement for inclusion and belonging. Bringing together special education and general education students and families in a variety of events, the FINS have had a significant impact on the school community. Now entering their 10th year, the FINS continue to grow through relentless activity and a commitment to their mission. Our model works, it is replicable, and we want to share our story.
Level: Beginner
