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.
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
