2025 Alaska Statewide Special Education Conference (ASSEC): Full Schedule

Conference website: www.assec.org

AGENDA AT A GLANCE
Sat./Sun., Feb. 1 & 2 - (2) Day Pre-Conference Credit Courses
8:00 am - 4:00 pm

Mon., Feb. 3 - Main Conference - Day 1
8:15 am - 4:50 pm

Tues., Feb. 4 - Main Conference - Day 2
8:15 am - 3:30 pm

Wed., Feb. 5 - Main Conference - Day 3
8:15 am - 12:00 pm

***Agenda subject to change

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12:45pm AKST

AI-mazing Tools for Special Ed: A Beginner’s Guide

Tuesday February 4, 2025 12:45pm - 1:30pm AKST

TBA

Curious about AI? In this beginner-friendly session, we’ll dive into what AI is, how it works, and how it can transform learning for students with special needs. From cool tech tools to personalized learning, you'll walk away with exciting ideas to spark innovation in your classroom. No tech expertise needed—just bring your curiosity!

Presenters

Robanne Stading

Tuesday February 4, 2025 12:45pm - 1:30pm AKST
TBA

45 minutes Breakout

Audience All Experience
Subject Administrator, Inclusion, Literacy, Paraprofessionals, Technology

12:45pm AKST

Alaska Mental Health in Schools Community of Practice

Tuesday February 4, 2025 12:45pm - 1:30pm AKST

TBA

This presentation talks about the Mental Health Supports in Schools and a new Community of Practice, initiative by the The Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority and the State of Alaska Department of Education and Early Development. It aims to bring together teams of education leadership, mental and behavioral health professionals, community leaders, and other relevant stakeholders to learn together to strengthen mental health supports in their school districts and communities. The presenters will be talking about the community of practice, its purpose, goals, composition, and plans for the upcoming year.

Presenters

Sharon Fishel

Dept. of Education and Early Development

Pat Sidmore

Dept. of Education and Early Development

Micki Dunn

Tuesday February 4, 2025 12:45pm - 1:30pm AKST
TBA

45 minutes Breakout

Audience All Experience
Subject Administrator, Behavior, Related Services, Rural Alaska, Social-Emotional Learning, Social Climate

12:45pm AKST

Breakout Session - Jordan LeVan

Tuesday February 4, 2025 12:45pm - 1:30pm AKST

TBA

Information to Come

Presenters

Jordan Christian LeVan

IEP Advocate, Fighting for my Voice LLC

Jordan Christian LeVan is a disability and mental health advocate residing in Greensboro, NC. Jordan graduated from Guilford College with a bachelor's degree in psychology, emphasizing mental health studies. Living with childhood apraxia of speech (CAS) and multiple disabilities... Read More →

Tuesday February 4, 2025 12:45pm - 1:30pm AKST
TBA

45 minutes Breakout

Audience Introductory (Under 3 years experience)
Subject Behavior, Administrator, Family, Inclusion, Social-Emotional Learning, Self-Advocacy

12:45pm AKST

So, You Think You Want to Be a Sped Director?

Tuesday February 4, 2025 12:45pm - 1:30pm AKST

TBA

Are you considering becoming a leader in special education? Come learn about the requirements, roles, and responsibilities of leadership. Join several Alaska Special Directors to learn about their experiences and journey on how to become a dynamic Special Education Director and to ask questions you have about taking this next step.

Presenters

Terry Manning

Melissa Matthews

Director of Student Services and Special Education, BSSD

Denise Kelly

Tuesday February 4, 2025 12:45pm - 1:30pm AKST
TBA

45 minutes Breakout

Audience All Experience
Subject Administrator

12:45pm AKST

Understanding FBA's and BIP's

Tuesday February 4, 2025 12:45pm - 1:30pm AKST

TBA

Understanding FBA’s and BIP’s is a look into Functional Behavior Assessments and Behavior Intervention Plans- so that you understand them better. Can explain to others what they are and how they are properly used. We will also look at how to include secondary students in the process of both FBA’s and BIP’s. Hopefully there will be time to share experiences that attendees have had and collaborate solutions to try.

Presenters

Kimberly Santagata

Tuesday February 4, 2025 12:45pm - 1:30pm AKST
TBA

45 minutes Breakout

Audience Introductory (Under 3 years experience)
Subject Behavior, Administrator, Family, Inclusion, Social-Emotional Learning, Self-Advocacy

1:50pm AKST

Kids2Careers: PK-12 Postsecondary Exploration & Planning

Tuesday February 4, 2025 1:50pm - 2:35pm AKST

TBA

ACPE's Kids2Careers includes a new suite of FREE resources (5-12) to help students and families with important grade level postsecondary and career exploration and planning steps, plus Early Career Explorers (PK-4) classroom resources. Learn about our 6-lesson Curriculum, in-person and digital Campus Events, Panel Discussions, Pathway Planning Presentations, Student Success Steps (PK-12), Family Guiding Steps (PK-12), Digital Senior Calendar, Senior Checklist, Planning Templates, and SO much more!

Presenters

Shelly Morgan

K-12 Specialist, Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education

As the Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education (ACPE’s) K-12 Specialist, I manage the postsecondary & career exploration and planning resources Early Career Explorers (PK-4) and Kids2Careers (5-12). I develop curriculum and postsecondary planning resources to help educators... Read More →

Tuesday February 4, 2025 1:50pm - 2:35pm AKST
TBA

45 minutes Breakout

Audience All Experience
Subject Administrator, Family, Inclusion, Paraprofessionals, Rural Alaska, Social-Emotional Learning, Self-Advocacy, Technology, Transition

1:50pm AKST

So You Think You Want To Be A Special Education Director?

Tuesday February 4, 2025 1:50pm - 2:35pm AKST

Lupine (1st Floor)

Do you have aspirations of being a Special Education Director? Come to this session to learn more about the day-to-day ways to do the work and support your staff.

Tuesday February 4, 2025 1:50pm - 2:35pm AKST
Lupine (1st Floor)

45 minutes Breakout

Audience All Experience
Subject Administrator

2:45pm AKST

Address your stress with some self-care

Tuesday February 4, 2025 2:45pm - 3:30pm AKST

TBA

Feeling stressed, come to this short session to relax. Wear some comfy clothes and come for some time of stretching, breathing, and motivational words! Participants may find or share ways they like to de-stress. Presenter is not a doctor or licensed anything except stressed teacher. She will simply be sharing ways she manages her stress through gentle movements and activities.

Presenters

Jodi Grewe

Special Education Teacher, KPBSD

Greetings!!!I love teaching and have been enjoying our great state since 2005!!!

Tuesday February 4, 2025 2:45pm - 3:30pm AKST
TBA

45 minutes Breakout

Audience All Experience
Subject Family, Paraprofessionals, Related Services, Rural Alaska, Social Climate, Administrator

2:45pm AKST

Unlocking Potential: Recognizing and Responding to Executive Function Challenges in the Classroom

Tuesday February 4, 2025 2:45pm - 3:30pm AKST

TBA

Executive function skills—such as planning, organization, and self-regulation—are crucial for student success, both academically and in life. This session explores how using a universal design approach to teach these skills can benefit all learners, while also meeting the specific needs of neurodiverse students such as those with a history of traumatic brain injury. Participants will learn practical strategies to create inclusive classrooms that nurture independence, resilience, and long-term success.

Presenters

Sena Gilbert

Youth Brain Injury Program Coordinator, SERRC, Alaska's Educational Resource Center: Youth Brain Injury Program

I have a passion for improving community collaboration and developing training and practices that support students and families impacted by brain injuries. SERRC's Youth Brain Injury Program is a statewide system of support for Alaska students with brain injury which includes addressing... Read More →

Sarah Moreau

SERRC Alaska's Educational Resource Center: Youth Brain Injury Program

Tuesday February 4, 2025 2:45pm - 3:30pm AKST
TBA

45 minutes Breakout

Audience All Experience
Subject Administrator, Behavior, Inclusion, Low Incidence, Paraprofessionals, Related Services, Transition