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

10:30am AKST

Alaska Center for Accessible Materials "How Can We Help?

Monday February 3, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm AKST

TBA

Participants will learn what print disability is and develop an understanding not all students with print disability receive support through special education services. They will learn about the process of identifying print disability in students and the tools available for supporting students with print disability. Participants will have an opportunity to interact with the accessible materials and assistive technology to support students with print disability.

Presenters

Meriah Cory

AKCAM - Grant Coordinator, Alaska Center for Accessible Materials

The Alaska Center for Accessible Materials is a grant that provides alternative formats and assistive technology to students across the state who need support accessing print. These can be students with physical, vision, or processing disabilities. AKCAM also provides support to teams... Read More →

Samantha Weiland

SESA Multiple Disabilities & Alaska Center for Accessible Materials Specialist, Special Education Services Agency

Monday February 3, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm AKST
TBA

1.5 hrs Breakout

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

10:30am AKST

Breaking Barriers, Building Bridges: A Collaborative Framework for Supporting At-Risk Children and Fostering Equity

Monday February 3, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm AKST

TBA

Revolutionize support for at-risk students through a student-centered, collaborative approach that spans all school environments. This talk showcases success stories from rural Alaskan school districts, demonstrating how to transcend isolated interventions and create a holistic, empowering educational experience. Learn how seamless partnerships between general education, special education, and therapy teams can transform learning outcomes. Discover simple yet powerful techniques for building essential skills throughout the school day, fostering a supportive ecosystem within natural learning environments. This innovative approach has yielded impressive results, including accelerated progress in speech development, enhanced sensory regulation, improved fine motor skills, and enriched language acquisition among others. Join us to explore how these proven, adaptable strategies can be tailored to your unique school community, promoting equity and unlocking the full potential of every student for lasting academic achievement.

Presenters

Kristine Beard

Phoebe Walton

Monday February 3, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm AKST
TBA

1.5 hrs Breakout

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

1:30pm AKST

Call it by its name! STOP Bullying. (Part 1)

Monday February 3, 2025 1:30pm - 3:00pm AKST

TBA

Based on research by G. Namie, R. Namie, P. Lutgen-Sandvik, G. Sari, and many more, empower yourself to teach students to identify and mitigate bullying. Sadly, research shows that bullying starts in the home and is learned at a young age. Behaviors that feel normal for a student can be difficult to mitigate in the school setting. Bullying doesn't just effect students, and it doesn’t end when students graduate. Teachers bully teachers, parents bully administration, employers bully employees, and governments bully other countries. (CAUTION: You might learn that you have been a bully...and that can be very uncomfortable for participants.)

Presenters

Linda Schipman

SPE Teacher, Bering Strait School District, Tukurngailnguq School (Stebbins)

Monday February 3, 2025 1:30pm - 3:00pm AKST
TBA

1.5 hrs Breakout

Audience All Experience
Subject Administrator, Autism, Behavior, Bully Prevention

1:30pm AKST

Early Identification of Children with Deafblindness

Monday February 3, 2025 1:30pm - 3:00pm AKST

TBA

This presentation focuses on the critical importance of early identification of children with deafblindness, a condition that impacts both hearing and vision. Early detection allows for timely interventions, which are essential for supporting the child's communication, cognitive development, and social skills. By identifying these children at a young age, caregivers and educators can implement specialized strategies and resources, such as sensory stimulation, tailored educational programs, and assistive technologies, to enhance their quality of life and overall development. Early identification ultimately empowers children with deafblindness to reach their full potential and participate more fully in society.

Presenters

Angel Black

Project Director, The Alaska Deafblind Project

Abby Steer

Special Education Service Agency

Monday February 3, 2025 1:30pm - 3:00pm AKST
TBA

1.5 hrs Breakout

Audience All Experience
Subject Administrator, Family, Low Incidence, Paraprofessionals, Related Services

3:20pm AKST

Alaska Native Values-Understanding Alaska's First People

Monday February 3, 2025 3:20pm - 4:50pm AKST

TBA

This presentation offers educators the opportunity to delve into important values that Alaska Native peoples have held for centuries. Whether you are new, or a seasoned educator you will learn about topics including Historical trauma, Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act and how tribal support can help your students transitioning out of school, SPED Resources, traditional values, and communication methods. You will learn how the Alaska Native world view will influence your students' progress in the Western world. This presenter will also have an opportunity to interact with Alaska Native arts and artifacts and ask questions about how and why they are an important part of Alaska Native Values.

Presenters

Dawn Young Valley

Sisu Services for Alaskans

Dawn is Gwich'in Athabaskan and Aleut from the Native Village of Fort Yukon. She cares passionately about the Alaska Native population and want everyone she meets to understand the unique challenges they face in Western style education. Dawn is relativly new to the teaching profession... Read More →

Monday February 3, 2025 3:20pm - 4:50pm AKST
TBA

1.5 hrs Breakout

Audience All Experience
Subject Administrator, ABA, Autism, Behavior, Family, Inclusion, Paraprofessionals, Related Services, Rural Alaska, Social Climate, Social-Emotional Learning, Self-Advocacy, Transition

3:20pm AKST

Call it by its name! STOP Bullying. (Part 2)

Monday February 3, 2025 3:20pm - 4:50pm AKST

TBA

Presenters

Linda Schipman

SPE Teacher, Bering Strait School District, Tukurngailnguq School (Stebbins)

Monday February 3, 2025 3:20pm - 4:50pm AKST
TBA

1.5 hrs Breakout

Audience All Experience
Subject Administrator, Autism, Behavior, Bully Prevention

3:20pm AKST

DIF Grant and Employment Training Opportunities for Transition Age Youth with Disabilities

Monday February 3, 2025 3:20pm - 4:50pm AKST

TBA

Presentation about the recently awarded Disability Innovation Fund grant to Department of Education and Early Development and it’s funding for programs to increase the number of Alaska youth and other individuals with disabilities into competitively integrated employment. Discussion of key activities, partner organizations, goals, and available programs and resources being funded by this grant and where individuals can seek resources to assist youth with disabilities leaving school prepare for the workforce.

Presenters

Samantha Vetter

Governor’s Council on Disabilities and Special Education

Kerri Tanet

Monday February 3, 2025 3:20pm - 4:50pm AKST
TBA

1.5 hrs Breakout

Audience All Experience
Subject Administrator, Autism, Behavior, Inclusion, Self-Advocacy, Transition

3:20pm AKST

Supporting Student Engagement & Behavior in the Classroom: UA Panel Discussion

Monday February 3, 2025 3:20pm - 4:50pm AKST

TBA

Join professors from the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF), University of Alaska Southeast (UAS), and University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) School of Education for an engaging Q&A panel on behavior management in the classroom. The panelists will discuss effective engagement strategies, cultural influences, ways to foster inclusion, and trauma-responsive behavior techniques. No matter your role in a school, this event offers valuable insights to enhance your approach to behavior management and support diverse learners. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain practical knowledge and strategies for creating a positive learning environment!

Presenters

Robyn Capp

University of Alaska of Southeast (UAS)

Tara Maltby

Faculty, University of Alaska Fairbanks

Brooke Freeburg

Faculty, University of Alaska Fairbanks

Emily Smith

Monday February 3, 2025 3:20pm - 4:50pm AKST
TBA

1.5 hrs Breakout

Audience All Experience
Subject Behavior, High Incidence, Inclusion, Low Incidence, Paraprofessionals, Related Services, Rural Alaska, Social-Emotional Learning, Administrator, Autism

3:20pm AKST

Who's in my Classroom? A Review of Related Service Providers and How to Maximize Collaboration

Monday February 3, 2025 3:20pm - 4:50pm AKST

TBA

The world of Special Education has many players! An effective IEP Team must understand the unique skills, training, and responsibilities of each related service provider within the school setting. Have you ever wondered why some students are "pulled" from class while others aren't? Or why a child might receive occupational therapy at a clinic but not a school? If you’re looking to enhance your collaboration skills with therapists and itinerant teachers, this session is designed for you!

Presenters

Lauren Coble

Monday February 3, 2025 3:20pm - 4:50pm AKST
TBA

1.5 hrs Breakout

Audience All Experience
Subject Administrator, Inclusion, Related Services

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 early college & career exploration programs I Know I Can and Kids2College, connect schools with Early Career Explorer classroom resources, and assist upper elementary and middle school classrooms... 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

10:30am AKST

Rethinking “Challenging” Behaviors: Moving Toward Self-Advocacy & a Preventative Framework

Wednesday February 5, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm AKST

TBA

When faced with “challenging” behaviors, there are many considerations, frameworks to use and strategies to try. The primary focus is on managing the situation including the safety of everyone present. However, all behaviors occur for a reason, including “challenging” behaviors. In managing the situation, this means the needs triggering a student’s “challenging” behaviors is often overlooked. Reducing these incidents over time means identifying a student’s unmet need and finding ways to meet that need in different ways. Today, we’ll redefine “challenging” behavior, link it to self-advocacy and use foundational behavior analysis concepts to determine those needs and preventative interventions.

Presenters

Chris Sturm

Clinical Director, UAA's Center for Human Development

Ali Pike

University of Alaska's Center for Human Development

Wednesday February 5, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm AKST
TBA

1.5 hrs Breakout

Audience Intermediate (4-8 Years of experience)
Subject ABA, Administrator, Autism, Behavior, Self-Advocacy

10:30am AKST

Teacher-Proofing the Classroom: Tools and Strategies for Sustainable Learning

Wednesday February 5, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm AKST

TBA

This presentation focused on practical strategies and tools that empower teachers to create self-sustaining classrooms, where student learning continues even in the teacher's absence or with minimal direct instruction. The session introduced AI-enhanced tools, blended learning environments, and project-based learning approaches that allow students to work independently, fostering a more resilient, tech-supported, and student-driven learning experience.

Presenters

Billeen Carlson

Secondary Generalist, Nikolaevsk School

Robanne Stading

Wednesday February 5, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm AKST
TBA

1.5 hrs Breakout

Audience All Experience
Subject Administrator, Family, Inclusion, Paraprofessionals, Rural Alaska, Technology

10:30am AKST

The Road to High Quality-Defensible Instruction for Significant Disabilities

Wednesday February 5, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm AKST

TBA

The changed environment of instruction after the pandemic means administration and management of special education must be thoughtfully planned and executed for staff, students, and families. The work of addressing instruction with staff new or relocated to classrooms of students with moderate-severe disabilities along with the differentiated learning needs of these students is complex. Social – emotional supports; for staff and students must be provided along with rigorous and clear directions for the implementation of a curriculum which meets the highest standards for student learning. Come to this session to discuss the challenges and successes in implementation of an outstanding structure and roadmap from moderate to large urban Public Schools.

Presenters

Ann Meyer

Vice President, Attainment Company

Attainment is the leading provider of blended learning solutions with traditional curriculum, apps, software, web-based programs, and AT solutions for special education PreK- 12+. A scientific research-based approach to curriculum creation for ELA, math, science, social studies, and... Read More →

Wednesday February 5, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm AKST
TBA

1.5 hrs Breakout

Audience All Experience
Subject Administrator, Inclusion, Low Incidence, Technology