2025 All Systems Go: A Teaching and Learning Conference: Full Schedule

11:00am CDT

Brain-Based Teaching – Attention and Focus

Tuesday June 24, 2025 11:00am - 11:50am CDT

Attention is the gateway to learning, but capturing and sustaining student focus in today’s classrooms can be a challenge. This session explores neuroscience-backed strategies to enhance student attention, minimize distractions, and create engaging learning experiences. Educators will learn how novelty, movement, sensory regulation, and structured routines help direct student focus and optimize learning.

Speakers

Kerry Fergason

Instructional Content Specialist - Digital Learning, Educational Service Center Region 11

Kerry Fergason is excited to be a part of the ESC Region 11 family as an instructional content specialist for the digital learning team. She brings 20+ years of educational experience as a digital learning coach and former secondary science teacher. This Texas native has dedicated... Read More →

Tuesday June 24, 2025 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
Innovate A

Brain Science

1:15pm CDT

Brain-Based Teaching – Processing and Understanding

Tuesday June 24, 2025 1:15pm - 2:05pm CDT

Innovate A

How students process information determines their depth of understanding. This session focuses on cognitive strategies that support active learning and comprehension, including chunking, dual coding, elaboration, and metacognition. Educators will explore how these techniques align with natural brain processes to help students make sense of complex concepts and transfer learning to new situations.

Speakers

Kerry Fergason

Instructional Content Specialist - Digital Learning, Educational Service Center Region 11

Tuesday June 24, 2025 1:15pm - 2:05pm CDT
Innovate A

Brain Science

global Y

2:15pm CDT

"Decodable Texts: Key Tools for Reading Success"

Tuesday June 24, 2025 2:15pm - 3:05pm CDT

Innovate A

This professional development session delves into the critical role of decodable text in teaching early reading skills, based on the principles of the Science of Reading. Educators will learn why decodable text is essential for beginning readers and gain practical strategies for effectively incorporating decodable text into their reading instruction.

Speakers

Jessica Bravo Malagón

Presenter, ESC11

Jessica Bravo Malagón is a Reading Academies Cohort Leader at ESC Region 11, dedicated to supporting educators in implementing effective, research-based literacy instruction. With nine years of experience as a bilingual teacher, bilingual specialist, and literacy coordinator, she... Read More →

Tuesday June 24, 2025 2:15pm - 3:05pm CDT
Innovate A

Literacy

global Y

9:00am CDT

Digging Deep to Effectively Address Behavior Issues in the Classroom and at Home

Wednesday June 25, 2025 9:00am - 9:50am CDT

Innovate A

Participants will be guided through the process of discovering what the root cause(s) are for specific behavior concerns and how to address them effectively using research and evidence based strategies.

Speakers

Karen Sanders

Wednesday June 25, 2025 9:00am - 9:50am CDT
Innovate A

common

global Y

10:00am CDT

Catalyst for Change: High-Leverage Practices That Transform Teaching & Learning

Wednesday June 25, 2025 10:00am - 10:50am CDT

Innovate A

To achieve bold student outcomes, educators must make bold instructional moves. This session will provide participants with practical, research-based High-Leverage Practices (HLPs) that drive student engagement, academic achievement, and school transformation. Educators will explore key instructional strategies that foster deep learning, examine real-world case studies of successful implementation, and engage in hands-on activities to apply these practices to their own classrooms and campuses.
Participants will leave equipped with clear, actionable steps to embed HLPs into their daily practice, ensuring that all systems within their schools are aligned, intentional, and built for student success.

Speakers

DR SYLVIA R MITCHELL

SUPERINTENDENT, LEGACY TRADITIONAL SCHOOLS

Dr. Sylvia R. Mitchell is an accomplished educational leader, author, and consultant with over 25 years of experience spanning both the traditional public school system and the charter school network. She has served as a Superintendent, Regional Chief, Vice President of Schools, and... Read More →

Wednesday June 25, 2025 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
Innovate A

common

global Y

11:00am CDT

From Skills to Scores: Strategies for Excelling on the STAAR ECR

Wednesday June 25, 2025 11:00am - 11:50am CDT

Innovate A

In this session, participants will explore the essential skills students need to succeed on the STAAR Extended Constructed Response (ECR). They will examine the scoring rubric to understand key expectations and analyze sample responses to identify strengths and areas for growth. Through practical strategies and instructional techniques, educators will learn how to support students in developing clear, well-organized responses with strong evidence and analysis, ultimately improving their confidence and performance on the STAAR ECR.

Speakers

Erin Abernathy

Instructional Content Specialist, ESC 11

Erin Abernathy is an Instructional Content Specialist for Elementary English Language Arts and Reading at ESC Region 11. She has been an educator since 2004, bringing over two decades of experience to her current role. Erin spent 14 years in the classroom and served as an instructional... Read More →

Wednesday June 25, 2025 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
Innovate A

common

global Y

1:15pm CDT

The Importance of Building Relationships for Student Success

Wednesday June 25, 2025 1:15pm - 2:05pm CDT

Innovate A

Strong relationships between educators and students are key to fostering a positive learning environment and promoting academic success. In this session, participants will explore the impact of meaningful connections on student motivation, engagement, and achievement. Through interactive discussions and practical strategies, educators will learn how to build trust, create a supportive classroom culture, and enhance student outcomes.

Speakers

Shannah Blankenship

Special Education Specialist for the Blind and Visually Impaired, ESC Region11

My name is Shannah Blankenship. I have been a TVI for 12 years and a COMS for 5 years. I am currently the Special Education Specialist for the Blind and Visually Impaired at ESC Region 11. I have a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction from Midwestern State University and completed... Read More →

Wednesday June 25, 2025 1:15pm - 2:05pm CDT
Innovate A

common

2:15pm CDT

Building Blocks of Language: Integrating Oral Language for Enhanced Vocabulary Development in K-5

Wednesday June 25, 2025 2:15pm - 3:05pm CDT

Innovate A

This engaging professional development will focus on the powerful connection between oral language and vocabulary development in K-5 students. Educators will explore practical strategies to create language-rich environments that support vocabulary growth through meaningful conversations, storytelling, and active listening. Participants will learn how to integrate oral language activities across the curriculum, assess student progress, and utilize tools that enhance both vocabulary acquisition and oral communication skills.

Speakers

Rhonda Bell-Wallace

K-5 Texas Reading Initiative Specialist, ESC Region 11

Rhonda Bell-Wallace is a dedicated educator with over 20 years of experience in literacy instruction. Throughout her career, she has served as a teacher, campus and district literacy specialist, and independent literacy consultant. Her passion lies in supporting... Read More →

Wednesday June 25, 2025 2:15pm - 3:05pm CDT
Innovate A

common

global Y

9:00am CDT

The Autistic Brain, Play, Exercise, and Movement: “Moving” Forward with Autism

Thursday June 26, 2025 9:00am - 9:50am CDT

Innovate A

Recent brain research in autism reveals the impact anxiety and trauma are having on the autistic population and how play, exercise and movement are vital components to supports and interventions. This session will look at the research and show why play, exercise and movement are necessary for better outcomes…as well as a couple of other surprises! Be ready to play, have fun, and enjoy new learning!

Speakers

Dr. Layne Pethick

Thursday June 26, 2025 9:00am - 9:50am CDT
Innovate A

10:00am CDT

AI for the Win: Using Artificial Intelligence to Create Educational Content and Save Time

Thursday June 26, 2025 10:00am - 10:50am CDT

Innovate A

Improve your teaching efficiency with AI! Join my hands-on session to learn how to utilize artificial intelligence tools that create educational resources, allowing you to save valuable time. You will discover how to create engaging content more quickly, giving you more chances to focus on your students.

Speakers

Brent Mischnick

Digital Learning Specialist, ESC Region 11

Brent Mischnick is a Digital Learning Specialist at ESC Region 11 in White Settlement, Texas. He is a passionate sports fan, supporting the Chicago Cubs, Bears, Bulls, and the Florida Gators. Brent holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a major in Sport Management... Read More →

Thursday June 26, 2025 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
Innovate A

common

global Y

1:30pm CDT

Introduction to an IEP

Thursday June 26, 2025 1:30pm - 2:20pm CDT

Innovate A

Have you ever wondered, "What is an IEP?" or "What do I do with an IEP?" This session aims to clarify the essential components of an IEP and highlight their significance in guiding instruction, providing necessary supports and services, and ensuring that students with disabilities achieve success in their educational endeavors. Participants are encouraged to bring a redacted copy of an IEP to facilitate the identification of its relevant components.

Speakers

Christi Perkins

Special Education Specialist, ESC Region 11

Christi Perkins is a Special Education Specialist dedicated to assisting both general and special education teachers in delivering optimal learning experiences through the implementation of inclusive practices for students with diverse learning needs. With over 25 years of teaching... Read More →

Thursday June 26, 2025 1:30pm - 2:20pm CDT
Innovate A

common

2:30pm CDT

Closing the Opportunity Gap – Breaking Barriers while Maintaining Connections

Thursday June 26, 2025 2:30pm - 3:20pm CDT

Innovate A

There are many influences on the complex issue of student academic achievement. This session will address one of them.

Through presentation and interactive participation attendees will learn how the home learning environment shapes the student mindset in both constructive and deleterious ways. Attendees will have the opportunity to draw upon their own home learning environment and reflect upon the advantages and/or disadvantages they encountered. They will also explore research based pragmatic strategies to assist students in overcoming cultural barriers while maintaining cultural connections.

Speakers

James Hopper

Thursday June 26, 2025 2:30pm - 3:20pm CDT
Innovate A

common