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

9:00am CDT

K-2 Shifting the Balance: 6 Ways to Bring the Science of Reading into the Balanced Literacy Classroom

Tuesday June 24, 2025 9:00am - 9:50am CDT

The six shifts in bringing the science of reading into a balanced literacy classroom work together in a way that enhances their overall effectiveness. When implemented collectively, they create a stronger, research-based foundation for literacy instruction. The six shifts together bridge the gap between balanced literacy and structured literacy, ensuring students receive both engaging reading experiences and the explicit instruction they need to become proficient readers.

Speakers

Lindsay Carrier

Instructional Content Specialist-HQIM/OER, ESC Region 11

My name is Lindsay Carrier, and I serve as an Instructional Content Specialist for HQIM/OER at ESC Region 11. With 23 years of experience in education, I have taught 1st–3rd grades, worked as an interventionist, literacy coach, and reading specialist, and served as a district curriculum... Read More →

Tuesday June 24, 2025 9:00am - 9:50am CDT
Innovate B

Literacy

10:00am CDT

Fostering Critical & Creative Thinking Through Children's Literature

Tuesday June 24, 2025 10:00am - 10:50am CDT

Innovate B

In this dynamic session, educators will gain an understanding of the importance of fostering critical and creative thinking skills and how children's literature can be a powerful tool in this process. The session will cover a variety of engaging books and activities that encourage reflective thinking, problem-solving, and creativity among students. Educators will have the opportunity to reflect on how to adapt and apply these strategies in their own classrooms, ensuring they can effectively support students in becoming thoughtful, independent learners.

Link to Presenter’s Agenda DRAFT
Link to Slides DRAFT

Speakers

Cindy Garcia

ESC Region 11 GT/Advanced Academics Instructional Specialist, Education Service Center Region 11

Cindy Garcia is an ESC Region 11 GT/Advanced Academics Instructional Specialist with 25 years of experience in education. She holds a B.A. in Elementary Education and an M.Ed. in Gifted Education, with certifications in Elementary Education, 4-8 ELAR, Gifted and Talented, and ESL... Read More →

Tuesday June 24, 2025 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
Innovate B

Literacy

global Y

11:00am CDT

Introduction to an IEP

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

Innovate B

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 →

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

common

1:15pm CDT

Decoding the 13 Special Education Eligibilities

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

Innovate B

A practical exploration of the 13 disability categories under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), from Autism to Traumatic Brain Injury. This session goes beyond definitions, breaking down each eligibility category with observable characteristics that educators, parents, and support teams can recognize in students.

Speakers

Robin Hudson

Evaluation Specialist, ESC Region 11

Robin Hudson is a School Psychologist currently working as an Evaluation Specialist at ESC Region 11. She has 35 years of experience in education and 17 years as a classroom teacher, having taught special education, general education, and GT. She has been practicing as a School Psychologist... Read More →

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

common

9:00am CDT

REACHing Higher: Empowering Advanced Thinkers Through Thoughtful Questioning

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

Innovate B

Effective questioning can spark curiosity, deepen understanding, and ignite critical, creative, and reflective thinking in all students. The REACH framework—Ranking, Ethics, Affective, Connections, and Hypothetical—provides a structured approach to crafting high-level questions that engage students at every level, particularly to the needs of gifted and advanced learners. In this session, participants will explore integrating REACH questioning into daily instruction, creating opportunities for deeper engagement and intellectual growth. You will walk away with practical strategies that are easy to implement, equipping you with the confidence to elevate student discourse and enrich learning experiences across all content areas.

Speakers

Gypsy Mishoe

GT/ Advanced Academics Specialist, ESC Region 11

Gypsy Mishoe is a GT/Advanced Academics Specialist at ESC Region 11, bringing 26 years of experience as a secondary social studies teacher, instructional coach, and district liaison for Advanced Academics. A proud Texas native and mother of four, she is passionate about helping educators... Read More →

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

common

10:00am CDT

Brain-Based Teaching – Attention and Focus

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

Innovate B

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 →

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

Brain Science

global Y

11:00am CDT

Empowering Students for the Future: College and Career Readiness in the Elementary Classroom

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

Innovate B

This 45-minute presentation will equip elementary teachers with strategies and tools to begin fostering college and career readiness in their students from an early age. We will explore practical ways to introduce career exploration, goal-setting, and essential skills that students will need for success in both their academic journey and future careers. Teachers will leave with actionable ideas and resources to create a classroom culture that promotes growth, curiosity, and future planning.

Speakers

Stephanie Tennyson

Administrator Coach for CCMR and CTE, ESC Region 11

Stephanie Tennyson began her education career in 2007 at the Jack E. Singley Academy in Irving ISD, a 9-12 CTE-based campus. Then, she moved into project management with the Center for STEM Education and Research (C-SER). C-SER, a T-STEM Center, provides support to campuses implementing... Read More →

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

common

1:15pm CDT

Syntax Matters: Improving Student Comprehension and Writing

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

Innovate B

Syntax plays a crucial role in both reading comprehension and written expression, yet it is often an overlooked component of literacy instruction. In this session, participants will explore the power of syntax in constructing and extracting meaning from text. Through interactive activities, they will analyze how sentence structure impacts comprehension, discuss how syntax can enhance student writing, and identify the challenges presented by the complex syntax of academic language. Educators will leave with practical strategies to support students in navigating syntax effectively.

Speakers

Kimberly Smith

Instructional Content Specialist for Elementary ELAR, ESC Region 11

Kimberly Smith is an Instructional Content Specialist for Elementary ELAR at ESC Region 11, specializing in delivering creative, engaging, and research-based instructional practices in elementary English Language Arts and Reading. With 28 years of experience in education, Kimberly... Read More →

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

Literacy

global Y

2:15pm CDT

Brain-Based Teaching: Considerations of the Whole Child

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

Innovate B

Emotions and collaborative social interactions significantly impact learning and motivation. This session examines how positive emotions, relationships, and a sense of belonging enhance student engagement and cognitive development. Educators will explore strategies for fostering a supportive learning environment, using social interaction within collaboration to reinforce learning, and leveraging motivation to increase student perseverance and confidence.

Speakers

Kerry Fergason

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

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

common

global Y

9:00am CDT

Choosing the Right Text to Maximize Literacy Growth

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

Innovate B

Choosing the right text can make all the difference in your literacy lessons! In this session, we'll explore how to use a variety of texts—like decodables, picture books, and uncontrolled text—to maximize student growth. Discover practical strategies for selecting the best texts to meet your learning objectives and keep your students engaged.

Speakers

Kasha Ashworth

Reading Academies Cohort Leader, ESC Region 11

Kasha Ashworth is a Reading Academies Cohort Leader at ESC Region 11, where she supports teachers in bringing the science of reading to life in their classrooms. She’s passionate about helping educators use practical, evidence-based strategies that make a real difference for students... Read More →

Rachel Hart

Reading Academies Cohort Leader, ESC Region 11

Will provide

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

common

10:00am CDT

Empowered Readers: The Science Behind Effective Teaching

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

Innovate B

In this session, participants will learn what research says about The Science of Teaching
Reading and how that translates into practical application in the classroom. We will
explore common misconceptions and scientifically sound instructional shifts to improve
literacy learning outcomes for all students.

Speakers

Tanya Kellerman

Science of Teaching Reading Implementation Specialist, ESC Region 11

Tanya Kellerman, M.Ed., is a dedicated Science of Teaching Reading Implementation Specialist with extensive experience in education. She has served as a Cohort Leader for the Texas Reading Academies, guiding educators in enhancing their literacy instruction. Tanya's expertise encompasses... Read More →

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

common

global Y

1:30pm CDT

The Brain and Behavior: How Does Our Brain Do It?

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

Innovate B

Understanding how the human brain develops behaviors, how memory plays a vital role, and what parts of our brain are the key players helps us with better supports, interventions, and outcomes. Join us for an adventure in behavior, while we try to unravel the mystery and process the reality of behavior and behavior change.

Speakers

Dr. Layne Pethick

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

2:30pm CDT

Opening Doors to Reading: Making Books Accessible for All!

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

Innovate B

In this engaging and hands-on session, educators will discover innovative strategies to make reading accessible for all students. Participants are encouraged to bring a device to practice these techniques and empower students to take control of their own reading accessibility.

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 →

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

common