Loading…
PARA Educator Conference has ended

2019 CONFERENCE WELCOME

Welcome to the 30th Nebraska Paraeducator Conference!

The Nebraska Paraeducator Conference is one of first training events designed specifically to address the knowledge and skill development to help paraeducators improve their job performance. Other organizations have offered occasional staff development opportunities for paraeducators through the last thirty years, but Nebraska’s conference that began in 1989 is the longest running gathering of its kind in the country. You are one of the more than 7,900 paraeducators who have participated in the Nebraska conference since its inception.

Regardless of the conference theme, the overall goals and purposes have remained consistent:
  • Recognize the key role you play in education as a paraeducator;
  • Provide opportunities to expand your knowledge and skills;
  • Offer information to help you evaluate your effectiveness as a paraeducator; and
  • Make available opportunities to interact with your colleagues.
We want to recognize the multiple talents and attributes you possess. We recognize that you are called on to be many things to many people in the course of your work. We appreciate all your efforts and the energy you put into helping Nebraska students succeed.

                                                            Paraeducators, this is your day!

Thank you to all the speakers and members of the Paraeducator Advisory Committee for making this event possible:

  • Jenny Beck-Crete Public Schools
  • Marjorie Bisbee-Project PARA, UNL
  • Wade Fruhling-ESU Coordinating Council
  • Jason Hippen-Nebraska City Public Schools
  • Amy Kroll-Auburn Public Schools
  • Ryan O’Grady-Grand Island Northwest Public Schools
  • Mary Phillips-ESU #6
  • Marla Styles-Lincoln Public Schools
  • Leslie Galloway, NDE Office of Special Education
  • Theresa Hayes, NDE Office of Special Education
  • Rhea Hochstein, NDE Office of Special Education
  • Nicole Leafty, NDE Office of Special Education
  • Carol McClain, Conference Coordinator
Simple
Expanded
Grid
By Venue
Map
Tuesday, November 19
 

7:00am CST

A MAP OF THE YOUNES CENTER
Feedback Survey
FOR FLOOR PLAN AND CAMPUS MAP...PLEASE OPEN THE PDF FILE BELOW TITLED "YOUNES MAPS" 
Younes Maps pdf
Tuesday November 19, 2019 7:00am - 4:00pm CST

7:30am CST

Registration Check-In
Feedback Survey
Speakers
avatar for Leslie Galloway

Leslie Galloway

Conference Staff - Assistant to Amy Rhone, Nebraska Department of Education

Tuesday November 19, 2019 7:30am - 8:00am CST
Pre-Function Area

8:00am CST

Welcome and Announcements
Tuesday November 19, 2019 8:00am - 8:15am CST
Diamond 4, 5, 9, 10
  Welcome/Awards

8:15am CST

OPENING KEYNOTE: Forging Relationships: It Begins with Us
Looking for the key to managing behavior? You will find it in your heart; positive connections are your first defense against problem behavior and amongst your best tools when implementing interventions.
Speakers
avatar for Heather Robbins

Heather Robbins

Behavior Support Consultant, Heather’s Behavior Support Services
Heather Robbins has been working in schools since 1985, holding a B.A. and an M.A. in education. She has worked with students at all levels, first teaching in a residential treatment center followed by serving as a teacher and then Behavior Support Specialist on the Navajo Reservation... Read More →

Tuesday November 19, 2019 8:15am - 9:15am CST
Diamond 4, 5, 9, 10
  Keynote Address

9:15am CST

Morning Break
Freshly Brewed Colombian Coffee (regular and decaffeinated)
Hot Herbal Tea
Iced Tea
Iced Water
Tuesday November 19, 2019 9:15am - 9:30am CST
Pre-Function Area
  Break

9:30am CST

Topical Seminar: Building Relationships for Meaningful Learning
Are you assigned to work with middle school or high school students who struggle to engage in the classroom? Are you assigned to work with classroom teachers who struggle to understand your role in the classroom? This session will focus on relationship building strategies that can be used in large-group, small-group, or one-on-one learning situations.
Speakers
avatar for Kim Snyder

Kim Snyder

Director of Teacher and Principal Support, Nebraska Department of Education

Tuesday November 19, 2019 9:30am - 11:00am CST
Diamond 6
  Topical Seminar

9:30am CST

Topical Seminar: Early Childhood Emotional Learning
Speakers
avatar for Kayla Parr

Kayla Parr

Education Specialist III, Nebraska Department of Education
Kayla Parr has worked in early childhood education for 6 years. She taught preschool and 1st grade for Omaha Public Schools before joining the Nebraska Department of Education a little over a year ago. Now, working as an Early Childhood Special Education Consultant in the Office of... Read More →
avatar for Amy Schmidtke

Amy Schmidtke

Program Specialist, Buffett Early Childhood Institute

Social Emotional Learning Para Educator Conference Presentation 11.9.19 pdf
Tuesday November 19, 2019 9:30am - 11:00am CST
Diamond 1
  Topical Seminar

9:30am CST

Topical Seminar: Ending Bullying Behaviors through Meaningful Connections
In order to reduce the occurrence of bullying in schools, we need school-based professionals to understand bullying behaviors and best practices in prevention and intervention. This presentation will address the important role that Paraeducators play in the dynamic school environment, and how these professionals can serve as a necessary responder to bullying incidences.  This interactive presentation will cover topics such as the bullying definition, case study examples, and the “do’s and don’t’s” of responding and intervening.
Speakers
RP

Raul Palacios

Nebraska Bullying Prevention & Intervention Initiative, Graduate Research Assistant
CS

Cody Solesbee

Graduate Research Assistant, Graduate Research Assistant Nebraska Bullying Prevention & Intervention Initiative

Tuesday November 19, 2019 9:30am - 11:00am CST
Diamond 2, 3
  Topical Seminar

9:30am CST

Topical Seminar: It Should be Easier Than This? Changing the Way You Feel About Behavior
It is no secret that paraeducators are often faced with behaviors by children that may not be easy to understand.  Sometimes those behaviors are difficult to explain and figuring out how to change those behaviors can be even more difficult.  This session will provide simple and easy to use strategies for paraeducators while providing insight into why the child might be escalating.
Speakers
avatar for Matthew McNiff, Ph.D.

Matthew McNiff, Ph.D.

Director of Special Education, ESU 5
Dr. Matt McNiff is a special education director and behavior consultant with the Educational Service Unit No. 5 in Beatrice, Nebraska where he works with school districts to help teachers and administrators develop ways to help students with behavior concerns. With almost 25 years... Read More →

Paraeducator Conference Presentation 2019 November Print Copy pptx
Tuesday November 19, 2019 9:30am - 11:00am CST
Diamond 7, 8
  Topical Seminar

11:00am CST

LUNCH
BAKED POTATO BAR |
Garden Tossed Salad with Choice of Two Dressings (Ranch and Dorothy Lynch), Fresh Crudité Display, Baked Potato, Chili, Diced Chicken, Steamed Broccoli, Hot Cheese Sauce, Butter, Sour Cream, Shredded Cheese, Bacon, Green Onions, Barbecue Sauce and an Assortment of Breads

Freshly Brewed Colombian Coffee (regular and decaffeinated)
Hot Herbal Tea
Iced Tea
Ice Cold Milk
Iced Water
Tuesday November 19, 2019 11:00am - 11:30am CST
Diamond 4, 5, 9, 10
  Break

11:30am CST

NOON KEYNOTE: Who Am I and Where am I Going?
Today’s keynote will provide an overview of the important role Paraeducators play in today’s schools. It will also provide a historical look at the role and the current national issues affecting paraeducators and their supervisors, Kent, who has spent thirty years advocating for paraeducators, will share his research findings and current national issues. The importance of standards, guidelines and training will be addressed
Speakers
avatar for Kent Gerlach, EdD

Kent Gerlach, EdD

Kent Gerlach, EdD has been recognized nationally for his contributions, research and publications on topics related to paraeducators, including paraeducator employment, training, supervision, evaluation, and legal and ethical issues. He has presented numerous professional development... Read More →

Who Am I Where Am I Going 10.21.19 pptx
Tuesday November 19, 2019 11:30am - 12:30pm CST
Diamond 4, 5, 9, 10
  Keynote Address

12:30pm CST

Award Presentations
Speakers
avatar for Matt Blomstedt

Matt Blomstedt

Commissioner, NDE
Dr. Matthew Blomstedt was named Commissioner of Education by the Nebraska State Board of Education on January 2, 2014.Dr. Blomstedt led the successful development and implementation of a comprehensive state accountability system, AQuESTT, and positioned Nebraska to meet new federal... Read More →

Tuesday November 19, 2019 12:30pm - 1:00pm CST
Diamond 4, 5, 9, 10
  Welcome/Awards

1:00pm CST

Transition to Breakout Session 1
Tuesday November 19, 2019 1:00pm - 1:15pm CST
Pre-Function Area
  Break

1:15pm CST

Breakout Session 1: Adaptive Physical Education
How can Physical Education be a positive experience for all students?  You’ll find the answer by learning to modify Physical Education equipment, rules, environment and instruction.  As a result, students with unique needs can participate in skills or games.  Participants will receive a handout, “Working with Paraeducators in the Physical Education Program,” ideas for physical activity stations, and information about Unified Physical Education.
Speakers
CM

Cindy Meyer

Associate Professor of Physical Education, Doane University

Adaptive Physical Activity.pp pptx
Tuesday November 19, 2019 1:15pm - 2:05pm CST
Diamond 8
  Breakout Session 1

1:15pm CST

Breakout Session 1: How High School Students Learn: Brain Development
This presentation will provide an overview of brain structures and the major domains of adolescent brain development including physical, cognitive, moral, and social-emotional identity. We will discuss how adolescent brain development impacts the learning process, manifestations of developmental changes, and common maladaptive behaviors.
Speakers
JR

James Reynolds

Provisionally Licensed Psychologist, Board Certified Behavior Analyst, Children and Adolescent Behavioral Health Clinic, Hastings NE

Tuesday November 19, 2019 1:15pm - 2:05pm CST
Diamond 6
  Breakout Session 1

1:15pm CST

Breakout Session 1: Open Hands, Open Access
This session will share tools that have been developed to assist paraeducators and other staff to understand evidence based strategies for working with children, birth to age 21, who have multiple disabilities, including those with combined hearing and vision losses.  The presentation will share free online modules that can be used as part of ongoing training, or just to learn a new skill (such as hand under hand strategies).  The presenters will demonstrate how one district has used this system to train paraeducators within their school district. Any paraeducator in the state can use this system for ongoing professional learning.
Speakers
avatar for Teresa Coonts

Teresa Coonts

Director of Autism and Low Incidence Disb., and Part B Director, Nebraska Department of Education
Teresa works as an Education Specialist III for the the Nebraska Department of Education, Office of Special Education. She has worked over 35 years both as a teacher, with two different state departments of education, and for a federal grant at the national level. She currently serves... Read More →
BJ
JM

Jodi Morgan

Teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Lincoln Public Schools

Para Presentation Nov 19 2019 Final From Teresa Coonts pptx
Tuesday November 19, 2019 1:15pm - 2:05pm CST
Diamond 3
  Breakout Session 1

1:15pm CST

Breakout Session 1: Paraeducators’ Essential Roles in Making Assistive Technology Work for Students
Speakers
PC

Pam Cody

Tech Spec, ATP
I work with individuals who have disabilities recommending devicing, including technology, to assist them at work and/or school.
JJ

Jeri Johnson

Assistive Technology Manager, ATP/Education - ESU 10
I manage the ATP/Education – Statewide loan pool and process short-term loans of assistive technology equipment to educators in Nebraska through AT4all.com. I am available for support in selecting AT and technical assistance.
avatar for Brian Wojcik

Brian Wojcik

ATP Education Program Supervisor, Assistive Technology Specialist, NE ATP
The Education Program within ATP creates capacity for quality AT services for every student/child who needs AT by:- Providing training/coaching related to AT services and AT tools/systems- Engaging in strategic partnerships with key stakeholders and constituencies- Creating access... Read More →

ParaEducator Nov2019 pptx
Tuesday November 19, 2019 1:15pm - 2:05pm CST
Ruby 6
  Breakout Session 1

1:15pm CST

Breakout Session 1: The Science of Compliance
Defiance is one of the number one disciplinary issues facing staff members in the classroom. What is defiance? What is the opposite behavior? Discover strategies for strengthening compliance in conjunction with teachers.
Speakers
avatar for Heather Robbins

Heather Robbins

Behavior Support Consultant, Heather’s Behavior Support Services
Heather Robbins has been working in schools since 1985, holding a B.A. and an M.A. in education. She has worked with students at all levels, first teaching in a residential treatment center followed by serving as a teacher and then Behavior Support Specialist on the Navajo Reservation... Read More →

Tuesday November 19, 2019 1:15pm - 2:05pm CST
Diamond 1
  Breakout Session 1

1:15pm CST

Breakout Session 1: Trauma Matters-A General Overview
This training discusses trauma and traumatic stress and it’s impact on the brain and the body.  Participants will learn the “why” behind many of the trauma-response behaviors exhibited by students and how relationships play a role in healing as well as behavior management.
Speakers
avatar for Jessica Kroeker

Jessica Kroeker

Trauma Matters Omaha Initiative Coordinator, Project Harmony
I work for Project Harmony, the child advocacy center serving Douglas and Sarpy counties in Nebraska and several counties in southwest Iowa. I am in the training department and my main responsibility is to oversee the community trauma informed care initiative, Trauma Matters Omaha... Read More →

Tuesday November 19, 2019 1:15pm - 2:05pm CST
Diamond 2
  Breakout Session 1

1:15pm CST

Breakout Session 1: Vaping: Get the Facts
Speakers
avatar for Kimberley Burr, LIMHP

Kimberley Burr, LIMHP

Counselor, Tobacco Specialist, CHI Health Good Samaritan

Tuesday November 19, 2019 1:15pm - 2:05pm CST
Diamond 7
  Breakout Session 1

2:05pm CST

Afternoon Break
Freshly Brewed Colombian Coffee (regular and decaffeinated)
Hot Herbal Tea
Iced Tea
Iced Water

Caramel Apple Shooters, Hazelnut Flavored Chocolate Ganache Shooters with Churros, Assorted Cookies
Tuesday November 19, 2019 2:05pm - 2:20pm CST
Pre-Function Area
  Break

2:20pm CST

Breakout Session 2: Connecting Families in Need to Services and Careers
We will discuss statewide resources on workforce development and services for families. Across the state, there are services that exist that many families may not be aware such as phone-based resume and job search assistance for rural areas, affordable housing programs, and more. We will discuss and those that attend will be encouraged to share about services that they are aware! Last, we will share about the myLNK app which can licensed statewide.
Speakers
avatar for Bryan Seck

Bryan Seck

Director of Workforce Development, Lincoln Partnership for Economic Development
Connecting people with part-time jobs to full-time careers has become a passion for Bryan Seck. Prior to joining Prosper Lincoln as the Employment Skills Developer, he was the Homeless Outreach Specialist for Lincoln Public Schools where he helped 500 homeless students each year... Read More →

Tuesday November 19, 2019 2:20pm - 3:10pm CST
Diamond 2
  Breakout Session 2

2:20pm CST

Breakout Session 2: Human Trafficking Happens Here
Speakers
DK

Tuesday November 19, 2019 2:20pm - 3:10pm CST
Diamond 8
  Breakout Session 2

2:20pm CST

Breakout Session 2: Let’s Team Up: Teacher and Paraeducator Communication
To be successful, the paraeducator and the teacher must view themselves as a team and partners in the educational process. The session will provide an overview of effective teamwork and communication. Topics addressed will include the importance of creating a positive environment, clarifying roles, and goal setting.
Speakers
avatar for Kent Gerlach, EdD

Kent Gerlach, EdD

Kent Gerlach, EdD has been recognized nationally for his contributions, research and publications on topics related to paraeducators, including paraeducator employment, training, supervision, evaluation, and legal and ethical issues. He has presented numerous professional development... Read More →

Lets Team Up Communication and Team Bldg 10.21.19 pptx
Tuesday November 19, 2019 2:20pm - 3:10pm CST
Diamond 3
  Breakout Session 2

2:20pm CST

Breakout Session 2: Mental Illness and Safety Planning
Speakers
KN

Kristin Nelson, LICSW

Director of Emergency Services, Region 5 Behavior Systems

SBQR Handout docx
MH & Safety Planning pptx
Tuesday November 19, 2019 2:20pm - 3:10pm CST
Diamond 6
  Breakout Session 2

2:20pm CST

Breakout Session 2: Respond or React: Supporting Students with Intense Behaviors
This session will focus on understanding intense behavior, creating positive adult-student relationships and responding effectively to intense student behavior. Participants will learn strategies that any adult can use to prevent or effectively respond to intense behaviors and help students regulate.
Speakers
avatar for Sarah Wright

Sarah Wright

MTSS-B Coach, Lincoln Public Schools

NE Para Conference 2019 pdf
Tuesday November 19, 2019 2:20pm - 3:10pm CST
Diamond 7
  Breakout Session 2

2:20pm CST

Breakout Session 2: Take Time for You: A Self-Care Journey
In order to be the best people and educators, we need to practice daily self-care. Self-care doesn't mean dropping everything and only thinking of yourself. Self-care means you are meeting your basic needs to build a life that you don't need to regularly escape from. During this session, we’ll help you start on your self-care journey.
Speakers
avatar for Susan Evans

Susan Evans

Teaching & Learning Coordinator, ESU 10
Susan Evans is serving in her 11th year as a Teaching and Learning Coordinator at ESU 10 in Kearney.  She started teaching in a country school south of Ansley and was there for 5 years before teaching for 26 years in the North Platte Public School system, most of the years teaching... Read More →
avatar for Dallas Lewandowski

Dallas Lewandowski

Teaching and Learning Coordinator, ESU 10
I received my undergraduate degree from the University of Nebraska at Kearney with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Communication Disorders.  After graduation, I worked for two years as a Speech Technician for ESU #15 in Trenton, Nebraska.  During that time, I  went back to UNK... Read More →

Take Care of Yourself Para November 2019 pdf
Tuesday November 19, 2019 2:20pm - 3:10pm CST
Diamond 1
  Breakout Session 2

2:20pm CST

Breakout Session 2: We Can’t Do This Without YOU! (Early Childhood)
This session will show how Beatrice Community Preschool helps our paraeducators be a VERY important role in the preschool classroom.  Come here about our successes with having a working team in all of our classrooms.
Speakers
avatar for Missy Timmerman

Missy Timmerman

Director of Early Childhood, Beatrice Public Schools

Tuesday November 19, 2019 2:20pm - 3:10pm CST
Ruby 6
  Breakout Session 2

3:10pm CST

Transition to Closing
Feedback Survey
Tuesday November 19, 2019 3:10pm - 3:20pm CST
Pre-Function Area
  Break

3:20pm CST

CLOSING KEYNOTE: In Search of the Missing "Link:" Improving Your Meaningful Connections with Kids
Feedback Survey
Our students with special needs find themselves facing confusing and difficult circumstances every day when they come to school.  In our schools, we have people who are at the ground level who are regularly confronted with opportunities to change the life of a child.  They are paraeducators. The connections that we make with a child can change the direction of their life.  Do we have what it takes to challenge our students and provide the safe haven in the storm when they come to school?  This keynote will show you how powerful your connection can truly be.
Speakers
avatar for Matthew McNiff, Ph.D.

Matthew McNiff, Ph.D.

Director of Special Education, ESU 5
Dr. Matt McNiff is a special education director and behavior consultant with the Educational Service Unit No. 5 in Beatrice, Nebraska where he works with school districts to help teachers and administrators develop ways to help students with behavior concerns. With almost 25 years... Read More →

Tuesday November 19, 2019 3:20pm - 4:00pm CST
Diamond 4, 5, 9, 10
  Keynote Address
 
Filter sessions
Apply filters to sessions.
Tuesday, November 19
Diamond 1
Diamond 2
Diamond 2, 3
Diamond 3
Diamond 4, 5, 9, 10
Diamond 6
Diamond 7
Diamond 7, 8
Diamond 8
Pre-Function Area
Ruby 6
  • Break
  • Breakout Session 1
  • Breakout Session 2
  • Keynote Address
  • Topical Seminar
  • Welcome/Awards
  • Popular