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Bright Minds: Finding the Light in Every Student

The Region 17 Education Service Center is excited to announce the annual professional development conference dedicated to Special Education topics.

This is a two-day conference focused on current topics related to special education. Sessions feature peer-reviewed, research-based strategies for use in the school and home environment. Well respected national and locally recognized speakers cover topics of interest including dyslexia, executive function, early childhood education, transition, legal issues, hearing impairments and autism.

Our Pre-Conference is June 2nd, and It is a separate registration. If you would like to register, click this link. “Problematic Student Behavior: Let’s Fix the Foundation”

You must select BOTH keynote sessions as well as one breakout session for each time slot. 
There will be a repeat session for each breakout, but you WILL NOT be able to repeat a session.

Last day to register is May 28th.

Each day of the conference has been approved for 6 clock hours of continuing education credit by TSHA for SLPs. To obtain the CE hours, you must attend the day in full as no partial credit is available.
 
TSHA approval does not imply endorsement of course content, specific products, or clinical procedures.



Keynote (Required)
(Tuesday, June 3, 2025 8:30 AM - 11:30 AM)
Session ID: 1089802
Leading Large So That Hidden Potential is Revealed
Seats Filled: 140 / 300
Location:Region 17 ESC, South Conference A

Important Breakout Information:
Join us for an inspiring leadership journey in "Unveiling the Unseen: Unlocking Hidden Leadership Potential." This session is designed to challenge you to rethink the limits of leadership and personal achievement. As leaders, we often focus on visible strengths, but what about the latent talents, untapped creativity, and unrecognized skills within ourselves and our teams? From untapped talents to dormant creativity, this session dares you to unearth the hidden reservoirs within yourself and your students. Prepare to be provoked, inspired, and empowered as we unravel the mysteries that lie beneath the surface. It's time to unlock the extraordinary within by leading in such a way that potential is revealed. Keynote Presented by Terrie Noland
Session 1 (Required)
(Tuesday, June 3, 2025 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM)
Session ID: 1089773
The Brain’s Toolbox: Equipping Students with Essential Executive Function Skills
Seats Filled: 50 / 50
Location:Region 17 ESC, South Conference A

Important Breakout Information:
Executive functions include metacognitive skills (such as planning, task initiation, and working memory) and social/emotional regulation skills (such as response inhibition and adaptability). Learn how to enhance student performance across academic and social contexts by incorporating strategies that address attention, self-regulation, and memory.
 This session is full.
Session ID: 1089782
Navigating the path to adulthood: insights from Burkhart Center Transition Academy graduates
Seats Filled: 9 / 50
Location:Region 17 ESC, South Conference B

Important Breakout Information:
Come listen to a panel of young adults who have transitioned from the K-12 setting, through the Burkhart Center Transition Academy, and into the working environment, tell what resources helped them achieve successful employment. This panel will also welcome questions at the end of the panel to answer questions you may have about their journey. Session presented by Jared Burgoon
Session ID: 1089786
ECSE: Building Effective Teamwork for Success in Early Childhood Special Education
Seats Filled: 17 / 50
Location:Region 17 ESC, South Conference D

Important Breakout Information:
Effective teamwork is essential in providing high-quality services to young children with special needs and their families. In this session, participants will explore the key components of successful collaboration within Early Childhood Special Education teams. Through discussions and real-world examples, we will delve into strategies for fostering communication, enhancing collaboration, and ensuring that every team member's strengths are utilized. Attendees will leave with actionable tools and strategies to promote a cohesive, supportive team environment that leads to better outcomes for children in early childhood settings. Session is Presented by Lissa Yazzy.
Session ID: 1089842
How to Become a Master Architect of Integrating Curricular Tools
Seats Filled: 5 / 50
Location:Region 17 ESC, South Conference C

Important Breakout Information:
Imagine you’ve been handed all the tools to build a house—but no blueprint. That’s what dyslexia service and support can feel like. You have research-based programs, proven tools, and a deep commitment to your students, but the real magic happens when you know how to put it all together in a way that’s strong, effective, and built to last. When a school harnesses its collective wisdom, the integration of tools, time, and talent becomes a force that propels students toward reading independence. This session will focus on confidently integrating your existing instructional tools, ensuring interventions are targeted, accommodations are meaningful, and students receive the right support at the right time. This Session is Presented by Terrie Noland.
Session ID: 1090839
Navigating the Legal Landscape: Empowering Special Education with Knowledge and Clarity
Seats Filled: 28 / 50
Location:Region 17 ESC, South Conference E

Important Breakout Information:
As special educators, it's crucial to stay informed on the latest legal developments impacting the classroom and the students we serve. In this session, we’ll illuminate key legal updates that directly affect special education, ensuring that you have the knowledge to provide an inclusive and supportive learning environment. With a focus on clarity and actionable insights, we’ll explore recent legislation, court rulings, and best practices for compliance, empowering you to confidently navigate the evolving legal landscape and create opportunities for every student to shine. This Session is Presented by Holly B. Wardell.
Session ID: 1093867
Understanding the Brain to Help our Students
Seats Filled: 31 / 50
Location:Region 17 ESC, South Conference F

Important Breakout Information:
In this session, we will delve into the fascinating world of brain science and explore how a deeper understanding of the brain can significantly impact teaching strategies and student success. By examining how the brain processes information, stores memories, and adapts to new learning experiences, educators will gain insights into how to create more effective, brain-friendly learning environments. Attendees will leave with practical tools and research-backed strategies for enhancing student engagement, motivation, and retention, while fostering an environment where every student can thrive based on how their brains work best. This Session is Presented by Layne Pethick.
Session 2 (Required)
(Tuesday, June 3, 2025 2:45 PM - 4:15 PM)
Session ID: 1089781
(REPEAT) The Brain’s Toolbox: Equipping Students with Essential Executive Function Skills
Seats Filled: 39 / 50
Location:Region 17 ESC, South Conference A

Important Breakout Information:
Executive functions include metacognitive skills (such as planning, task initiation, and working memory) and social/emotional regulation skills (such as response inhibition and adaptability). Learn how to enhance student performance across academic and social contexts by incorporating strategies that address attention, self-regulation, and memory.
Session ID: 1089783
(REPEAT) Navigating the path to adulthood: insights from Burkhart Center Transition Academy graduates
Seats Filled: 15 / 50
Location:Region 17 ESC, South Conference B

Important Breakout Information:
Come listen to a panel of young adults who have transitioned from the K-12 setting, through the Burkhart Center Transition Academy, and into the working environment, tell what resources helped them achieve successful employment. This panel will also welcome questions at the end of the panel to answer questions you may have about their journey. Session Presented by Jared Burgoon
Session ID: 1089788
(REPEAT) ECSE: Building Effective Teamwork for Success in Early Childhood Special Education
Seats Filled: 9 / 50
Location:Region 17 ESC, South Conference D

Important Breakout Information:
Effective teamwork is essential in providing high-quality services to young children with special needs and their families. In this session, participants will explore the key components of successful collaboration within Early Childhood Special Education teams. Through discussions and real-world examples, we will delve into strategies for fostering communication, enhancing collaboration, and ensuring that every team member's strengths are utilized. Attendees will leave with actionable tools and strategies to promote a cohesive, supportive team environment that leads to better outcomes for children in early childhood settings. Session is Presented by Lissa Yazzy.
Session ID: 1089843
(REPEAT) How to Become a Master Architect of Integrating Curricular Tools
Seats Filled: 10 / 50
Location:Region 17 ESC, South Conference C

Important Breakout Information:
Imagine you’ve been handed all the tools to build a house—but no blueprint. That’s what dyslexia service and support can feel like. You have research-based programs, proven tools, and a deep commitment to your students, but the real magic happens when you know how to put it all together in a way that’s strong, effective, and built to last. When a school harnesses its collective wisdom, the integration of tools, time, and talent becomes a force that propels students toward reading independence. This session will focus on confidently integrating your existing instructional tools, ensuring interventions are targeted, accommodations are meaningful, and students receive the right support at the right time. This Session is Presented by Terrie Noland.
Session ID: 1090844
(REPEAT) Navigating the Legal Landscape: Empowering Special Education with Knowledge and Clarity
Seats Filled: 17 / 50
Location:Region 17 ESC, South Conference E

Important Breakout Information:
As special educators, it's crucial to stay informed on the latest legal developments impacting the classroom and the students we serve. In this session, we’ll illuminate key legal updates that directly affect special education, ensuring that you have the knowledge to provide an inclusive and supportive learning environment. With a focus on clarity and actionable insights, we’ll explore recent legislation, court rulings, and best practices for compliance, empowering you to confidently navigate the evolving legal landscape and create opportunities for every student to shine. This Session is Presented by Holly B. Wardell.
Session ID: 1093868
(REPEAT) Understanding the Brain to Help our Students
Seats Filled: 50 / 50
Location:Region 17 ESC, South Conference F

Important Breakout Information:
In this session, we will delve into the fascinating world of brain science and explore how a deeper understanding of the brain can significantly impact teaching strategies and student success. By examining how the brain processes information, stores memories, and adapts to new learning experiences, educators will gain insights into how to create more effective, brain-friendly learning environments. Attendees will leave with practical tools and research-backed strategies for enhancing student engagement, motivation, and retention, while fostering an environment where every student can thrive based on how their brains work best. This Session is Presented by Layne Pethick.
 This session is full.
Session 3 (Required)
(Wednesday, June 4, 2025 8:30 AM - 11:30 AM)
Session ID: 1093994
All Students Are OUR Students: Leading a Neuroaffirming Culture?
Seats Filled: 140 / 300
Location:Region 17 ESC, South Conference A

Important Breakout Information:
Meeting the learning needs of all students begins with mindset. In many schools, students are separated by labels or adult assumptions. But best practices happen when we stop asking, “Whose student is this?” and start asking, “How can we support this student together?” ?In this session, we’ll explore how to lead a neuroaffirming school culture—one that recognizes variability as the norm, not the exception. We’ll challenge the false dichotomy between “students with special needs” and “everyone else,” and instead embrace the concept of the jagged learner profile—where every student has strengths and needs that don’t fit neatly into categories. You'll learn to: Define neuroaffirming mindsets and recognize the impact of adult language, expectations, and routines Use jagged profiles to guide instructional design, team conversations, and student support Lead culture-building that promotes belonging, clarity, and psychological safety for all learners Design schoolwide structures and schedules that support inclusion at the systems level Build shared responsibility across general and special education teams This Session is Presented by Lee Ann Jung.
Session 4 (Required)
(Wednesday, June 4, 2025 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM)
Session ID: 1089789
Recharge & Thrive: Self-Care Strategies for Teachers
Seats Filled: 45 / 50
Location:Region 17 ESC, South Conference C

Important Breakout Information:
Teaching is rewarding but demanding, and too often, educators put themselves last. This interactive workshop equips teachers with practical self-care strategies to reduce stress, prevent burnout, and foster well-being—both in and out of the classroom. Through mindfulness techniques, positive psychology, and simple wellness habits, you'll leave with a personalized self-care plan to help you feel more energized, balanced, and fulfilled. Because when teachers thrive, students do too! Session Presented by TCHATT
Session ID: 1089792
Seeing the Bigger Picture: Unlocking Student Success
Seats Filled: 28 / 50
Location:Region 17 ESC, South Conference E

Important Breakout Information:
With constantly changing circumstances, school feels harder than ever. Many factors contribute to difficult behaviors, including the environment, relationships, individual history, and so much more. This session will dive into looking at the whole child and addressing the ultimate question of 'what does this student need to succeed?'
Session ID: 1089838
From YIKES to YAY!: Finding Our Light in Students who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing
Seats Filled: 7 / 50
Location:Region 17 ESC, South Conference D

Important Breakout Information:
The thought of working with a student who is deaf or hard of hearing or who is deafblind can be overwhelming for educators without that experience. How are we supposed to find the light in a student that we have no idea how to work with? Come explore how we can find the light in students who are DHH or DB, and how they can help us find our light!
Session ID: 1093838
Supporting Special Needs Students with Technology
Seats Filled: 19 / 50
Location:Region 17 ESC, South Conference F

Important Breakout Information:
This session focuses on leveraging technology to support students with special needs, empowering them to access curriculum, participate actively, and achieve their full potential. Participants will explore a variety of digital tools and strategies designed to accommodate diverse learning challenges and enhance educational outcomes. This Session is Presented by TCEA-Diana Benner.
Session ID: 1093865
The Brain, Learning and Behavior: Understanding the Brain for Better Outcomes
Seats Filled: 40 / 50
Location:Region 17 ESC, South Conference B

Important Breakout Information:
This interactive session will show the importance of the latest brain research and its impact on learning and behavior in schools, homes, and communities. The importance of play, having fun, movement, and exercise for increasing academics and decreasing behaviors will be a focus, as well as screen time, trauma, mental health, and better supports and interventions for classrooms and schools. While this session is geared for ages 3-19, the information is vital for all human brains of all ages! Participants should be ready to laugh, enjoy themselves, and have fun while learning! This Session is Presented by Layne Pethick.
Session ID: 1093995
Rubric Renovation: Transforming Deficit Rubrics into Progressions for Growth
Seats Filled: 1 / 50
Location:Region 17 ESC, South Conference A

Important Breakout Information:
When rubrics are designed as progressions of learning rather than static checklists, they become powerful tools for student metacognition, self-efficacy, and growth. In this hands-on 2.5-hour session, we’ll explore how to move beyond traditional rubrics and create mastery progressions that help students see where they are, where they’re going, and what steps to take next. We’ll begin by analyzing how traditional rubrics often limit learning by focusing on fixed categories instead of fluid progressions. Then, through interactive activities, we’ll design rubrics that: Map a clear pathway of skill development—helping students track their own progress. Focus on “what’s next” instead of static levels of performance. Integrate self-assessment and reflection so students take an active role in their learning. Support flexibility across different forms of expression while maintaining clarity in expectations. Incorporate hyper-rubrics—dynamic tools that connect students to resources for their next steps. By the end of the session, you’ll have a transformed rubric that guides students toward deeper learning and self-directed growth—and a clear framework for creating more. This Session is Presented by Lee Ann Jung.
Session 5
(Wednesday, June 4, 2025 2:45 PM - 4:15 PM)
Session ID: 1089790
(REPEAT) Recharge & Thrive: Self-Care Strategies for Teachers
Seats Filled: 29 / 50
Location:Region 17 ESC, South Conference C

Important Breakout Information:
Teaching is rewarding but demanding, and too often, educators put themselves last. This interactive workshop equips teachers with practical self-care strategies to reduce stress, prevent burnout, and foster well-being—both in and out of the classroom. Through mindfulness techniques, positive psychology, and simple wellness habits, you'll leave with a personalized self-care plan to help you feel more energized, balanced, and fulfilled. Because when teachers thrive, students do too! Session is Presented by TCHATT
Session ID: 1089793
(REPEAT) Seeing the Bigger Picture: Unlocking Student Success
Seats Filled: 34 / 50
Location:Region 17 ESC, South Conference E

Important Breakout Information:
With constantly changing circumstances, school feels harder than ever. Many factors contribute to difficult behaviors, including the environment, relationships, individual history, and so much more. This session will dive into looking at the whole child and addressing the ultimate question of 'what does this student need to succeed?'
Session ID: 1089839
(REPEAT) From YIKES to YAY!: Finding Our Light in Students who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing
Seats Filled: 5 / 50
Location:Region 17 ESC, South Conference D

Important Breakout Information:
The thought of working with a student who is deaf or hard of hearing or who is deafblind can be overwhelming for educators without that experience. How are we supposed to find the light in a student that we have no idea how to work with? Come explore how we can find the light in students who are DHH or DB, and how they can help us find our light!
Session ID: 1093839
(REPEAT) Supporting Special Needs Students with Technology
Seats Filled: 17 / 50
Location:Region 17 ESC, South Conference F

Important Breakout Information:
This session focuses on leveraging technology to support students with special needs, empowering them to access curriculum, participate actively, and achieve their full potential. Participants will explore a variety of digital tools and strategies designed to accommodate diverse learning challenges and enhance educational outcomes. This Session is Presented by TCEA-Diana Benner.
Session ID: 1093866
(REPEAT) The Brain, Learning and Behavior: Understanding the Brain for Better Outcomes
Seats Filled: 35 / 50
Location:Region 17 ESC, South Conference B

Important Breakout Information:
This interactive session will show the importance of the latest brain research and its impact on learning and behavior in schools, homes, and communities. The importance of play, having fun, movement, and exercise for increasing academics and decreasing behaviors will be a focus, as well as screen time, trauma, mental health, and better supports and interventions for classrooms and schools. While this session is geared for ages 3-19, the information is vital for all human brains of all ages! Participants should be ready to laugh, enjoy themselves, and have fun while learning! This Session is Presented by Layne Pethick.
Session ID: 1093996
(REPEAT) Rubric Renovation: Transforming Deficit Rubrics into Progressions for Growth
Seats Filled: 14 / 50
Location:Region 17 ESC, South Conference A

Important Breakout Information:
When rubrics are designed as progressions of learning rather than static checklists, they become powerful tools for student metacognition, self-efficacy, and growth. In this hands-on 2.5-hour session, we’ll explore how to move beyond traditional rubrics and create mastery progressions that help students see where they are, where they’re going, and what steps to take next. We’ll begin by analyzing how traditional rubrics often limit learning by focusing on fixed categories instead of fluid progressions. Then, through interactive activities, we’ll design rubrics that: Map a clear pathway of skill development—helping students track their own progress. Focus on “what’s next” instead of static levels of performance. Integrate self-assessment and reflection so students take an active role in their learning. Support flexibility across different forms of expression while maintaining clarity in expectations. Incorporate hyper-rubrics—dynamic tools that connect students to resources for their next steps. By the end of the session, you’ll have a transformed rubric that guides students toward deeper learning and self-directed growth—and a clear framework for creating more. This Session is Presented by Lee Ann Jung.




We are passionately committed to developing and nurturing healthy, thriving learning communities across Region 17 by guiding and supporting schools in their quest for excellence.

Get in Touch

Region 17 Education Service Center
1111 West Loop 289 | Lubbock, TX 79416
Voice: 806-792-4000 | Fax: 806-792-1523

Business Hours: Monday - Friday | 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Per HB 462, resources and services provided by Region 17 ESC are solely aligned with, and designed to support, the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) adopted by the State Board of Education.

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