Special Needs

Rhoda Bernard, EdD, is an internationally renowned expert in accessible arts education. She is the managing director of the Berklee Institute for Accessible Arts Education and the assistant chair of the Music Education Department at Berklee College of Music.

Brandon Jones, an author and consultant, works with educators to implement the Professional Learning Communities at Work® and RTI at Work™ processes. As a practitioner, he has served as a high school teacher and assistant principal, as well as a principal at the elementary, middle, and secondary level.

Tania Amerson is executive director of exceptional education for the Bartow County School System where she cultivates a professional learning community culture. With 30 years of experience in special education, she’s served as a teacher, instructional coach, and administrator.

Victoria Francis, MEd, EdS, spent over 40 years teaching high school across Idaho, New Mexico, and Hawaii. Her work inspired a passion for working with “underdog” students—those who others felt had poor future prospects.

Breauna C. Wall, EdD, is an esteemed education professional with over a decade of experience as a leader, scholar, and practitioner. She champions equitable and collaborative education, with a focus on empowering educators through transformative knowledge, training, and support.

Joshua Depoe, EdD, currently serves as the executive director of elementary education for the Neosho School District. In this role, he supports curriculum, instruction, and intervention systems to ensure high levels of learning for all students. With nearly 20 years of experience in education, Dr. Depoe is known for his leadership in developing collaborative cultures, strengthening Tier 2 supports, and guiding schools through continuous improvement. Dr. Depoe is a member of NAESP and has been recognized for his impact on instructional leadership. He holds a specialist degree and doctorate in educational leadership from William Woods University.

This is your chance to reclaim your time and energize your teaching. In this hands-on webinar, you’ll discover how Modes of Concentration affect learning and discover strategies to make the most of each classroom minute. Engage students and maintain your energy while establishing habits that improve focus. Explore practical, time-saving approaches to help every day run smoother, more efficiently, and more effectively.

Paula Maeker is an educator, consultant, and advocate for learner-centered education. She has more than twenty-three years’ experience as an elementary teacher, literacy specialist, instructional coach, Title 1 program coordinator, campus administrator, director of elementary literacy, and director of instructional design.

Yazmin Pineda Zapata, EdD, is a program specialist and teacher leader at Health Sciences High and Middle College in California. Her expertise in delivering special education services allows her to advocate for students in grades K–12 with varying learning differences.

Julie A. Schmidt has served as a school psychologist, Director of Student Services, Associate Superintendent of Student Services, and recently retired from Kildeer Countryside CCSD 96 in Illinois after serving as Superintendent of Schools for 13 years. The district began its professional learning communities (PLC) journey nearly 25 years ago, and all seven schools have been recognized as Model PLC at Work^® schools. She is passionate about ensuring ALL students have an opportunity to thrive and reach their goals.