Special Needs

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.

Justin D. Garwood, PhD, is a professor of special education at the University of Vermont (UVM). He is a former secondary English teacher and K–12 special education teacher. At UVM, he teaches courses on behavior management, emotional and behavioral disorders, and statistics.

Christopher L. Van Loan, PhD, is a professor of special education at Appalachian State University. His professional focus centers on fostering strong teacher-student relationships, promoting trauma-informed classroom practices, and improving supports for students with significant behavioral needs.

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.

Paula Maeker is an educator, presenter, and advocate for learner-centered education. She has more than 23 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.

Barbara Boroson, LMSW, has been an autism educator for more than 25 years. As a clinical social worker, she specialized in working with students on the autism spectrum and went on to become a school administrator.

Cara Shores is coordinator of exceptional education in Bartow County Schools, a Model Professional Learning Communities at Work® district. She works with K–12 educators and students with IEPs, coordinates professional learning, oversees multitiered systems of supports, and is an instructional coach.

Carrie Chapman, PhD, is a faculty member in the Educational Studies: K–12 and Secondary Programs Department at Minnesota State University, Mankato. She is also the College of Education co-teaching coordinator.

Cate Hart Hyatt has spent more than 30 years as an educator, teaching preschool through graduate school students. She is a research associate for the Center on Education and Lifelong Learning at the Indiana Institute on Disability and Community at Indiana University.