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Professional Development for Paraprofessionals and Teachers


Summer 2026

June 8

9:00am–12:00pm

In Person (SAEC, U of U)

Fee: $25

Supporting Literacy Instruction: Science of Reading for Paraeducators

Dr. Kerry Herman, Dr. Noelle Converse, Dr. Colli Lucas

This session provides paraeducators with clear, actionable strategies grounded in the Science of Reading to strengthen their daily literacy support. Attendees will explore how to reinforce explicit instruction in phonological awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension during small-group and one-on-one settings. Through modeling and hands-on practice, participants will learn routines and prompts they can immediately apply with students. By the end of the workshop, paraeducators will leave with increased confidence and a toolkit of evidence-based practices that promote stronger reading outcomes.

Class is closed -- thanks for your interest.

June 9-11

9:30am–2:30pm

Via Zoom

Fee: $100 (CE Credit available)

Teach One, Reach All: Using AI in Your Multilingual Classroom

Dr. Tuba Yilmaz

Hands-on AI tools workshop for multilingual classrooms; adapt content and create inclusive supports.

Click here to register.

June 24-25

9:30am–1:00pm

In Person (SAEC, U of U)

Fee: $25

Supporting Students Who Engage in Challenging Behavior

Dr. Natalie Badgett

Workshop highlighting practical implementation of evidence-based strategies for supporting students who engage in challenging behavior in classroom settings.

Note: BCBA and RBT CEUs may be available. Please speak with the instructor at class to learn how to receive them.

Class is closed -- thanks for your interest.

July 6-7

9:00am–12:00pm

In Person (SAEC, U of U)

Fee: $25

Building Academic Vocabulary Knowledge: A Professional Development Workshop for K-12 General and Special Educators

Dr. Christy Austin

This workshop is designed for general and special education teachers across grade bands (K-12) who want to make academic vocabulary instruction a powerful, intentional part of their daily practice — and who are ready to do the planning work to make that happen. You will learn to: (a) Select powerful academic vocabulary words for instruction, (b) Provide student-friendly definitions, (c) Provide repeated opportunities for students to encounter and use the words across contexts through listening, speaking, reading, and writing, and (d) Intensify instruction for students who require additional repetitions and exposures for mastery. You will leave with academic vocabulary instruction planned for six academic vocabulary words of your choosing, ready to implement with your students!

Click here to register.

July 7

1:00pm–4:00pm

Via Zoom

Fee: $25

From Frazzled to Fearless

Dr. Sandy Smith

Behavior management principles and practical classroom strategies for preventing and addressing misbehavior.

Class is closed -- thanks for your interest.

July 8

1:00pm–4:00pm

Via Zoom

Fee: $25

Beyond the Basics: Strengthening Student Behavior with Tier 2 Support

Dr. Sandy Smith

Tier 2 behavioral interventions within MTSS framework including CICO, behavior contracts, social skills instruction.

Click here to register.

 

Last Updated: 5/27/26