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Conference Details


Paraprofessional Summer Academy 2026Details

August 18, 2026


8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Strengthening Math Skills with Hands-On Learning Tools for IU5 Paraeducators
This Act program will support teachers' learning and implementation of the Concrete-Representational-Abstract (CRA) sequence of instruction, a research-based instructional practice, for the topics of:  addition/subtraction; multiplication/division; fractions.  Teachers will experience CRA as both a teacher and learner.

Instructor: Catrina Holsopple, James Strand
DateTimeLocation
08/18/2026 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM Northwest Tri-County Intermediate Unit (IU5)
SelectUnitsUnit TypeHours
0 * 3
0 * 3
12:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Come Fly with Us: Coding Drones in Special Education Classrooms For Paraeducators
"Come Fly with Us" is a hands-on professional development session for special educators and paraeducators in grades K–12. Participants will explore how coding and drone piloting can be integrated into special education classrooms to build technical skills, support social-emotional learning, and foster communication for both speaking and non-speaking students. Teachers and paraeducators will leave with practical strategies, inclusive instructional approaches, and adaptable curriculum resources ready to use in their classrooms.

Instructor: Catrina Holsopple, James Strand
DateTimeLocation
08/18/2026 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM Northwest Tri-County Intermediate Unit (IU5)
SelectUnitsUnit TypeHours
0 * 3
0 * 3

August 19, 2026


8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Autism 102
Ms. Bartlett from the NWPA Autism Society will be on-hand to provide a training discussing the basics of working with students with Autism.  She will discuss strategies, help to clarify misconceptions, and provide paraprofessionals with tools and advice on working successfully with autistic students. 

Important Information

District-Hired Paraprofessional Staff.

Instructor: Tish Bartlett
DateTimeLocation
08/19/2026 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM Northwest Tri-County Intermediate Unit (IU5)
SelectUnitsUnit TypeHours
0 * 3
0 * 3
12:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Data for Paraprofessionals
IEP Writer and meaningful ways of gathering data will be explored with paraprofessionals with the IU5 Access Department.

Important Information

District-Hired Paraprofessional Staff.

Instructor: IU5 Access Department Staff
DateTimeLocation
08/19/2026 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM Northwest Tri-County Intermediate Unit (IU5)
SelectUnitsUnit TypeHours
0 * 3
0 * 3

August 20, 2026


8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Skill not Will: Behavior Reframed
This interactive in-service, Skill Not Will: Behavior Reframed, supports educators in shifting their understanding of student behavior from willful noncompliance to skill-based need through an executive functioning lens conducted in a manner acknowledging human variability. Participants then examine how executive functioning skill development influences both behavior and learning. Three foundational skills are highlighted, along with practical strategies that connect directly to common classroom challenges and the needs of students across settings.  The session then moves into collaborative, scenario-based problem solving, where participants identify potential executive function needs and select appropriate supports using realistic classroom situations. It concludes with practical, research-based strategies that promote student success and support consistent, positive learning environments across a variety of educational settings.                               

Important Information

District-Hired Paraprofessional Staff.

Instructor: Courtney Glass, Danielle Cotterill
DateTimeLocation
08/20/2026 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM Northwest Tri-County Intermediate Unit (IU5)
SelectUnitsUnit TypeHours
0 * 3
0 * 3
12:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Mental Health and Trauma
Paraprofessionals will explore a multitude of identification, history and strategies to be successful when working with behaviors, trauma and low-incidence student populations. 

Important Information

District-Hired Paraprofessional Staff.

Instructor: Rachel Pierce
DateTimeLocation
08/20/2026 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM Northwest Tri-County Intermediate Unit (IU5)
SelectUnitsUnit TypeHours
0 * 3
0 * 3
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