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Professional Development » Summer Administrative Workshop (SAW) 2024

Summer Administrative Workshop (SAW) 2024

SAW 2023 Header with Title
 
When: June 20, 2024, 7:30 am-4:00 pm
Where: NCC Main Campus
3835 Green Pond Rd
Bethlehem, PA 18020
(610) 861-5300
 
Registration Fee: $75
 
SAW Event Schedule
 
7:30 am-8:45 am Registration/Breakfast
8:45 am-9:00 am
Opening Remarks
9:00am-10:00 am Keynote
10:00 am-10:15 am Break
10:15 am-11:15 am Morning Session 1
11:15 am-11:30 am Break
11:30 am-12:30 pm Morning Session 2
12:30 pm-1:30 pm Lunch
1:30 pm-2:30 pm Afternoon Session
2:30 pm-2:45 pm Break
2:45 pm-4:00 pm Closing Keynote
4:00 pm Conference Ends
 
Opening Keynote by Dr. Byron McClure
9:00 am-10:00 am
Opening Keynote Speaker Dr. Byron McClure
Dr. Byron McClure is a product of Prince George’s County, Maryland, a proud HBCU graduate of Hampton University, and a Black male National Certified School Psychologist. His mission has always been to improve outcomes for youth, especially those who have been historically marginalized.
 
After earning his doctorate in school psychology from IUP, he returned to D.C., where he led a school turnaround initiative for Anacostia High School, culminating in winning the 2020 Whole Child Award. His work has garnered recognition, including the Black SEL Summit Award 2022 for his contributions to Black youth’s development and the NASP President’s Certificate of Achievement in 2019. In 2018, he was honored with the CounterStories Award by the non-profit Men Can Stop Rape.

Dr. McClure has been featured in NPR, Insider, and the APA Monitor, to name a few. He founded Lessons For SEL, a culturally responsive SEL curriculum, which was acquired by 7 Mindsets, where he served as the Director of Innovation. His book, Hacking Deficit Thinking, has consistently appeared in Amazon’s top 20 categories in Crisis Management Counseling and Inclusive Education Methods.

As a keynote speaker, he’s addressed audiences nationwide, from state psychological associations in Indiana, Arizona, Missouri, Maryland, Louisiana, Michigan, and Florida; school districts like NYC DOE and Denver Public Schools; as well as conferences by organizations such as the Promising Youth Conference (Utah) and the PASCD 72nd Annual Conference (Pennsylvania).

Recognizing school psychologists' national challenges, he developed School Psych AI, a platform designed to alleviate the burden of writing lengthy psychological evaluations by automating the process and their workload, allowing more focus on student well-being. Tim Shriver, Chairman of the Special Olympics and CASEL co-founder, has described Dr. McClure as "an emerging, powerful, transformative healer and justice leader, and a great American educator."
 
To learn more about Dr. McClure, visit byronmcclure.com.
 
 
Opening Keynote: A Strength-based Approach to Supporting Youth Mental Health
 
The rising mental health challenges among our youth demand immediate, pragmatic measures to enhance their emotional and psychological well-being. This high-energy keynote session will address the critical importance of integrating mental health programs within schools, offering concrete, strength-based strategies. Participants will leave the session energized, inspired, and equipped with a clear, actionable plan to support and enhance the mental well-being of students in their schools.
                                                                             
A case will be made to move away from deficit-based practices and towards strength-based practices rooted in science. By focusing on what's strong instead of what's wrong, we can better support our students' social and emotional development. This shift offers a fresh lens through which to view the youth's unmet needs—not as unsolvable problems but as opportunities for actionable change.
                                                                         
By the end of the session, participants will be energized, inspired, and able to walk away with a clear understanding of the importance of these practices and a roadmap for bringing them into their school communities. 
Target Audience(s): All
 
Click on each title to expand session description. Room locations will be finalized closer to the event.
 
Morning Session 1 - 10:15 am-11:15 am
Speaker: Dr. Byron McClure, National Certified School Psychologist, Founder - Lessons For SEL
Supporting youth mental health is critical for creating a positive, inclusive, supportive learning environment that empowers students to reach their full potential. In this session, participants will explore evidence-based strategies for supporting youth mental health in schools. We will review key trends and challenges in school mental health, and apply evidence-based strategies such as youth-centered interventions, positive psychology, and student-led initiatives. Participants will leave with a framework to get started and tools and resources for promoting mental health and wellness among students.
Target Audience(s): Behavioral Health, Special Ed, Principals, Curriculum 
Speaker: Christa Fazio, Director of Communications, Marketing and Engagement - Chester County Intermediate Unit
This session will delve into the intricacies of building understanding and trust through clear, authentic, and empathetic communication. Participants will explore a range of communication techniques tailored to address the unique needs and challenges faced by educational leaders. Attendees will learn how transparent communication practices can lay the groundwork for trust and collaboration among stakeholders, discover strategies for effectively sharing information about educational policies, decisions, and initiatives, explore the art of active listening and discover how empathetic listening can foster deeper understanding, empathy, and trust, and gain insights into managing feedback, addressing concerns, and building a positive culture rooted in open communication.
Target Audience(s): All
Speaker: M. Arif Fazil - D’Huy Engineering, Inc.
Join us for an insightful discussion moderated by subject matter experts in facility management. Our panelists will delve into key topics aimed at optimizing facility operations and strategic planning. Here's what we'll cover:

-Preventative Maintenance: Discover the best tools and processes for developing preventative maintenance (PM) programs. Our guest experts will share successful strategies, challenges, and areas for improvement in implementing PM programs.
-Renovations versus Building New: Explore the evaluation criteria for facilities and systems, as well as educational and other needs. Engage in the age-old debate of renovating versus building new, and gain insights into the metrics guiding decision-making processes. Learn about the benefits of both approaches to facility management.
-Importance of Capital Improvement Plans: Understand the significance of having a Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) and learn how to develop, prioritize, and manage it effectively. Discover strategies for utilizing CIPs to enhance facility management practices and drive organizational success.
Target Audience(s): Facilities, Superintendents, Business, Operations, School Safety
Speaker: Mr. Mark James, Supervisor of Professional Learning, Technology Integration, and Secondary Mathematics - Bethlehem Area School District; Dr. Thomas Kalinoski, Director of Technology and Operations - Colonial IU 20; Dr. Richard Kaskey, Superintendent - Nazareth Area School District & Dr. Michael Peck, Director of Technology and Innovative Learning - Pen Argyl Area School District. 
Join us for an engaging panel discussion on the current state of AI in education, featuring educational leaders from diverse educational backgrounds. Panelists will share insights on how their respective schools are harnessing AI, addressing professional development needs, and envisioning the next steps in educational technology. Explore the opportunities, challenges, and ethical considerations shaping the integration of AI in classrooms today. Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable perspectives and strategies for navigating the evolving landscape of AI in education.
Target Audience(s): Technology, Curriculum
Speaker: Jody Mooney, Attorney - King, Spry, Herman, Freund & Faul, LLC
In this workshop, Attorney Jody Mooney will discuss acceptable professional behavior between educational professionals and students. We’ll review codes of conduct, the parameters of professional behavior, the dos and don’ts of texting and social media, as well as tips for legally-defensible policies and procedures.
Target Audience(s): HR, Superintendents, Principals
Speaker: Jacquelyn Bartek, Ed.D., Assistant to the Executive Director for Student Services - Colonial IU 20 & Marsha Kloss, Ed.D., Supervisor of Special Education - Pocono Mountain School District
In this session, ESU, PMSD, and CIU20 will share the accomplishments of the APR Developing Future Special Educators Grant. They will review the experiences offered to students, collaboration with a local university, and the implementation of a Future Educators Club. The team will provide planning and resources to create a sustainable program for future educators in your school district.  They will also share the start-up, successes, and next steps of the Aspiring Educator Pathway Project (AEPP) in collaboration with East Stroudsburg University and school districts in the CIU20 region.
Target Audience(s): Special Ed, Principals, Curriculum 
 
Morning Session 2 - 11:30 am-12:30 pm
Speaker: Dr. Byron McClure, National Certified School Psychologist, Founder - Lessons For SEL
Supporting youth mental health is critical for creating a positive, inclusive, supportive learning environment that empowers students to reach their full potential. In this session, participants will explore evidence-based strategies for supporting youth mental health in schools. We will review key trends and challenges in school mental health, and apply evidence-based strategies such as youth-centered interventions, positive psychology, and student-led initiatives. Participants will leave with a framework to get started and tools and resources for promoting mental health and wellness among students.
Target Audience(s): Behavioral Health, Special Ed, Principals, Curriculum 
Speaker: Christa Fazio, Director of Communications, Marketing and Engagement - Chester County Intermediate Unit
This session will delve into the intricacies of building understanding and trust through clear, authentic, and empathetic communication. Participants will explore a range of communication techniques tailored to address the unique needs and challenges faced by educational leaders. Attendees will learn how transparent communication practices can lay the groundwork for trust and collaboration among stakeholders, discover strategies for effectively sharing information about educational policies, decisions, and initiatives, explore the art of active listening and discover how empathetic listening can foster deeper understanding, empathy, and trust, and gain insights into managing feedback, addressing concerns, and building a positive culture rooted in open communication.
Target Audience(s): All
Speaker: Dr. Michelle Hosp, Director of Foundational Literacy - Renaissance Learning
The Science of Reading and MTSS together can help increase reading outcomes. Join Dr. Michelle Hosp, Renaissances Director of Foundational Literacy, to learn how MTSS and the Science of Reading work together and why we should be paying more attention to how we assess and teach phonics. You’ll also learn the truth about some common misconceptions about phonics, from the role of phonics assessments, instruction, and practice
Target Audience(s): Curriculum, Principals, Special Ed
Speaker: Liz Kelly & Taisha Tolliver-Duran, Attorneys - KingSpry
Title IX, which was enacted in 1972 and is poised to be updated again this year, is meant to prevent discrimination on the basis of sex. But the law that is generally known for fairness in sporting activities encom­passes that and much more. In this session, Attorneys Elizabeth Kelly and Taisha Tolliver-Duran will present a basic overview of the requirements of Title IX, how to conduct investigations and grievance processes, what happens at hearings and recent case law where Title IX came into play.
Target Audience(s): HR, Superintendents, Principals
Speaker: Mark W. Cheramie Walz, Partner - Sweet, Stevens, Katz & Williams LLP
Edtech Attorney Mark Cheramie Walz details the latest in the law and technology. This includes a review of the latest court ruling and regulation changes involving free speech, social media, right-to-know law, and other court decisions involving Pennsylvania schools.
Target Audience(s): Technology, School Safety, HR
Speaker: Krista Leh - Resonance Educational Consulting & Niko Tsamatoulidis, Administrator of Student Supports & Wellness - Bethlehem Area School District
School years are crucial times that shape students’ social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development. Unfortunately, many educators feel pressured to focus on content acquisition over prioritizing providing opportunities to develop SEL skills that promote long-term well-being. This session provides participants with strategies and practical solutions to infuse SEL into the secondary culture and challenges experienced. Join Krista Leh (Resonance Educational Consulting) and Niko Tsamatoulidis (Administrator of Student Supports & Wellness) as they share the 3-year SEL journey at Freedom and Liberty High Schools in Bethlehem Area School District to foster community and connection after COVID.
Target Audience(s): Principals, Special Ed, Behavioral Health 
 
Afternoon Session - 1:30 pm-2:30 pm
Speaker: Sandy Hartranft - Benergy1 Presentations
Learn about the parent's experience raising a child with autism. Sandy's book, Swinging from the Chandelier: Finding Joy in the Journey Through Autism details their lives as they walked the tightrope of parenting a child on the spectrum. Giving families how for the successes of their children while sharing how to work with the school district to get the support they need.
Target Audience(s): Special Ed, Principals
Speaker: James Stout, School Safety & Security Coordinator and Dr. Ron Prator, Supervisor of Clinical Services & Quality Assurance - Colonial IU 20
This interactive one hour breakout session will briefly discuss Commonwealth laws and guidance related to school based behavioral threat assessment teams and best practices. This session will also include going through a table-top scenario related to a simulated student threat. Ideal attendees would be School Safety and Security Coordinators, as well as members of school based threat assessment teams.  
Target Audience(s): School Safety, Behavioral Health
Speaker: Mark W. Cheramie Walz, Partner - Sweet, Stevens, Katz & Williams LLP
Attorney Mark Cheramie Walz takes a look at the key legal issues surrounding the use or artificial intelligence in schools including copyright implications, FERPA concerns, academic integrity, and data security. 
Target Audience(s): Technology Directors, HR, School Safety
Speaker: Dr. Susan Kandianis, Supervisor of Educational Technology - Colonial IU 20 & Special Guests, Junior Tech Leader Students from Easton and Nazareth School Districts
Join us to hear how the Junior Technology Leaders (Grades 4-7) build capacity for meaningful technology integration in their schools. The students are from various school districts within the CIU 20 catchment, and travel to Colonial Intermediate Unit 20 a few days throughout the school year to participate in learning/leadership lessons that focus on ISTE Student Standards, digital citizenship and available technology tools. Students take back resources to their schools  to teach these lessons to classmates and teachers. They work with their school leadership team and advisor to provide lessons on technology resources. Students in the program continue to collaborate with each other throughout the school year via Google Classroom. Each student technology leadership team adjusts the provided technology lessons to meet the specific needs/schedules in their respective schools. The program started in 2017, and continues to grow! Each member district is provided a complimentary seat for one team.
Target Audience(s): Technology, Curriculum, Principals
Speaker: Krista Leh - Resonance Educational Consulting
Forget the limitations of traditional SEL programs! Join us as we reveal ways to refine the integration educators have already commenced and empower students to become co-creators in their SEL journey. By deepening our awareness of and embracing the 40 SEL skills, we explore methods to infuse social emotional learning into instructional practices and curricular connections. Imagine students actively participating in their SEL growth through co-facilitation and reflection, all while immersing themselves in academic learning! This isn't just about checking off boxes; it's about fostering a mindset where SEL becomes an intrinsic part of the learning experience. Join us for an interactive session where you’ll experience three strategies for explicitly integrating SEL into your classroom culture, regardless of grade or content area. Say goodbye to rigid structures and hello to a dynamic approach that unlocks engagement, relevance, and lifelong learning!
Target Audience(s): Behavioral Health, Curriculum
Speaker: Keri Ramsay, Assistant Director of Professional Learning and Curriculum - Colonial IU 20 & Courtney Lepore, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction - Stroudsburg Area School District
In this session, district level and building leaders will explore the instructional leadership components needed to implement structured literacy principles and affect teacher practice. Participants will discuss various systems related to professional development and MTSS that align with the science of reading. Strategies for sustaining change will be introduced in order for leaders to examine their own practice.
Target Audience(s): Curriculum, Principals, Special Ed
 
Closing Keynote by Ben Hartranft
2:45 pm-4:00 pm
 
Closing Keynote speaker Ben Hartranft
Diagnosed with Autism at age 2.  Ben knew only 20 words. Ben Hartranft has gone beyond all expectations and is strengthened continually by his faith in God.
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Ben's journey began when he started raising money for the Eagles Autism Challenge. After a few years of fund raising, he was invited to be a guest on the Ellen Show to promote Autism Awareness and raise funds for research. From that moment on Ben knew his dream was to be an advocate for Autism Awareness--taking awareness into action.
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Ben is now living that dream by speaking at schools, businesses, and organizations. Sharing his story. How inclusion and kindness shaped his life with autism. He wants everyone to know that one kind person can change the world. Go out and Be The One!
 
To learn more about Ben and his story, visit benergy1.com.
 
 
Closing Keynote: Ben's Journey: Never Let Go of Your Dreams
 
Ben Hartranft shares his story and perspective on his life with autism. Truly approaching every situation with kindness and love, Ben has helped raise money for autism research while also being a case study himself. During this presentation, Ben will share how inclusion and kindness shaped his life and his journey of helping others find the courage to chase their dreams.
Target Audience(s): All
We look forward to having you join us for our 50th Annual SAW!
 
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!