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Continuing Professional Education (CPE) That Works

Choose from breakout sessions led by education experts who understand the realities of teaching today. Sessions support your wellness and help refresh your toolkit while allowing meaningful opportunities to connect and network with public education employees from across the state. Earn up to eight hours of continuing professional education (CPE) credit throughout the summit. 

LIVE Podcast Recording:
12:30-1:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 14

Professional learning breakouts will take place during two time slots:

  • 5–6 p.m. Tuesday, July 14
  • 8:30–9:30 a.m. Thursday, July 16

 

Erika-Arredondo Haskins, PhD
University of the Incarnate Word

Kate Johanns
ATPE Director of Marketing & Engagement

Kick off your “Red, White, and You” ATPE Summit experience with a patriotic yet uniquely San Antonio educational experience. Traditional lessons on the American Revolution focus on the 13 colonies, but a vital effort in the war for independence was thriving right here in Texas. What’s more: This war effort relied upon the leadership of women ranchers in Spanish Texas. Join ATPE host Kate Johanns and special guest Dr. Erika Arredondo-Haskins for a live taping of The ATPE Podcast that uncovers the untold stories of the rancheras, who commanded vast cattle networks that fueled the war effort and were the unsung power brokers of the frontier. This session offers Texas educators a fresh, revolutionary lens for the classroom. 

Teresa Cage, Middle School Educator
Killeen ATPE, Region 12

Have a game-changing idea but not sure how to “sell” it to your administration? Master a framework to bridge the gap between innovation and goals. In this high-energy workshop, you’ll learn to address stakeholder concerns, align projects with goals, and secure support. Through role-play and collaborative feedback, you’ll walk away with a customized pitch and the confidence you need to secure a “yes.”

Nicole Rozean, Special Education
Comal ATPE, Region 20

This session is an introductory look at emotional and behavioral disorders in the elementary classroom and offers a “full-circle” perspective on supporting our most vulnerable learners. Through reflective exercises and an interactive game, participants will explore foundational strategies and evidence-based interventions. You’ll walk away with the inspiration to support students in your care.  

Note: This session refers to sensitive topics, including trauma. 

Sharon Bradley, Founder
RestorativeFlo Educational Solutions

Typically, people don’t leave jobs because of the job. They usually leave jobs because of the people or culture. Whether it is an ongoing issue, a specific incident, or simply a tough decision you need to make, this session will guide you through practical restorative tools, resources, and strategies. Walk away prepared to reach resolutions and facilitate responsive conversations to foster a more inclusive culture. 

Becca Harkleroad, Executive Director
Texas School Nurses Organization

Words shape outcomes. The language adults use can either clip wings or build lift—especially for students who frequently request to visit the nurse. In this session, we’ll discuss how stigmatizing language can affect student well-being and behavior. We’ll also identify common reasons behind repeated nurse visits (physical, emotional, avoidance, and unmet needs), distinguish what requires medical care vs. classroom-based support, and apply practical, teacher-friendly interventions that reduce unnecessary referrals while supporting students appropriately. Attendees will walk away with clear decision cues, supportive language swaps, and simple in-class strategies that help students feel safe, cared for, and ready to learn. 

Christina Taylor, Instructional Technology Coach
Axtell ATPE, Region 12

Do you have a 3D printer gathering dust or feel intimidated by the learning curve to use it? Join us for a session focused on the boots–on–the–ground reality of running a maker-tech program. We’ll skip the fluff and focus on tools that actually work for elementary and secondary students, common “spaghetti monster” mistakes to avoid, and how to fund your “sparkly filament” habit through staff fundraising.  

Mirinda Coleman, Director GATE
Texas Association for the Gifted & Talented

Go behind the scenes of the G/T mind. Discover a unique service model designed specifically to meet the needs of high school Gifted and Talented students. Explore the unique social and emotional pressures of giftedness and learn beneficial strategies that help high-ability students truly thrive. 

Donna Franco, Student Outreach Specialist
El Paso ATPE, Region 19

This session empowers educators of all levels to take a role in supporting student attendance. We will explore how new laws and interventions can successfully address student needs while supporting your campus team. Through interactive scenarios, you will develop practical strategies to improve attendance and leave with resources to support your campus throughout the school year.

Teri Naya, Dyslexia Therapist
Birdville ATPE, Region 11

Dyslexia shouldn’t be a barrier to success. Gain a deeper understanding of the dyslexic brain and walk away with practical, easy-to-implement tools that support neurodivergent learners in any classroom setting.

Vanessa Rodriguez-Brown, Assistant Principal
La Joya ATPE, Region 1

Explore how educators and leaders can cultivate deep classroom relationships while maintaining professional boundaries and emotional sustainability. Grounded in research, this interactive session examines the “work between the work”—the relational labor that builds trust and psychological safety without leading to burnout. Through reflection, real-world scenarios, and small group dialogue, participants will gain practical strategies to lead with humanity, set healthy limits, and create cultures where both students and educators thrive. 

Katy Matthews
Plano ATPE, Region 10

With four generations in the workforce, communication is key! Learn to navigate the different work styles and values of Gen Z, Millennials, Gen X, and Boomers to create a more harmonious, productive environment. 

Jennifer Simmons
Houston ATPE, Region 4

Technology should support you, not burden you. Explore simple, accessible digital tools designed to streamline your workflow and enhance student engagement without the “tech headache.” Through interactive activities and real classroom examples, participants will explore flexible, student-centered approaches that help leverage technology. 

Amy Garcia, Middle School Educator
Texas A&M University, Region 6

Why should Universal Design for Learning (UDL) only be for students? Apply UDL to your meetings, professional learning, communication systems, and collaborative structures. Learn to create neuro-inclusive environments that reduce cognitive load, and leave with strategies that empower every educator. 

Raymond Scheel, M.Ed
Sam Houston State University

AI detection software is failing, and policing students is exhausting! Move past the fear of cheating, and learn to design assignments that prioritize the process over the product. This interactive session introduces a three-step framework to nullify cheating. Discover how to design assignments that force students to be the “human in the loop,” transforming them from passive users into critical editors.  

Note: To maximize your experience and participate in our interactive activities, please bring a fully charged laptop or mobile device to this session. 

Rebecca Engle, Special Educator
ATPE, Region 20

Stop “managing” behavior and start supporting the brain. Let’s dig into why traditional behavior systems fall apart for learners with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and sensory sensitivities. Explore the “Three Zones of Space” and “Brain Boss” frameworks to shift from token-based management to connection-based support that honors the whole child. 

Shawn Bailey, EdD
Midway ATPE, Region 12

Spark joy and protect your peace! Learn how to set professional boundaries that promote a positive and healthy work environment. Leave with a renewed sense of purpose for the upcoming school year. 

Miranda Flanary, Instructional Technology Specialist
McGregor ATPE, Region 12

Did you know recent changes to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) affects all K-12 classrooms? Join me for a clear, practical overview of digital accessibility and the latest ADA Title II updates. Learn what the new requirements mean for classroom content and explore simple ways to eliminate common accessibility barriers.  Walk away with accessibility tools for a variety of platforms, easy-to-apply strategies aligned with federal guidelines, and the confidence to create digital materials every student can access and understand.