Target Audience: K-12 teachers, Special Education Teachers, Instructional Coaches, Administrators, Curriculum Coordinators
Unlock the power of literacy in every classroom! This engaging session will explore how the Kentucky Interdisciplinary Literacy Practices can transform teaching across all content areas. Participants will discover how reading, writing, thinking, and doing are essential for deep learning in every subject. Through interactive discussions and practical strategies, educators will learn how to create literacy-rich environments that empower students to engage meaningfully with content, think critically, and communicate effectively. Whether you teach math, science, social studies, or the arts, this session will provide you with research-based practices to help students navigate complex texts, develop academic vocabulary, and apply disciplinary thinking. Join us as we bridge the gap between content and literacy, ensuring that all students become independent, lifelong learners. 6 Hours of PD/EILA Credit will be provided.
Contact erin.mciver@ckec.org with questions.
Target Audience: New MSD/FMD Special Education Teachers, Special Education Teachers working in a self-contained setting
So, you’ve been hired to work with students with moderate to severe disabilities in a self-contained classroom – now what?! In this session, we aim to answer that question by getting you set up with resources and strategies needed to establish your new classroom. Topics covered will include working with paraprofessionals, collaborating with service providers, setting student and staff schedules, examining and establishing behavior systems, and planning for instruction. Leave with ideas and materials that can be implemented right away to get you started on the right foot! 6 hours PD credit
Contact claire.johnson@ckec.org with questions.
Target Audience: LBD teachers working in a self-contained setting, MSD teachers, Paraprofessionals working in resource classrooms
In this in-person session, participants will delve into the effective implementation of task boxes and structured work systems within self-contained special education classrooms. Task boxes and structured work systems are powerful tools to promote student independence, skill acquisition and maintenance, and engagement among students with diverse learning needs. Participants will learn how to set up a task box system for success using a variety of student supports, as well as how to take data and monitor task box success in an independent work structure. Additionally, participants will create several task boxes based around the needs of students in their classroom. Due to the make-and-take design of this session, participation is limited to 30 people. 6 hours PD credit
Contact claire.johnson@ckec.org with questions.
Target Audience: Speech Language Pathologists, Occupational Therapists, MSD Teachers, Special Ed Teachers working with limited verbal communicators
This session is designed to equip educators and therapists with practical strategies to engage students effectively in using their AAC devices within interactive and stimulating contexts. This training session aims to empower participants with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively promote AAC device usage through engaging and interactive experiences with books and play. Remember, every interaction is an opportunity for meaningful communication and connection. We will explore existing resources to encourage AAC use, as well as create some materials during a fun make-and-take. Let’s work together to unlock the full potential of AAC users through the power of books and play during this full-day, in-person session! 6 hours PD/CEU credit
For questions, contact claire.johnson@ckec.org
Target Audience: High school special education teachers, middle school special education teachers, transition coordinators, special ed instructional coaches, ARC chairs working with secondary students
This virtual professional development session will provide an exploration of Indicator 13, the federal requirement ensuring high-quality transition planning for students with disabilities. Participants will gain a clear understanding of the legal requirements and essential components of compliant transition plans. We will explore online resources designed to support effective transition planning, including tools for career exploration, post-secondary education preparation, and independent living skills development. Additionally, best practices for successful student transitions will be discussed, with a focus on collaboration, student-centered planning, and strategies to improve post-school outcomes. Educators, transition specialists, and related service providers will leave with practical tools and actionable strategies to enhance their transition planning processes. 2 hours PD/EILA credit
If you have questions about this session, please contact claire.johnson@ckec.org.
Target Audience: All District and School Administrators, Teachers, Classified Staff
During this virtual session, you will be introduced to CKEC’s Teacher Certification Institute. Our offerings include an Option 7 program for initial certification as a teacher and our Rank Change program for certified staff seeking a Rank 2 or Rank 1. The various pathways for each program will be discussed, as well as the requirements for each program. Additionally, other alternate routes to teacher certification will be highlighted.
Contact mark.helton@ckec.org with questions.
Target Audience: Special education teachers, general education teachers, behavior interventionists
Join us for a specialized training program focused on designing behavior interventions for students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). Our comprehensive approach centers on Tier 2 and Tier 3 interventions tailored to address the needs of students displaying challenging behaviors. Through this program, educators will learn evidence-based strategies and techniques to effectively assess, plan, and implement interventions that promote positive behavior change and academic success. Participants will engage in hands-on activities and collaborative discussions to deepen their understanding and application of behavior intervention principles. Join us to enhance your skills in supporting students with IEPs and create a positive learning environment for all. This will be an all-day, in-person training held at the CKEC Training Facility in Lexington, KY. For more information, contact maggie.hartlage@ckec.org.
Target Audience: Principals, Assistant Principals, Directors of Special Education, Special Education Teachers, Behavior Interventionists, General Education Teachers
This training is designed for administrators, special education teachers, behavior interventionists, general education teachers, and more led by John Hannigan. John Hannigan, EdD, is an author and speaker who has served in education for over 20 years as a teacher, instructional coach, principal, and county office leadership coach. This session will focus on practical strategies for improving student behavior and alternatives to traditional, exclusionary discipline practices centered around the “Don’t Suspend Me!” book. This training will be held at the Signature Club of Landsdown (3256 Lansdowne Dr, Lexington, KY 40502). If you have any questions, please email maggie.hartlage@ckec.org.
6 Hours PD/EILA Credit
Target Audience: general education, special education, instructional coaches, and administrators
This six hour (PD/EILA) face-to-face training will highlight Recommendation 4 on the Institute of Educational Sciences Practice Guide which says teachers working with struggling learners should use numberlines to facilitate the learning of mathematical concepts and procedures, build understanding of grade-level material, and prepare students for advanced mathematics. The connection between using evidence-based instructional strategy Concrete, Semi-Concrete, and Abstract will be used to reinforce the connection between the concrete manipulatives to the mathematical ideas that can be represented on the numberline. Contact jane.goatley@ckec.org with any questions.
Target Audience: Special education teachers, related service personnel
Using Kentucky’s IEP Guidance document as a primary reference, this session aims to equip NEW special education teachers with the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to effectively develop, implement, and monitor individualized education programs for students with disabilities, ensuring that they receive the support they need to succeed academically and beyond.
