Pennie Gregory has over 20 years of experience as an educator. She began her career as a third-grade teacher in Baltimore City Public Schools. She has previously served as a Lead Special Education Specialist for Indianapolis Public Schools, the Coordinator of Exceptional Learners for Tindley Schools Charter Network, the Assistant Director of Secondary Special Services for the MSD of Wayne Township and most recently as a Program Support Resident in the Office of Special Education Programs at the United States Department of Education. She was an executive member of the Indiana Council of Administrators of Special Education (ICASE) and served as the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Chair. She helped to create and served as the DIrector for Indiana's first Aspiring Special Education Leadership Institute (ASELI) to create an inclusive and multicultural educational landscape by recruiting highly qualified diverse candidates, especially those who have been traditionally underrepresented in special education leadership. She is the Capacity Events Director for MelanatED Leaders, an organization created to support educational leaders of color in Indianapolis. Ms. Gregory earned her undergraduate B.S. degree from Ball State University and a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Marian University. In 2022, Pennie Gregory founded EdPlus LLC, a company dedicated to a higher level of educational services to advance inclusivity and equity. She is currently a student in the Doctor of Education Leadership (Ed.L.D.) program at the Harvard Graduate School of Education.

Partnering for Success: How developing relationships with community providers can improve outcomes for students with IEPs
A summary of the work being done in Grant Co. i.e. professional development, in classroom support for staff, and a tier 3 intensive classroom. Practical tools for developing a relationship–needs assessment, proposal, MOU, data, analysis, finding financial support etc. Review of successes.
Lisa Graham, Grant Co. Special Education Cooperative and Hopebridge Autism Centers
Jody Havens, Grant County Special Education Cooperative
Ashley Walke
Jana Sarno
Kim Strunk

The Recovering Perfectionist: Embracing Progress over Perfection
Are you finding yourself in a place of being stuck? Do you often not start new endeavors for fear of failure? Do you fall into the category of being a "perfectionist" and can't seem to find your way out? I want YOU to join me in discovering how to enjoy the process of leading and not stumble on that "finish line". Additionally, we will work on self-development strategies that will help you build your leadership tool box.
Jill Lambert, Greenwood Community Schools

Law Dawgs At The O.K. Corral
Sheriff Kwisz and Deputy Roberts discuss the basic outline, key points, and discussion logic used for their annual administrator training as they keep lawlessness in check at the O.K. Corral. This gear in your saddle bag will outfit you to provide meaningful strategies, resources and field awareness so your deputies are not caught off guard by bandits at high noon in the stagecoach. Cowboy up and be prepared to stay in the saddle to decrease your annual amount of MD conferences and promote inclusive practices through your building leaders!
Joe Kwisz, Old National Trail Special Services
Pamela Roberts, Old National Trail Special Services

Saddle Up for Success: Create Meaningful Family Engagement with Special Education Parent Advisory Councils (SEPACs)
Explore the impact of Special Education Parent Advisory Councils (SEPACs) in fostering parental engagement and reducing conflict. Hear from members of the SEPAC in the Westfield Washington School district about the definition, function, culture, and outcomes of their council. Discover practical strategies for launching and sustaining a SEPAC including selecting members, defining roles, and organizing meetings to ensure effective collaboration.
Mrs. Mendi Cooley, Lead Parent of Westfield Washington SEPAC
Dr. Lindsay Tomamichel, Director of Exceptional Learners of Westfield Washington
Dr. Bridget Lueken, Special Educator, Westfield Washington
Dr. Angie Balsley, CEO of Unified Leadership

Giddy Up and Dive: Best Practices for Analyzing Data
This session will be about diving into data, using a root cause analysis, and identifying areas of disproportionality within current state data: IREAD3, ILEARN, SAT, Graduation Rates. By using data to identify areas of growth in diversity, equity, and inclusion, schools and districts can begin to make plans that are rooted in more equitable and inclusive instructional practices for all.
Sue Mahoney, MSD Warren Township
Jennifer Scott, Franklin Community Schools
Lyndy Szmara, Logansport Community School Corporation

We Can Do Hard Things! (Emotional Regulation Strategies that work for Staff and Students
Student behavior seems to be more challenging each year. Why not arm yourself with practical strategies and knowledge that can be implemented next day? It is so important to support our staff and be able to have that "vault" of information to apply in our daily education practices.
Sarah Reaves, Franklin Township Community School Corporation
Hillary Reid, Franklin Township School Corporation

Least Restrictive Environment and Excess Cost
This session will examine existing IDEA and Article 7 rules on determining the least restrictive environment and continuum of services.  It will also cover Indiana’s policy on excess cost funding for therapeutic day and residential placements for special education students including rules for the application process.  We will also cover proposed legislation in the Indiana Legislature that addresses these topics, if applicable.
Keith Butler, Kroger Gardis & Regas

Balancing Your Priorities
Teachers often feel overwhelmed by all the things they need to get done. During our presentation, we will take a deep dive into our to-do lists and learn strategies to efficiently and effectively tackle all the daily and weekly things on our plates.
Alecia Pfefferkorn
Chelsea Superczynski, Trine University

Sum Thing’s Up: Dyscalculia
Join Dr. Sandra Elliott to exploring the hidden narrative of dyscalculia, a learning difference affecting 5-7% of students but largely overlooked in favor of its more recognized counterpart, dyslexia. She'll delve into the alarming statistics and the lack of research and awareness that often leaves them undiagnosed. Uncover the critical role of early identification and intervention, discuss the latest research including the potential for coexisting neurological challenges, and learn how we can equip our educators, parents, and students with the necessary tools to address this specific math learning disorder effectively.
Sandra Elliott, TouchMath

From Burnout to Balance: Leveraging Self-Care to Increase Educator Retention
According to a 2022 US Gallup poll, K-12 educators have the highest burnout level of all industries nationally. 44% of K-12 educators currently report that they feel burned out very often or always, compared with 30% of all other workers. As school educators face unprecedented burnout rates, it is essential to prioritize self-care practices to attract and retain educators who teach and empower students every day. Administrators play a critical role in setting the tone for the school culture, and their actions serve as a model for their staff to follow. By prioritizing self-care, administrators can demonstrate the importance of taking care of oneself and encourage staff and students to do the same. This session will provide valuable tips, tools, and techniques to foster a supportive environment for staff, students, and the community to drive improved outcomes based on a culture of wellness.
Tawnya Redding, BlazerWorks
Kindel Mason, B.A., M.A., Twin Falls School District ID
​Whitney Threewits, BlazerWorks

Part B Grants
Lynn Fordyce, IDOE

Racial Disparities from Early Intervention Through Special Education: What Do We Know and What Do We Do Now?
Dr. Cole and Dr. Murphy will highlight research results on the overrepresentation of Black students in special education. In particular, they will delve into the role of teacher race and how disparities appear at different points in the special education process. Dr. Herron will demonstrate how these patterns are also present in early childhood settings. Cole, Murphy and Herron will offer recommendations and facilitate discussion of how practices may be modified to address these results.
Sandi Cole, Center on Education and Lifelong Learning
Katie Herron, Indiana Institute on Disability and Community
Hardy Murphy, Indiana University

The Impact of 30-Second Moments 
960. That is the number of 30-second increments we get in an 8-hour day. 960 chances to change a life. 960 opportunities to share a story. 960 times to make a student, parent, or community member feel like they are part of your school. Moments have the ability to stick in our brains forever. A sight, smell, or taste brings us back to our childhood. We have a responsibility to be intentional about how we utilize these moments. The fact is simply this...you will be remembered. The only question is how. Every 30-second moment matters.
Dr. Joe Sanfelippo

Hear Today, Do Tomorrow - Tips and Tricks for District Wide Behavior Support Implementation
This session presents district-wide behavior support methods, including individual student and teacher support, along with practical, cost-effective strategies and data to demonstrate the effectiveness these practices.
Kris Baker, Shelbyville Central Schools
Christina Bradburn, Shelbyville Central Schools

Skilled Trades Club
About five years ago Adams Central High School Business teacher, Sharilynn Boots, started an extra-curricular club for those interested in skilled trades. She invites actual owners of businesses and their employees to school to meet with students and describe the actual nuts and bots of jobs in their field. Sharilynn and special educator Sandy Beckner work together to provide students with valuable transition activities to prepare them for the workforce. She will outline how she started the club and share their successes featuring video clips of actual students and employers who have participated in the club.
Sandy Beckner
Sharilynn Boots

Eliminating Seclusion From Our Schools: Where do I start?
One district eliminated the use of seclusion in their schools. Let's talk about how that happened. See how effective and thoughtful policies and procedures are necessary in order to eliminate the use of seclusion in your schools. Leave with a checklist for reviewing your own district's current policies and procedures.
Jeanette Lobeck, North Gibson School Corporation

Shootout at the OK Corral: How to Prevent and Manage Multiple Types of Parent Litigation
Statewide over the last year we have seen an increase in parents simultaneously filing multiple legal claims for the same student, on the same facts. This session will increase participants’ substantive and procedural legal knowledge and comfort with prevention and strategy for the various types of legal complaints and allegations currently being filed by parents of student with disabilities. Knowledge obtained in this session will also help minimize practitioners’ stress should they encounter multiple simultaneous filings such as a due process, mediation request, IDOE complaint, tort claim notice, and OCR complaint. Following the session, participants will be able to confidently communicate with other school leaders on strategy for addressing such scenarios. And, of course, mastering multiple processes happening simultaneously will make it much easier to handle any single issue/litigation filing.
Chandler Lawson Flynn, Church Church Hittle + Antrim (CCHA)
Amy Matthews, Church Church Hittle + Antrim (CCHA)

Bridging the Gap: Mastering the Art of Difficult Conversations
This session will share research based strategies for engaging in difficult conversations in ways that result in all parties feeling safe, heard and supported.
Lynne Hall, Indiana University IIDC
Dr. Katie Herron, Indiana University Early Childhood Center

Inclusive Preschool - Starting with Evaluations
Have you wondered how to collect data in the school setting for preschool students? If so, join us so we can talk about what that could look like. Wabash City Schools is in year two of bringing students into our typical preschool classrooms and using that data to inform case conference committees as they make decisions about eligibility. We will share the successes and challenges of our journey!
Cheri Culver, Wabash Miami Area Program for Exceptional Children
Ann Higgins, Wabash Miami Area Program
Kathy Wilson

Work Smarter Not Harder: AI 101 for Special Education Administrators
In this session we will provide practical uses of artificial intelligence that can save loads of time and bring efficiency to the complex job of a Special Education Administrator. When used well, AI has the ability to reduce decision fatigue, assist in the development of solutions to complex problems, serve as an assistant for paperwork tasks and communication, and assist in the creation of top notch professional development. Why work harder when you can work smarter?
Diana Kochert, Northwest Allen County Schools
Olivia Shaffer, Northwest Allen County Schools

Cowboy Boot Camp: Due Process 101
You were notified that you have a new due process hearing. What next? This presentation will discuss how to avoid due process hearings, the most common issues in recent due process hearings, how to manage the litigation from start to finish, and what to expect in the due process hearing procedure. Let us be your guide!
Karen Sharp, Lewis & Kappes

Crucial Transitions
This session will delve into key strategies for successful student transitions. We'll explore how to provide clear information, reduce anxiety, ensure ongoing support, and promote student success by fostering collaboration among all stakeholders while aligning with school goals.
Derrick Moore, Indianapolis Public Schools

Best Practices for Education Scholarship Accounts (ESAs)
Do you still have questions about Education Scholarship Accounts (ESAs)? Are you confused regarding inconsistent information that you have received? If the answer is yes, come to the Best Practices for ESAs presentation in order to gain additional information and clarification regarding ESAs. This presentation will provide examples of best practices and resources for policies, procedures, documentation, and reevaluation of students with ESAs.
Emily Dykstra, Mitchell Community Schools & ICASE ESA Sub-Committee

AI to build Special Ed Capacity & Effectiveness
AI is Everywhere... but do we really understand what it is, and how it works?
In this interactive, hands-on workshop you will not only learn the history and develop a technical understanding of AI, you will experience first-hand how it can be used to build capacity and increase effectiveness with your special education team. Whatever comfort level you currently have with generative-AI currently, this will level-up your skills to become an AI leader in your school.
Sean Klamm
Ashley Kite, Edinburgh Community School Corporation
Ian Lovett, Playground IEP

Preschool Suspension and Expulsion: What Indiana Families Tell Us, the Role of Disability and Tools to Support Teachers to Avoid these Practices
Dr. Herron and Lynne Hall will share data on preschool suspension and expulsion rates nationwide and in Indiana. These rates are higher in preschool than in the K-12 grades. Given that preschool is a child's first introduction to school culture, it is disturbing that young children are being asked to leave programs at such high rates. These numbers become even more worrisome when we see that exclusionary practices happen disproportionately to Black boys. This session will share interview data from 15 Indiana families who revealed the impact of this experience on their child and family. Herron and Hall will then focus on sharing tools and resources for practitioners to bring back to the classroom for supporting effective accommodations and impactful communication with families.
Lynne Hall, Indiana University's Early Childhood Center
Katie Herron, Early Childhood Center, IIDC

Article 7
In April 2024, Indiana Department of Education announced final revisions to Article 7 Rules 32 – 50 regarding students with disabilities. The updated regulations include technical corrections, minor revisions for clarifications, removal of rules that are applicable to all students generally and not specific to students with disabilities, additions and deletions of definitions, several revisions to address the addition of the alternate diploma, updates to ensure compliance with federal law (IDEA), and Rule 50 which outlines the process for developing an education scholarship account education service plan (ESA-SP). This session will provide an overview of revisions made and resources available to support a more in-depth consideration of each rule and procedures for implementation.
Zoretta Ward-Holloway, Esq., Ph.D., Indiana Department of Education