Don't Miss This Summer Professional Learning Opportunity!

 ADE/ESS and STAR Autism Support are partnering to provide free professional learning opportunities for PEA staff this summer through in-person and virtual workshops.

 These hands-on learning experiences are designed to support educators working with students with autism and developmental disabilities. Participants will explore evidence-based instructional practices, engage in practical applications, and leave with tools, lesson plans, data systems, and strategies that can be implemented immediately.

 Participants will:

• Learn evidence-based practices that support student success
• Strengthen instructional planning and implementation
• Gain practical tools and resources for the classroom
• Connect learning to real-world classroom application
• Access opportunities for ongoing coaching and support

 School Team Coaching Opportunity

 Schools that participate as a team may qualify for STAR-certified coaching visits. To be eligible, teams must include:

• Special Education Teacher
• General Education Teacher or District Coach
• Related Service Staff or Paraprofessional

 Professional Learning Opportunities

 2-Day STAR Comprehensive Workshop (In-Person)
This two-day workshop provides detailed examples and practical applications of evidence-based practices identified in the National Standards Report (2009). Participants will learn instructional methods related to discrete trial teaching, pivotal response training, and teaching through functional routines.

• June 22-23 | Phoenix

 2-Day STAR and Links Virtual Comprehensive Workshop  
This two-day virtual workshop focuses on implementing evidence-based practices for secondary students using the STAR and Links curriculum. Participants will learn assessment, instructional planning, and strategies for supporting students within daily routines and targeted skill instruction. During this session participants will be broken into either STAR or Links break out rooms to practice skills specific to STAR or Links

•  June 17-18 | Virtual
• July 14-15 | Virtual

 Register Today!

We are excited to partner with educators across Arizona to strengthen inclusive practices and improve outcomes for students with disabilities.

For registration, questions, or assistance, please contact Bekah Anderson at STAR Autism Support or email Academic Achievement & Inclusive Practices team.

Are You Ready to Lead Inclusion? Let’s Make It Happen!

 Still wondering how to make inclusion thrive in your schools?

You don’t have to figure it out alone. The Way to Inclusion: Leadership Book Study gives you a clear, actionable roadmap to break down barriers and build systems that truly support every learner.

 Join Dr. Julie Causton and Dr. Kristie Pretti-Frontczak, in partnership with the ADE ESS team, as they guide Arizona leaders through practical strategies to:
- Design systems that work for all learners
- Rethink schedules and staff roles
- Strengthen collaboration across teams
- Lead change with confidence and clarity

This is inclusion made doable- and it starts with you. Let’s reimagine what’s possible for educators and students across Arizona.

Sign up today!

 Learn more about the facilitators: https://inclusiveschooling.com/about

  For additional questions, please contact Academic Achievement & Inclusive Practices.

Are you overwhelmed by professional development? Don’t have time for a 90-minute webinar? We got you! Join the ADE/ESS Assistive Technology Team for our 2025-26 spring series, Assistive Technology: Just One Thing (JOT). In these quick 30-minute sessions, we will highlight a single assistive technology tool or strategy that you can use to support your students.  

Title:                  JOT: Beyond Accessibility: Using Captions to Support All Learners 

Presenters:      Doug Cutler, M.A., CCC-SLP – Arizona Department of Education - Assistive Technology Specialist 

Date:                  Wednesday, February 25, 2026 

Time:                 11:30 AM–12:00 PM 

Description: Captions are more than just text on a screen—they are powerful tools that support learning, accessibility, and engagement for all students. This training will explore how captions can enhance understanding across diverse learning environments, including classrooms and professional development settings. Participants will learn best practices for leveraging captions to support students with varying needs, including English language learners and those with hearing impairments.  

Register for this AT JOT  

If you have questions regarding this professional development opportunity, please email [email protected]. 

Secondary Transition regional trainings are back! The ADE/ESS Program Support & Monitoring (PSM) unit and the Secondary Transition Team are partnering to offer in-person training on current secondary transition-related requirements and best practices. This professional development session will help you understand compliance and apply effective strategies to strengthen transition plans. 

Participants will gain insights into transition planning requirements, the impact of the 2024 Arizona State Board of Education rule change, and proven strategies for effective planning. This training is designed for school administrators, educators, and staff involved in transition services. 

Choose one session that fits your schedule. All sessions cover the same content and will not be recorded. 

Title: Getting Ahead to Go Beyond: Secondary Transition Changes and Considerations 

Dates: 

• Thursday, December 11, 2025 

• Wednesday, February 11, 2025 

• Thursday, February 12, 2025 

Times: 

• Morning Session: 9:00–11:30 a.m. 

• Afternoon Session: 12:30–3:00 p.m. 

Location: ADE South Campus 

Address: 1535 W Jefferson St, Phoenix, AZ 85007 

Space is limited—secure your spot today! 

For questions, please contact Secondary Transition at [email protected]. 

Are you overwhelmed by professional development? Don’t have time for a 90-minute webinar? We got you! Join the ADE/ESS Assistive Technology Team for our fall series, Assistive Technology: Just One Thing (JOT). In these quick 30-minute sessions, we will highlight a single assistive technology tool or strategy that you can use to support your students.

Title: "Leveling the Equation: Free Math Tools for Inclusive Access" Featuring ModMath and Arithmetype

Presenter: Breeta Garland, M.S., CCC-SLP - Gilbert Public Schools, Assistive Technology Coach

Date:             Wednesday, October 22, 2025

Time:             11:30 AM-12:00 PM

Description: Discover two powerful and completely free assistive technology tools that support students with math-related learning needs. Breeta Garland, M.S., CCC-SLP will provide an overview of ModMath, a digital graph paper with keypad to solve math problems for students with dysgraphia, and Arithmetype, a math-friendly typing resource for those who struggle with written output. Learn how these tools remove barriers and empower students in her district to demonstrate their true math abilities. Perfect for educators, related service providers, and support staff looking for quick wins in inclusive math instruction.

Please note: This Zoom session will not be recorded. Live attendance is encouraged to benefit fully from the presentation and resources.

If you have questions regarding this professional development opportunity, please email [email protected].

Revised 1.23.2026 

We invite all educators to our upcoming free virtual professional learning series on Universal Design for Learning (UDL).

 This series is an excellent opportunity to deepen your understanding of UDL principles and how they can be applied to create more inclusive, accessible learning environments for all students.

 These virtual sessions will focus on providing practical strategies that can be implemented across diverse classroom settings, supporting the success of all learners. We encourage your schools to take advantage of these no-cost virtual learning sessions to deepen knowledge and understanding and enhance instructional practices to ensure every student succeeds.

 The registration links are in the attached PDF flyer, or you can use the links below.
You may find the flyer here.

The Beginner’s Guide to UDL: Simple Strategies, Powerful Impact (NEW!)

Choose one:
September 11, 4:00–5:30 p.m.
October 30, 4:00–5:30 p.m.

Leading for Inclusion: UDL Essentials for School Administrators
September 24, 4:00–5:00 p.m.

AT and UDL: A Conversation About Technology, Tools, and Teaching
September 29, 4:00–5:00 p.m.

UDL & EdTech: Smarter Tools for Inclusive Classrooms (NEW!)
Choose one:
October 1, 4:00–5:00 p.m.
November 13, 4:00–5:00 p.m.

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact Academic Achievement & Inclusive Practices.  

We are pleased to announce the release of the free Self-Regulation Curriculum (K–12) for Arizona educators!

ADE/ESS has partnered with Drs. Gaumer Erickson and Noonan to provide free access to a curriculum to build students’ self-regulation skills in Grades K–12.

1. Download the curriculum by completing a short form. You’ll be redirected to downloadable PDFs.
2. Sign up to attend a 45-minute introductory webinar, which will provide an overview of the free curriculum and resources.

The College & Career Competency Framework supports educators and families in developing resilient learners who collaborate to expand skills, express their wants and needs respectfully, and apply strategies to self-regulate and persevere.

View our self-regulation infographic, which includes the definition of self-regulation and student impacts resulting from instruction.

Do you have questions or want to learn more about professional learning for your school/district? If so, email Dr. Pattie Noonan.

In partnership with ADE/ESS, the College and Career Competencies (CCCs) Project is offering free professional learning opportunities that will help you build self-regulation, confidence, persistence, and resilience in your students. The following events are available to any K–12 district/charter educator. Click the links to learn more about each event and to register.

For any questions, email Pattie Noonan.

The ADE/ESS Academic Achievement & Inclusive Practices Unit is pleased to offer a variety of resources and professional learning opportunities on Autism. These free sessions are offered virtually during the 2025–2026 school year and are designed for general and special education teachers.

Session 1: Positive Behavior Supports
Be introduced to the foundations of Positive Behavior Support (PBS) in inclusive classrooms. Participants will explore practical tools such as token boards, First-Then visuals, choice boards, and power cards/social stories. Emphasis is placed on the role of communication in behavior support. Through interactive activities and real-time feedback, attendees will leave with ready-to-use strategies.

September 25, 2025, 3:30-4:30 pm

Session 2: Routines and Schedules
Learn how structured routines and predictable schedules can reduce disruptions and support positive behavior. Explore visual tools like schedules, timers, and task strips, and walk away with strategies you can use immediately to improve transitions and unstructured time in the inclusive classroom setting.

November 20, 2025, 3:30-4:30 pm

Session 3: Structured Work Systems
Discover how structured work systems promote independence and support diverse learners. Learn to set up clear, organized workspaces using visual schedules, task cards, and color coding. Walk away with practical tools to help students start tasks, transition smoothly, and self-regulate in inclusive settings.

January 29, 2026, 3:30-4:30 pm

Session 4: Inclusion Supports
Explore the principles of inclusive education and how collaboration with families and staff enhances student success. Learn to use STAR resources and data to support individualized learning, foster belonging, and implement inclusive practices with confidence.

April 16, 2026, 3:30-4:30 pm

We are delighted to offer these opportunities to collaborate with your teams in support of student success.

Please contact the Academic Achievement & Inclusive Practices inbox for questions or assistance. 

It's hard being a new teacher. It's hard being a special education teacher. It's really hard being a new special education teacher. That’s where Teach Camp comes in!

Teach Camp is a professional learning opportunity designed specifically for special education teachers preparing for their first, second, or third year in the classroom. Beginning special education teachers who attend our three-day summer camp will make connections with other new teachers from across the state while learning about topics critical to their success in the coming school year.

This year’s campers were surveyed, and 100% of them agreed that Teach Camp “increased my work-related knowledge; 99% agreed that Teach Camp “increased my work-related motivation.” When asked if they would recommend Teach Camp to other new special education teachers, 99% said YES.

Here’s what some of our campers said they liked best about the Teach Camp experience:

• “The best part of the training, in my opinion, was how we were guided on how to prepare, conduct IEPs, and how to monitor and keep track of students' performance.”
• “The training was very well designed to keep participants engaged and learning important, useful information. The opportunities to interact in small groups to reflect on learning were great.”
• “How they have narrowed down everything for us. They said all the right things I needed.”
• “Meeting other teachers who are in the same boat and sharing ideas with each other.”
• “The details about IEP writing and brain breaks. Fun!”

It’s not too late to send your beginning special education teachers to Teach Camp! 

Teach Camp Eligibility:

• We know there are many pathways to becoming a special education teacher in Arizona. Recent graduates from traditional teacher preparation programs, alternative certified teachers, and veteran general education teachers transitioning to special education are all welcome.
• Teach Camp is available to special education teachers who will begin their first, second, or third year of teaching special education in the fall of 2025.
• Participants must be directly employed by a school district or charter as a special education teacher.

The cost for Summer 2025 Teach Camp is $250 per teacher and includes:  

• 3-day summer “camp” to be held July 8-10, 2025, at ASU SkySong, 1365 North Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85257
• Follow-up support throughout the school year, including virtual sessions and newsletters 
• A one-year membership to the Council for Exceptional Children  
• Additional valuable resources

Registration:

Registration for Teach Camp is open until Friday, June 13, 2025, on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration must be approved by the special education director and completed by the district or charter organization, not the special education teacher. Please note that there is a limit of ten registrations for each district or charter. More than ten teachers from any one district or charter will be placed on a waiting list. Please be aware that we may reduce the group size per district or charter organization to accommodate the attendance of more districts/charters. On-site registration is not available.   

Begin the registration process for Teach Camp!

Please email the ESS Recruitment and Retention Inbox with any questions about Teach Camp.