Upcoming Trainings

Description:

This workshop will provide information about how to recruit and grow your special education teaching staff at a district level. Dr. Nancy F. Molfenter will discuss a variety of innovative ways to partner with local colleges and universities to provide training to individuals who are interested in becoming special education teachers. Specific strategies described will include the following, Student Services Grow Your Own program, partnership with Edgewood College to reduce the cost of obtaining special education licensure, and the Accelerated Licensure in Special Education (ALSE) partnership with UW-Madison.

Presenter:

Dr. Nancy Molfenter is the Associate Superintendent of Student Services with the Madison Metropolitan school district. Nancy holds a Ph.D. in Special Education from UW-Madison. Prior to working at the Madison school district, Nancy was a special education teacher, case manager, and transition teacher. Nancy also worked as a special education teacher supervisor and on the Special Education team at the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. In addition, Nancy serves as an adjunct instructor, teaching courses to aspiring special educators. Nancy is passionate about inclusive special education and efforts to reduce disproportionality in special education and discipline in schools.

Learning Objectives:

• Learn about different types of partnerships between local school districts and universities.
• Learn about finding mechanisms through local partnerships and district funds to provide affordable pathways to achieve licensure and post-secondary degrees.
• Learn about potential challenges that may arise when creating partnerships with outside organizations.

Description:

In this talk, we’ll explore the unique strengths and challenges twice-exceptional (2e) children face and how to better support their growth and success. I’ll share how shifting from a deficit-focused mindset to a strength-based, talent-focused approach can unlock the potential of neurodivergent learners. We’ll also discuss practical strategies for navigating challenges, fostering curiosity, and building supportive communities. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or advocate, this talk will provide insights and tools to create more inclusive and empowering environments for 2e and neurodivergent individuals.

Presenter:

Teresa Nair, M.Ed., holds a Master’s in Cognitive Diversity in Education and a Certificate in Twice-Exceptional Education from Bridges Graduate School. With over 20 years of experience, she is dedicated to supporting neurodivergent children and their families. As Parent Community Program Manager for REEL 2e, a nonprofit helping 2e students thrive, Teresa has expanded programs like 1:1 consultations, online support groups, and facilitated discussions. Now based in Wisconsin, she continues her advocacy through podcasts, training sessions, and community outreach, championing strength-based, neurodivergent-positive approaches that highlight and celebrate 2e and neurodivergent individuals.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize the Unique Needs of Twice-Exceptional (2e) Individuals: Attendees will gain an understanding of twice exceptionality (2e), its defining traits, and how it influences learning, social, and emotional development.
• Apply Strength-Based Approaches to Neurodivergence: Attendees will explore ideas on shifting from a deficit-focused perspective to a strength-based and talent-focused approach, leveraging individuals’ unique abilities and interests for growth and success.
• Identify Strategies for Navigating Challenges: Attendees will explore practical strategies to address challenges in education and parenting, including fostering curiosity, building supportive communities, and exploring innovative tools and solutions.