Question 1

Board Meetings

Accepted Answer

Join any of our Virtual Board Meetings to get to see how we are working to improve outcome for our special education students, educators, and families. Must be a member of the Council for Exceptional Children - Join Now  - to attend board meetings. Attend on Zoom or at 99 E. Virginia Ave. Suite 120, Phoenix, AZ 85004. 

 

Email AZCEC for the Meeting URL

 

All meetings are 9am – 12pm unless stated. 

 



	
		
			December 9, 2023
			Virtual + Partners
		
		
			January 27, 2024
			@ KOI Education
		
		
			February 24, 2024
			@ KOI Education
		
		
			February 28, 2024
			Annual General Meeting - 6:30 - 7:15 pm
		
		
			April 6, 2024
			KOI Annual Planning – 9:00 – 3:00 pm
		
		
			April 20, 2024
			Virtual + Partners
		
		
			May 18, 2024
			@ KOI Education
		
		
			June 1, 2024
			Virtual (if needed)

Question 2

Saturday Morning Coffee Chat for Special Education Teachers – February 13, 2021

Accepted Answer

The teachers from the East Valley CEC Chapter invite you to a free zoom coffee chat with special education teachers around the state as we experience a school year like never before!

 

Teacher Self-Care Workshop

Group Discussion

 

This year has been challenging in so many ways and teachers have risen up to the challenge; however, many teachers do not practice ongoing self-care! Teachers, especially special education teachers, are tired, stressed, and frustrated. We've never been afraid of hard work, but our time in education is very different. During this workshop we will discuss everyday activities teachers can do for themselves and students to practice self-care. Many of these practices can take a few minutes but decrease overall daily stress.

 

Michelle Obama affirmed, "We need to do a better job of putting ourselves at the top of our own 'to do' lists." So, join us to put yourself on your own 'to do" list!

 

Self-Care While Teaching during the Pandemic 

Presentation by Jay Johnson

 

Jay Johnson is currently the Director of Itinerant Services at ASDB. Prior to joining ASDB, he served as the Post School Outcomes Education Program Specialist, Recruitment and Retention Specialist, and Monitor and Support Specialist at the Arizona Department of Education and is best known for his leadership in the Teacher Teach Camp!

 

Teacher Breakout Discussion Groups

Breakout Rooms

 

Following the special presentation, the coffee chat will team up teachers of like teaching positions to talk about issues & concerns as well as ideas & strategies for our new teaching reality. Special education teachers from the East Valley CEC Chapter will be our hosts and moderators.

Question 3

Walk for Inclusion – February 13, 2021

Accepted Answer

Join the AZ Division of Early Childhood for a Virtual Walk! After the Early Intervention and Early Childhood Special Education Summit 2021, go outdoors for a virtual walk with the Arizona Division of Early Childhood! After you have completed your walk, take a short survey and be entered to win prizes! Walk for Inclusion funds raised will be given back to EI/ECSE professionals to support inclusion! Registration includes a t-shirt and chance to win prizes!!

 

Register Here

Question 4

Arizona State Conference – February 22, 23, 24, 2021

Accepted Answer

Join our 2021 Virtual Conference from 2:00 to 6:30 PM daily! Check out our three Keynote Speakers, amazing sessions & presenters, awards, and so much more! Registration is now OPEN - see our State Conference page to Register.

 

Conference & Registration

Question 5

Special Education Day at the State Capitol – March 11, 2021

Accepted Answer

Make your special education voice heard - connect with your elected representatives. Learn from AZCEC, AZCASE and SEAA how to advocate and meet with your legislator to discuss issues important to special education. We'll show you the ropes, provide the talking points, and share legislative contact info with you. Then, we all meet at the State Capitol to advocate together.

 

Read More & Registration

Question 6

Annual Planning Retreat – April 24, 2021

Accepted Answer

Join your colleagues to network, connect, and plan events and activities for our community for the upcoming school year. Yes, we begin planning and contacting speakers now to bring you amazing events in 2021-2022! Be a part of the planning!!

 

Register Soon

Question 7

Threading the Needle – May 14, 2021

Accepted Answer

Threading the Needle - Virtual Presentation in 2021

Join us for an update on what we know about changes to laws, rules and regulations enacted during this legislative session and the impact on special education for the 2021-2022 school year.

Susie Cannata, our legislative liaison, will provide an update on the current legislative session. Our attorney friends at Udall Shumway will provide us with their perspective on the practical implications of enacted Arizona legislation and other special education news we can use as we begin planning for next school year. 

 

Date: Friday, May 14, 2021
Time: Join the virtual presentation at 12:30pm -3:30 pm
Cost: This year, we are offering this event for FREE! Space is limited to 300 people, so register early! Please be sure to register only once!
 

Register Here

Question 8

Saturday Morning Coffee Chat For Special Education Teachers - May 15, 2021 - 9:30 AM- 10:30 AM MST

Accepted Answer

The teachers from the East Valley CEC Chapter invite you to a Zoom coffee chat with special education teachers around the state as we wrap up this year and look toward next year.

What a year this has been!! But before we close that door or computer the last time, let’s do some reflection. Join us to reflect and talk about what worked, what didn’t, and what changes or strategies do you want to improve moving forward for next year. We will compile a written account of ideas the groups share.

This free coffee chat will team up teachers of like teaching positions to talk and share their reflections and strategies for going forward. Special education teachers from the East Valley CEC chapter will be our hosts and moderators.

Register Now!!
You will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. You must sign up by May 13!
 

Register Here Register in advance for this meeting:

Questions or problems can be addressed to:

East Valley CEC: eastvalleycec@gmail.com

Question 9

Survivors Conference - August 20, 2021

Accepted Answer

Join us on August 20, 2021. Registration and information coming soon.

Question 10

Teacher Coffee Chat - August 28, 2021

Accepted Answer

Join us on August 28, 2021. Registration and information coming soon.

Question 11

Fall Conference - October 2021

Accepted Answer

Join us in October 2021. Registration and information coming soon.

Question 12

Principal and Charter School Leadership Institute - January 2022

Accepted Answer

Join us in January 2022. Registration and information coming soon.

Question 13

'Virtual' Annual State Conference - February 21-23, 2022

Accepted Answer

Join us February 21-23, 2022. Registration and information coming soon to our Conference Page https://azcec.org/events/arizona-state-conference

Question 14

Special Education Day at the Capitol - March 2022

Accepted Answer

Join us in March 2022. Registration and information coming soon.

Question 15

Annual Planning Retreat - April 23, 2022

Accepted Answer

Join us on April 23, 2022. Registration and information coming soon. Image (below content): AZCEC Annual Planning Retreat

Question 16

Threading the Needle - May 1, 2022

Accepted Answer

Join us on May 1, 2022. Registration and information coming soon.

Question 17

Survivors Conference - August 20, 2021 | 8:00 AM - 12:30 PM | $50 |

Accepted Answer

Learn tips from the pros get the 2021/2022 school year off to a great start! Hybrid Format! Attend IN-PERSON or VIRTUALLY! Attend IN-PERSON at the Chandler School District IRC, 500 W Galveston, Chandler AZ. There are a limited number of in-person seats available. Attend VIRTUALLY! Join us virtually. You will be sent the link 2 days prior to the conference. See registration for full schedule and list of sessions.

Register Here

Question 18

Teacher Coffee Chat - August 28, 2021 | 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM | $5-20 |

Accepted Answer

This month's coffee chat is titled, "Social/Emotional Well-Being Recovery: Fostering Student Resilience". Join fellow special educators and our three invited guests to discuss this important topic as we return to school. See flyer for details. 

Register Here

Question 19

Fall Conference - October 26-27 | 3:30-5:50 pm

Accepted Answer

Register Here

Regulating the Dysregulated in the Classroom: 
Practical Strategies to Support our Students

When we think of “regulating the dysregulated”, our minds immediately go to students past and present. How do we solve that mystery? Rarely do systems see that it is the adults in the room who should get first dibs on regulation. We will start there. 

This conference is scheduled over two days: $49
Day 1: Tuesday, October 26 3:30 pm - 5:30 pm
Day 2: Wednesday, October 27 3:30 pm -5:30 pm

Day 1 (October 26) will be spent learning about the “why” of regulation for both adults and kids. We’ll explore the Neurosequential Model of Dr. Bruce Perry and begin to look through the lens of neurodevelopment as a key component to solving the personal and classroom mysteries that vex us. We’ll focus on two core concepts: 1. brain organization: how it develops and functions in a sequential fashion. 2. state dependent functioning: how stress affects that development and organization. Those two concepts will be the foundation of understanding regulation and dysregulation.

Day 2 (October 27) will be much more practical application of these concepts with thoughts and practice on lesson design and rhythmic interventions that are creatively regulating. Dress to move a bit as we ask you to get involved with us in a tangible way. 

Presenter: Steve Graner
Steve Graner is the Neurosequential Networks' NME Project Director as well as a Child Trauma Academy Fellow. He grew up in Bismarck, ND, received his B.A.. from the University of Sioux Falls and M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction at Minnesota State University Mankato. With thirty-three years teaching English at Erik Ramstad Middle School in Minot, North Dakota, Mr. Graner has also coached cross country and track and field, receiving Coach of the Year honors in ND for both high school and middle school cross country. Mr. Graner is best known for his creative approaches to teaching and coaching and combines a love of the arts and sports with the passion for pedagogy.

Learning Outcomes: Over the course of this workshop, participants will: 
1.    Understand the concept of sequential brain development and organization.
2.    Learn about state dependence or how the brain functions under stress.
3.    Relate the neurosequential lens to regulation practices in schools.
4.    Practice regulation strategies together and think creatively about how we can apply them. 

Target Audience: Principals, Assistant Principals, School Psychologists, School Social Workers, Counselors, General Education/Special Education Teachers, Special Education Administrators, Members of MSST Teams, Speech/Language Professionals

Question 20

The Principal's Institute: Legal Issues in Special Education & Other Disability Laws - January 26 & 27 Virtual

Accepted Answer

Register Here

 

January 26+27 9:00 AM - 11:15 AM | $59 | Register by 1/24/22

 

The goal of the Principal's Institute is to provide legal information and practical advice to help principals, building administrators, charter school directors & others in their daily work with students and their families.

 

Join us! This virtual conference is a great opportunity for school administrative teams and special education leaders to learn how to untangle the legal issues in disability laws that are often present when working with students, families, staff, and the community.

 

The Principal's Institute will be presented virtually over two days.

Question 21

'Virtual' Annual State Conference - February 15, 16, 17, 2022

Accepted Answer

Join us February 15, 16, 17, 2022. Registration and information coming soon to our Conference Page https://azcec.org/events/arizona-state-conference

Question 22

Special Education Legislative Day at the Capital - March 3, 2022

Accepted Answer

Registration Closed

 

March 3, 2022 | $30 | Register by 1/28/22

 

Ignite your passion, energy and advocacy for Special Education by joining educators from across Arizona for A Special Education Day at the State Capitol.

 

Learn how to let your State Representatives know what children and youth with exceptionalities and their educators need to succeed.

 

We will prepare you to advocate in a meaningful way, connect you with other passionate educators from our state, and guide you to make appointments with the locally elected legislator from your home district. As a part of the Special Education Day at the Capitol, you will have the opportunity to speak with your representative and Stand Up for Special Education!

 

We are still planning for both an in person and virtual options for this event to ensure safety and compliance with state capitol rules and expectations from each office. More information will be shared regarding the format options for this event as we get closer to the actual date and continue to work with the state capitol on acceptable formats.

Question 23

Annual Planning Retreat - April 23, 2022

Accepted Answer

April 23, 2022 | $25 | Register by 4/22/22

 

As an Arizona CEC member, you are invited to participate in our Annual Planning Day scheduled for Saturday, April 23, 2022. Our Annual Planning Meeting will be Hybrid, meeting both in-person (Phoenix) and virtually from 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

 

Our goal this year is to develop a 4-YEAR Strategic Plan that will continue to move Arizona CEC and our Divisions into becoming an even more vital and vibrant organization advocating for students with exceptionalities in Arizona. We have enlisted Dr. Luann Purcell to assist us in developing a plan that will support the growth of ArizonaCEC, its Divisions, and improve our support to professionals working with Arizona's exceptional students.

 

Please join us! This is a great time to share your ideas and get involved with your local Arizona CEC.

 

Register Here

Question 24

Threading the Needle - May 13, 2022

Accepted Answer

May 13, 2022 | Virtual 12:30-3:30pm | $50

 

Register Here

 

Join us for an update on what we know about changes to laws, rules and regulations enacted during this legislative session and the impact on special education for the 2021-2022 school year.

 

Susie Cannata, our legislative liaison, will provide an update on the current legislative session. One session will focus on issues in inclusion and then our attorney friends at Udall Shumway will provide us with their perspective on the practical implications of enacted Arizona legislation and other special education news we can use as we begin planning for the 2022-2023 school year.

Question 25

Make and Take Series Presents: Technology Tools for the Classroom - February 5, 2022 Virtual

Accepted Answer

Register Here

 

February 5 - 9AM-12PM | $5-20 | Register by 1/24/22

 

GOT ENGAGEMENT? Turn paper tasks into technology based games through website exploration. Earn 3 hours of Recertification Credit.

 

Create activities by building your own customized resources.

Play and Learn by using ready made games. Three web-based tools will be introduced. Each hour will focus on a different tool.

 

COME JOIN THE FUN!!

 

Presenter: Tracey Antista

 

Tracey’s passion is to find and recreate reading and writing supports that provide struggling students with motivating and engaging tools. Her educational background includes training in Essential Elements of Instruction, Universal Design for Learning, Assistive Technology, iPad Technology, and various RTI methodologies. She has been a national keynote panel speaker at national ASHA Schools, a presenter at National CUE, a presenter at International ISTE as well as many state Az CEC conferences and local conferences.

Question 26

DEC Walk for Inclusion - February 26, 2022

Accepted Answer

February 26, 2022 | $20 members - Code: Walk22 | Includes a T-Shirt

 

Register Here

 

Head outdoors for a virtual walk with the Arizona Division of Early Childhood, just a day after the Early Intervention/Early Childhood Special Education Summit! The goal is 5K, but go as far as you can or as fast as you can in your own town or neighborhood. Walk alone or form a TEAM!

 

Revenue generated goes right back into classrooms or therapy settings through our mini-grant program to benefit inclusion practices. The cost includes an official walk tee shirt.

Question 27

Book Study – Spring/Summer/Fall

Accepted Answer

All Year | Asynchronous | Cost $45

 

BookStudy Page

 

Register for new books at the beginning of each semester. Our book study uses the online platform Edmodo. You are expected to read a book and at the end of each chapter, you will log into Edmodo for your assignment. Each assignment has 3-5 questions that you will need to answer. You can work at your own pace, however, all of your responses must be completed by the end of the stated course period.

 

You can register for any or all these book studies! For each book completed, you will earn 20 hours of professional development credit that can be used for professional development hours (CEUs), ADE recertification credit, or for DHS licensure credit for speech/language professionals.

Question 28

Fall Conference – Oct.18-19, 2022

Accepted Answer

October 18+19, 2022 | Virtual 9:00 – 12:00 | Cost TBA

 

Register Here

 

Please join us for our annual Fall Conference to learn about special education practices that impact teaching, learning, and supporting students with disability. This workshop is for special education teachers, inclusion teachers, school psychologists, counselors, social workers, related service personnel.

Question 29

Principals Institute – Jan.11-12, 2023

Accepted Answer

Jan.11+12, 2022 | Virtual 9:00 – 12:00 | Cost $79

 

Register Here

 

Please join us for our annual Principals and Charter School Leaders Institute to learn about special education law directly relating to supporting students with disability. This workshop is led by lawyers and designed for principals, school/district administrators, deans, and special education case managers.

Question 30

Annual AzCEC Retreat – April 6, 2024

Accepted Answer

TBD| 9:00 – 4:00 | Cost $20

 

Register Soon

 

Please join us for our annual retreat and strategic planning day. This is the day AZCEC, AZCASE, AZDEBH, AZDEC, get together to plan events for the 2023-24 school year.

Question 31

Special Education Day @ the Capitol – February 15, 2024

Accepted Answer

February 15, 2024 | 8:00 – 2:00 | Cost $30

 

Registration Soon

 

Learn how to let your State Representatives know what children and youth with exceptionalities and their educators need to succeed.

 

We will prepare you to advocate in a meaningful way, connect you with other passionate educators from our state, and guide you to make appointments with the locally elected legislator from your home district. As a part of the Special Education Day at the Capitol, you will have the opportunity to speak with your representative and Stand Up for Special Education!

 

Use hashtag #SED2024 and share photos with your state representatives @ArizonaCEC.

Question 32

Annual State Conference – Feb. 14, 15, 26, 2023

Accepted Answer

Feb. 14, 15, 26, 2023| 8:00 – 3:00 | Cost $59 and up

 

Conference Page

 

Please see our State Conference page for details. Call for Papers and Call for Awards will be posted in fall 2022. Updated keynote speaker and agenda will be posted late fall.

Question 33

International CEC Conference – to March 13-16, 2024

Accepted Answer

March 13-16, 2024 | San Antonio, TX

 

Register Soon 

 

With hundreds of sessions on just about every topic in the field, the CEC Convention & Expo is THE professional development event for special educators to find research, tips, and strategies you can apply to supporting students with disabilities and/or gifts and talents.

Question 34

Threading the Needle – May 10, 2024

Accepted Answer

May 10, 2024 | Virtual 12:30 – 3:30 MST | Cost $50

 

Register Soon

 

Please join us for our annual legal update on what has changed in Arizona this legislative session that will impact special education and schools this coming year. This forum is led by lawyers and designed for superintendents, special education directors, school/district administrators, and special education case managers.

Question 35

Behavior Break Webinar - Nov/Dec/Jan/Feb 2023/24

Accepted Answer

Thursday | 4:00 – 4:45 | $40 for all

 

Register Now

 

Register and receive access to ALL FOUR live webinars and recordings if you can’t attend live. Join these Division for Emotional and Behavioral Health (DEBH) webinars for fast, practical, and proven teaching strategies to manage student behavior and wellness. Dr. Ashley MacSuga-Gage, Ph.D will teach ONE strategy per webinar that you can implement the very next day to measurably decrease behavior problems in your classroom.

 

See registration page for details. 

 


	November 2, 2023: Self-Regulated Strategy Development (SRSD) 
	December 7, 2023: Verbal De-Escalation Strategies 
	January 11, 2024: Group Contingencies: Types and Tricks 
	February 8, 2024: Supporting Behavior in Middle/High Schools

Question 36

Developing Student Transition Plans - January 21, 2023

Accepted Answer

Jan 21, 2023 | 9am - 12pm | Cost $5-20

 

Download Flyer

 

Register Here

 

Developing Student Transition Plans: A Collaborative Approach for Middle and High School

This workshop will focus on how educators can collaborate to meet the needs of students to support transition planning. Collaboration is effective when stakeholders from various groups come together and work to meet the needs of students. Students in special education have talents and goals which can provide valuable information for transition from high school to the adult world. However, transitioning from high school can be a stressful thing for many students. During our workshop we will cover ways to support students as they transition, share free resources for teachers and students, and collaborate together to assist teachers to develop transition plans for their students.

Question 37

INCLUSION WORKS! - April 1, 2023

Accepted Answer

April 1, 2023 | 9am-12pm | $0 to $20

 

Register Here

 

Colin M Kelly, Principal in Gilbert Unified District and East Valley CEC's Outstanding Administrator awardee will head this panel of teachers and staff from Sonoma Ranch Elementary School.

Panel will include preschool autism teacher, inclusion preschool teacher, SPICE II kindergarten teacher, general education Kindergarten teacher, primary SPICE II teacher, general education 3rd grade teacher, an intermediate SPICE II teacher, and an intermediate general education teacher, psychologist, and SLP therapist.

 

Download Flyer

Question 38

DEC Annual Conference - April 22, 2023

Accepted Answer

April 22, 2023 | 9am-4pm | $50 to $70

 

REGISTER HERE!

 

Our 2023 Conference theme is: "Collaboration is the Key!" 

In-Person: Central Arizona College, 8470 N. Overfield Road, Coolidge, AZ 85128.

Collaboration with staff, families, and students is key to achieving successful outcomes for children. Join us for our 2023 Conference to interface with colleagues and learn engaging strategies for communication. 

 

Download Flyer

Question 39

Annual Survivors Conference – Aug 11, 2023

Accepted Answer

Friday | 8:00 – 12:15 | $69

Register Now

We are offering in-person at Littleton Elementary School District Office with a light breakfast served from 7:30-8:00am and a grab and go lunch at 12:15pm. For the same price you can stay in the comfort of your own home or office and join us virtually (NOT Hybrid) starting at 8:00 am and ending at 12:15pm. We will be running each 2 hour session at opposite times so that our virtual participants get full attention from our presenters.

Question 40

Fall 2023 Conference – Complete

Accepted Answer

All You Need to Know about SDI for Behavior

 

Registration Closed

 

Check back for Fall 2024 information.

Question 41

Hot Topics – Dec/Mar/May 2023/24

Accepted Answer

Hot Topics, Legal Series for Teachers
Webinar | 4:30 – 5:30pm | $40

 

Register Now

 

Register and receive access to ALL FOUR live webinars and recordings if you can’t attend live. Based on Arizona teacher survey data, AZCEC is offering an affordable 4-part legal series for teachers this school year. The legal series will cover case law, hot topics, guidance from OSEP, and best practices. Provided by the Law Office of Lorie A Gerkey, PLLC.

 


	December 12, 2023: Keeping your IEPs Legally Defensible: Maximizing the benefits of a well-planned IEP
	March 12, 2024: Keeping your IEPs Legally Defensible: Advantages to Excellent Documentation
	May 14, 2023: Keeping your IEPs Legally Defensible: Advantages to Parent Connections and Engagement

Question 42

Be the Thermostat - November 4

Accepted Answer

Attend our East Valley event at Mesa Public Schools, presented by Heather Schlemmer. You will learn to Be the Thermostat: Strategies to Keep Yourself Cool When IEP Team Conflict Heats Up.

PLEASE RSVP BY OCT. 28TH! More details at www.eatvalleycec.org

View Flyer

Question 43

Virtual Annual State Conference - February 27 & 28, 2024

Accepted Answer

Visit our Conference page for the latest information and registration info and join us for our annual special education state conference. This year we will again be virtual so that we can be as inclusive as possible. No need to hire substitutes or take days off school as our event begins at the end of the school day so that all can attend.


Visit Conference Page

December 9, 2023	Virtual + Partners
January 27, 2024	@ KOI Education
February 24, 2024	@ KOI Education
February 28, 2024	Annual General Meeting - 6:30 - 7:15 pm
April 6, 2024	KOI Annual Planning – 9:00 – 3:00 pm
April 20, 2024	Virtual + Partners
May 18, 2024	@ KOI Education
June 1, 2024	Virtual (if needed)

Upcoming AZCEC Events