Due to the support and encouragement of Assistant Superintendent Steve Madancy, and UPSEU Representative Matt Geer, the Southington Para-educators, were given the opportunity to attend the Para-educator Development and Leadership Symposium on November 16th in Hartford, Connecticut.
The day started off with addresses from keynote speakers Sarah Barzee, Ph.D., Chief Talent Officer with the Deptartment of Education, Mary Beth Bruder, Ph.D., Professor of Pediatrics at UCONN School of Medicine, and Denise Seel, the 2016 Para-educator of the Year from Hartford Public Schools. All Para-educators were able to choose three class sessions on the following topics: Applying Strategies from the Registered Behavior Technician Skill List by Cynthia Zingler, Acceptance, Belonging and Participation Practices for Students with Significant Disabilities by Alison Cianciolo, Job Coaching by Catherine D. Forker, and Assistive Technology by Carolann Cormier. A delicious lunch was provided and served at the Capitol Building North Lobby Atrium with remarks from a lunch speaker, House Majority Leader and Southington Rep. Joseph Aresimowicz. CT State Capital Tours were also given.
The day provided not only informative class sessions, but also the opportunity for para-educators to network and work with other para-educators throughout the State. “We feel very fortunate to have been provided the opportunity to attend the Symposium,” stated Southington Para-educator Unit President Deborah Stevens.
Southington Para-educators Leadership Team
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