2025 Summer Inclusion Leadership Conference: Full Schedule

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1:05pm EDT

Authentic Relational Leadership in Education

Friday June 6, 2025 1:05pm - 2:10pm EDT

Authentic Relational Leadership in Education: This training is designed for educators and school leaders who want to cultivate strong, authentic relationships that enhance collaboration, trust, and positive school culture. Participants will explore key relational leadership strategies, including effective communication, active listening, emotional intelligence, and leading with vulnerability and integrity. Through interactive discussions and practical exercises, attendees will learn how to build meaningful connections with students, colleagues, and stakeholders while fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment. Whether you are an administrator or an aspiring leader, this session will provide actionable strategies to strengthen your leadership impact and create a thriving educational community.

Speakers

Kory W. Kutzler

Supervisor of Special Education, Owner of Resilient Edge, LLC, Resilient Edge LLC

Kory W. Kutzler, M.Ed., MC-HS.-presenterKory W. Kutzler has 2 masters degrees, one in Special Education, and one in Counseling and Human Services. Kory has 20 years of dedicated experience in the fields of education and mental health, reflecting a deep commitment to enhancing the... Read More →

Friday June 6, 2025 1:05pm - 2:10pm EDT
Room 507

Session 2

1:05pm EDT

Differentiating with AI

Friday June 6, 2025 1:05pm - 2:10pm EDT

Room 309

Attendees will learn how to use AI for the purposes of differentiation, with respect to best practices in working with students with special needs who are being mainstreamed.

Speakers

Adnan Ezad

Instructional Specialist in OPPET, Newark Board of Education and Time to Teach

I am a doctor of educational technology leadership and a Time to Teach Trainer. I provide my expertise with respect to using technology to replicate contexts in which content related skills are actually used and to opitmize student output while minimizing teacher work, as well as... Read More →

Friday June 6, 2025 1:05pm - 2:10pm EDT
Room 309

Session 2

1:05pm EDT

Empower, Engage, Include: Transforming Classrooms with UDL

Friday June 6, 2025 1:05pm - 2:10pm EDT

Room 205

Unlock the power of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) to create more inclusive and engaging classrooms! This interactive workshop will provide educators with practical strategies to empower all learners by addressing learner variability and diverse needs. Participants will explore how to design flexible lessons, remove learning barriers, and foster student engagement using UDL principles. Through real-world examples and hands-on activities, attendees will leave with actionable tools to create a classroom where every student feels valued and supported. Join us to discover how UDL can transform your teaching and help every learner thrive!

Speakers

Melissa Jackson

Special Education Specialist, New Jersey Department of Education

I am a dedicated Special Education Specialist with a passion for improving educational outcomes for all learners. With over 20 years of experience in special education, teacher mentoring, and professional development, I have consistently worked to empower educators and enhance instructional... Read More →

Friday June 6, 2025 1:05pm - 2:10pm EDT
Room 205

Session 2

1:05pm EDT

Engage, Explore, Enjoy Math!

Friday June 6, 2025 1:05pm - 2:10pm EDT

Room 204

This professional development session will help transform your math classroom into an inclusive, collaborative space for meaningful mathematical discourse. We’ll share proven strategies from Kindergarten to Algebra, using thinking tasks inspired by Liljedahl’s research and accountable talk to ignite curiosity and build a community of mathematicians. Participants will leave with practical takeaways like an accountable talk activity and ready-to-use lesson ideas that promote inclusivity. Through a rich math task and hands-on experiences, we’ll explore best practices, equipping teachers with tools to help students speak the
language of mathematics and engage in problem-solving.

Speakers

Alaina Chip

Instructional Coach, Belleville Public Schools

An experienced educator and instructional coach, Alaina Chip holds a Master’s in Learning Disabilities from Columbia University. With over 20 years in education, she has served as a district instructional coach, teacher, and leader, specializing in special education, social studies... Read More →

Annamaria Contella

Instructional Coach, Belleville Public Schools

Mathematics Educator and Instructional Coach with over 25 years of experience in diverse school settings K-12. I enjoy working collaboratively with educators to enhance their teaching practices and foster student success. I am passionate about empowering teachers to become the best... Read More →

Friday June 6, 2025 1:05pm - 2:10pm EDT
Room 204

Session 2

1:05pm EDT

Linking Inclusive K-12 Schooling to Inclusive Postsecondary Opportunities for Students with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Friday June 6, 2025 1:05pm - 2:10pm EDT

Room 606

There are a growing number of students with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (IDD) in New Jersey schools expressing interest in following the life-paths of their same-aged peers, which includes attending a college or university. In this workshop, we will share a myriad of college opportunities that exist for students with IDD and discuss how school professionals, students, and families can become aware of their options, while also pre-planning for students to acquire college-readiness skills during high school and transition programs. Participants will learn how to assure young adults with ID are well-prepared to apply for and succeed in college.

Speakers

Matthew Falanga

Jessica Bacon

Associate Professor, Montclair State

Jessica Bacon, PhD, is an Associate Professor of the Department of Teaching & Learning at Montclair State University. Dr. Bacon coordinates dual certification teacher-preperation programs in Elementary and Early Childhood Inclusive Education. With Susan Baglieri, she is the Co-founder... Read More →

Kathryn Leonard

Director, Certificate in General Education Studies, Montclair State University

Kathryn Leonard is the Director of the Certificate in General Education Studies (CGES) program at Montclair State University, which supports students with intellectual disabilities in accessing an inclusive college experience. Kathryn has worked with people with disabilities and... Read More →

Friday June 6, 2025 1:05pm - 2:10pm EDT
Room 606

Session 2

1:05pm EDT

Planting Seeds: Teacher Agency in the Cultivation of Culturally Responsive Classrooms

Friday June 6, 2025 1:05pm - 2:10pm EDT

Room 206

Cultivating culturally responsive classrooms begins with school leaders fostering teacher agency as a catalyst for change. This presentation will explore how school leaders can empower teachers to take ownership of their instructional practices, leading to inclusive, student-centered learning environments. Participants will examine strategies for engaging teachers in a hands-on process to embed culturally responsive pedagogy into daily instruction, foster meaningful student connections, and advocate for equitable school policies. Through interactive discussions and hands-on activities, school leaders will leave with practical tools to nurture teacher agency, plant the seeds of inclusivity, and cultivate lasting change across their schools

Speakers

Lisa B. Torres, Ed.D.

Supervisor of English & Social Studies, River Dell Regional Schools

Dr. Lisa Torres is a District Supervisor with 31 years of experience in education, serving as a teacher, administrator, and adjunct instructor. Committed to equity and instructional excellence, she prioritizes culturally responsive teaching, instructional innovation, and... Read More →

Nicole M. Adams, M.S.Ed, M.A.Ed

Assistant Principal, Hackensack Public Schools

Nicole Adams is the Assistant Principal at Hackensack High School with over 20 years in education as a teacher, administrator, and adjunct instructor. Committed to student-centered learning, she champions restorative practices, culturally responsive pedagogy... Read More →

Friday June 6, 2025 1:05pm - 2:10pm EDT
Room 206

Session 2

1:05pm EDT

The Intersection of Developmentally Appropriate Practices and Accessibility: A School District's Journey to Creating an Inclusive Preschool Learning Environment LIMITED

Friday June 6, 2025 1:05pm - 2:10pm EDT

Room 207

This workshop delves into Cranford School District’s transformative journey toward establishing an inclusive and developmentally appropriate learning environment for preschool children. Participants will gain insights into the strategies, challenges, and successes encountered while implementing practices catering to young learners' diverse developmental needs. The session aims to inspire and equip educators, administrators, and stakeholders with practical knowledge to foster similar initiatives within their own contexts.

Speakers

Kristin Szawan, MSW, LSW, Ed.S.

Director of Student Services, Cranford Public Schools

Annie Corley-Hand

Director, Leading Innovative Learning Associates, LLC

Annie Corley-Hand is a distinguished educational leader with a Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education and a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership. As a Preschool through Grade 2 school principal, she championed multiple initiatives within her district, including inclusion... Read More →

Robyn Park

Supervisor Special Education Preschool - Grade 5, Cranford School District

Will be added

Celine McNally

Principal, Cranford School District

Will be added

Friday June 6, 2025 1:05pm - 2:10pm EDT
Room 207

Session 2

1:05pm EDT

Two IDEA Essentials for Inclusion: Placements + Supplementary Aids & Services LIMITED

Friday June 6, 2025 1:05pm - 2:10pm EDT

Room 208

This session brings abstract policy into tangible practice using film, photos, and real-life examples. Participants will enhance their capacity to leverage placement + supplementary aids and services to achieve the promise of IDEA: a sense of belonging and participation by students with disabilities, in the classes and school they would attend if they did not have a disability. Practical and usable resources, tools, and guides included!

Speakers

Michael McSheehan

Owner/TA Provider, Evolve & Effect

Michael McSheehan’s life work has been at the intersection of disability and K-12 education. He is a systems-thinker, an implementation specialist, and a leader in the field of multi-tiered system of support (MTSS) and inclusive education. Whether it’s assisting with student-specific... Read More →

Friday June 6, 2025 1:05pm - 2:10pm EDT
Room 208

Session 2

1:05pm EDT

What Does Inclusive Education Look Like for My Child (Parent Panel) LIMITED

Friday June 6, 2025 1:05pm - 2:10pm EDT

Auditorium

Join us for a candid and insightful discussion with parents who have successfully navigated the journey of inclusive education. This panel will share personal experiences, challenges, and victories in advocating for their children’s right to learn alongside their peers.

Speakers

Vikas Jain

IncludeNJ

Vera J. Piasecki

Chair of Board, IncludeNJ

Christina Fam Faragalla, MS

Katherine Kelly

IncludeNJ

Mandeep Kwatra

Friday June 6, 2025 1:05pm - 2:10pm EDT
Auditorium

Session 2

1:05pm EDT

Windows, Mirrors, and Sliding Doors: Reflecting Disability, Opening Possibilities in K-12 Education LIMITED

Friday June 6, 2025 1:05pm - 2:10pm EDT

Room 109

This engaging workshop utilizes Dr. Rudine Sims Bishop's powerful metaphor of windows, mirrors, and sliding doors to examine the critical role of representing people with disabilities in creating an inclusive K-12 ecosystem. Moving beyond mere compliance and tokenistic inclusion, we delve into the profound impact of showcasing the diverse contributions, lived experiences, and perspectives of individuals with disabilities across the curriculum and school culture.

Speakers

Camy Kobylinski

Associate Director, Professional Development and Instructional Issues, New Jersey Education Association (NJEA)

To be added.

Dr. Kim Pinckney

Associate Director, Professional Development & Instructional Issues, Consortium Coordinator, New Jersey Education Association (NJEA)

Dr. Pinckney is an inovative Design Thinker, Inclusion Advocate, Coalition of Parent and Attroney Advocates (COPAA) member, and Instructional Design & Technology Leader. She is a former K-12 Spanish Educatorand Intelligence Community (IC) civil servant. She currently serves as an... Read More →

Friday June 6, 2025 1:05pm - 2:10pm EDT
Room 109

Session 2