Continuous Improvement Network Series

Presenters: Deidra Gorman, Ed O'Connor, Valerie Schmitz & Mary Jo Ziegler

Cost: $15, includes lunch

Description:The CESA 2 Continuous Improvement Network, formerly known as the Technical Assistance Network, is a grant funded series intended to support districts as they work to install and refine an equitable multilevel system of support. District Leadership Teams should attend together to engage in collaborative learning around the State's continuous improvement process, implementation science, and effective instructional practices with an emphasis on equity. Districts and schools identified as in need of improvement get early access to registration, but all districts are invited to join in the learning and build a system that leads to successful students.

'19-'20 Series Dates: August 6, October 28, March 18, June 2

Please register for each session you are able to attend for correct material and food count.

About the Presenters: 

Ed O’Connor, PhD directs the Effective Practices for Systems Center for CESA 2. Previously, Ed served the Monona Grove School District for 15 years as a school psychologist and as Director of Continuous Improvement and Assessment. Ed has worked at all levels from 4K-12. He also works at the collegiate level as a lecturer in the School Psychology Program at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Ed has longstanding research interests in the areas of early literacy instruction and assessment, effective instruction, bridging the research-practice gap, systems change and models of continuous improvement in education, problem solving/response to instruction, and preparing students to be “college and career ready.” Ed is a frequent presenter on these topics at state and national conferences.

Dr. Valerie Schmitz is the Educator Data and Practice Specialist for CESA 2. In this position, Valerie leads the regional work for educator development and district implementation of the Wisconsin Educator Effectiveness System, as well as data analysis and school improvement. Valerie has deep expertise in this work, serving as the Educator Effectiveness Coordinator at CESA 6 for the past four years. She has assisted districts with implementation of both Educator Effectiveness and the Effectiveness Project. She also has deep expertise in data analysis, systems analysis, and school improvement. Valerie has earned a Ph.D. in Education with a specialization in Instructional Design for Online Learning as well as an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership. She also holds a M.Ed. in Technology Education as well as an M.Ed. in Educational Leadership.

Mary Jo Ziegler has worked in diverse educational settings for over 30 years. The first 15 years of her career were spent in classrooms teaching grades 2-8. After earning an M.S. in Reading, she moved into an instructional coaching and intervention role at Sherman Middle School in Madison, Wisconsin. A second Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership led to roles as district instructional resource teacher, a literacy coordinator, PK-12 director of instruction, and DPI consultant. Across the years, MJ has worked to support educators as they design engaging and effective learning opportunities that motivate achievement by building routines and scaffolds to guide students through successful learning experiences.

Cancellation Policy: Registered participants will receive a refund if they cancel prior to 3 working days before an event, minus any material costs that have already been incurred. Cancellations must either be made on MyQuickReg or by emailing cancel@cesa2.org. Because of our commitment to the presenter and the food vendor, participants who cancel less than 3 working days prior to the event or who do not attend the event, will be billed the full fee. CESA 2 reserves the right to cancel any event. Registered participants will be notified via phone and email if a cancellation occurs and will receive a full refund. 

Inclement Weather Policy: Every effort will be made to hold an event. CESA 2 will notify participants via email as soon as possible if an event has been cancelled due to weather conditions.

Disclaimer: CESA 2 will do its best to accommodate general dietary requests; if your dietary need is very specific or severe, you may want to bring your own lunch to ensure your comfort and health. CESA 2 does not assume liability for adverse reactions to food consumed or items one may come into contact with while eating at a CESA 2 event. If you have a dietary need or food allergy, please go into your MyQuickReg profile and update the special accommodations section. Notice of a special dietary need must be made 2 weeks in advance of the event.

By registering for an event with CESA 2, participants agree to grant to CESA 2 and its authorized representatives permission to record digital photos and/or video, of their participation. Participants further agree that any or all of the material photographed may be used, in any form, as part of any future publications, brochure, or other printed materials used to promote CESA 2, and further that such use shall be without payment of fees, royalties, special credit or other compensation. If you do not wish to have your photo or image used, please contact us at info@cesa2.org.

In-Person Events: Restrictions on our in-person events due to COVID-19 have been lifted. We will be responsive to what's happening within our communities, and guidelines from the CDC and local health agencies for future offerings and will update guidelines when necessary.