WDPI / CESA 2 New Special Educator Induction, Networking, and Coaching Program

Description: The new WDPI Attracting and Retaining Wisconsin’s Special Educator Induction Program begins in September 2023. The induction program will provide the following opportunities:

*Six “just in time” professional learning sessions by trained professional development specialists. Sessions will include training in the following high-leverage classroom practices and special education compliance content:

• Explicit Instruction
• Student Engagement
• Social-Emotional Skills
• Comprehensive Evaluation
• IEP development and meeting facilitation
• Progress monitoring

*At least six coaching sessions by trained coaches to support content learning.

*At least six support network sessions by trained facilitators to build emotional resilience and a cohort support.

The six-day-long "Just in Time" and "Networking" sessions (held on the same day), will be conducted by Ted Noll, Latricia Johnson, and Valerie Schmitz and are scheduled on the same days as this series.

Additional Note: Participation in the induction program requires that each educator attends all six training sessions and networking events (scheduled on the same day) and participates in the individual coaching sessions with our two CESA 2 coaches: Valerie Schmitz and Latricia Johnson. These coaching sessions will be scheduled with individual educators and districts.

Cost: $0

Presenters: Ted Noll, Latricia Johnson, and Valerie Schmitz

About the Presenters:

Ted Noll is the CESA 2 RSN Director/Director of Special Education. Ted was the Director of Student Services and Special Education at Cedarburg School District for the past seven years. He has also worked at the Brown Deer School District, Fox Point - Bayside School District and the Racine Unified School District. Ted is licensed as a Director of Student Services, Superintendent, Principal, Director of Curriculum & Instruction, and School Psychologist. Ted integrated EMLSS for academics and behavior district-wide, led the Professional Learning Community framework with integrated co-plan / co-serve components, led the district-wide violent intruder district response system, and led initiatives around mental wellness and social-emotional learning support.

Latricia Johnson serves as a Senior Director for CESA 2. She has worked in Milwaukee Public Schools, the School District of Beloit, and West Allis/West Milwaukee School Districts. In her 30+ years of experience, she has served in various educational roles: District School Improvement Coordinator, Director of Teaching and Learning, Professional Development Registrar, District Curriculum Generalist, District English Language Arts Coordinator, Principal, Literacy Coach, and teacher. She also works as an Adjunct Professional at Alverno College in the Business Department. She has extensive experience providing educational leadership support services that focus on planning and developing frameworks, models, and implementation strategies that support equity for all children. She has impacted change through refining tools to support transformational work to deepen the change in professional learning and instruction.  She finds it gratifying to provide direction, leadership, and continuity of programs that enhance the educational, personal career, and social development of children (PK – 12) in a culturally relevant way.

Valerie Schmitz, PhD is the Senior Director of Continuous Improvement 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.

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.