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Friday, September 4
 

7:00am MDT

Registration Check-in
Friday September 4, 2026 7:00am - 8:00am MDT
Main Hall @ Denver Marriott Westminster
Friday September 4, 2026 7:00am - 8:00am MDT
Main Hall Denver Marriott Westminster
  All

8:00am MDT

High Quality Assistive Technology Services Support Positive Student Outcomes and Effective Specially Designed Instruction
LIMITED
Friday September 4, 2026 8:00am - 9:15am MDT
Salon C @ Denver Marriott Westminster
Limited Capacity seats available
High quality assistive technology (AT) services support preschool participation, assessment performance, retention, and graduation. This session highlights the role of comprehensive AT service delivery, which includes assessment, training, implementation, and follow up and introduces resources from the StateWide Assistive Technology Augmentative and Alternative Communication (SWAAAC) Program. Participants will learn how AT supports equitable curriculum access and effective Specially Designed Instruction (SDI) and how SWAAAC supports educators in providing quality AT services.
Speakers
CP
Friday September 4, 2026 8:00am - 9:15am MDT
Salon C Denver Marriott Westminster
  All

8:00am MDT

6 Critical ALP Actions Discussion
LIMITED
Friday September 4, 2026 8:00am - 9:15am MDT
Salon A @ Denver Marriott Westminster
Limited Capacity seats available
A central outcome of the spring 2026 Gifted Director meeting was the identification of six critical actions to move ALPs from compliance to meaningful impact. These actions reflect both urgency and direction for our collective work. These actions are not intended as additional initiatives, but as leverage points to strengthen and align the work many of you are already leading. This session continues the work by engaging in conversations, developing ideas for continued work, identifying what is working and what support is needed.
Speakers
avatar for Heather Baskin

Heather Baskin

Assistant Director, Office of Gifted Education, Colorado Department of Education
Heather currently serves as the Assistant Director of Gifted Education for the Colorado Department of Education. Prior to joining the Colorado Department of Education in September of this year, she served as the director of Gifted Education for Mesa County Schools.
Friday September 4, 2026 8:00am - 9:15am MDT
Salon A Denver Marriott Westminster
  Gifted Education

8:00am MDT

Creating an Integrated Advanced Learning Plan System
LIMITED
Friday September 4, 2026 8:00am - 9:15am MDT
Salon B @ Denver Marriott Westminster
Limited Capacity seats available
This session will discuss road-tested practices that have made ALP goals meaningful for students while creating a system that reduces the workload for GT site leads.
Speakers
avatar for Christina Sutter

Christina Sutter

Gifted Coordinator TOSA, Weld RE-4 Schools
I am the district's Gifted Education TOSA. During the past 2 years in the Weld RE-4 School District, I've handled a variety of tasks, including technology instruction back when floppy disks were still a thing, kindergarten lunch duty, 6th grade ELA, and Algebra II. From existential... Read More →
avatar for Jeremy Santy

Jeremy Santy

Gifted Educator and I Search Teacher, Weld RE-4 Schools
Friday September 4, 2026 8:00am - 9:15am MDT
Salon B Denver Marriott Westminster
  Gifted Education

8:00am MDT

One District, Two High School Gifted Education Models
LIMITED
Friday September 4, 2026 8:00am - 9:15am MDT
Westcliff B @ Denver Marriott Westminster
Limited Capacity seats available
This session will share the way one school district has designed services around school context and student need. Participants will compare two models, examine the details of each side-by-side, and reflect on their own local context. Come to explore your current gifted model and the alignment with student need, school capacity, and district goals.
Speakers
AF

Allie Freismuth

Montrose County School District
Friday September 4, 2026 8:00am - 9:15am MDT
Westcliff B Denver Marriott Westminster
  Gifted Education

8:00am MDT

Secondary GT Programming: Beyond ALPs, AP, and IB
LIMITED
Friday September 4, 2026 8:00am - 9:15am MDT
Westcliff A @ Denver Marriott Westminster
Limited Capacity seats available
Hear how one Colorado district is providing GT programming for their middle and high schools students that goes deeper and more individualized than "checking the box" of completing an ALP and offering advanced level classes.
Speakers
avatar for Annette Palmer

Annette Palmer

Lewis-Palmer School District
Friday September 4, 2026 8:00am - 9:15am MDT
Westcliff A
  Gifted Education

8:00am MDT

Leadership Strand: Leading Through Complexity
LIMITED
Friday September 4, 2026 8:00am - 9:15am MDT
Salon D @ Denver Marriott Westminster
Limited Capacity seats available
Leaders in education are increasingly being called to address problems they were never designed to solve alone, like workforce shortages, rural access, and structural inequities. In a time when complexity is high, resources are strained, and polarization threatens collaboration, leaders are being asked to do more, and move faster, than ever before. This session introduces participants to the benefits of moving beyond institutional walls and addressing issues in collaboration with diverse community stakeholders. Participants will explore individual and institutional practices that support adaptation when the path isn’t clear, with a focus on building individual’s capacity for relationship building and collaboration, the power of transparency, and the importance of slowing down and sensemaking before acting.

Speakers
C
Friday September 4, 2026 8:00am - 9:15am MDT
Salon D Denver Marriott Westminster
  Leadership SPED & GT

8:00am MDT

How a Bill Becomes a Law (Colorado Version)
LIMITED
Friday September 4, 2026 8:00am - 9:15am MDT
Church Ranch B @ Denver Marriott Westminster
Limited Capacity seats available
This session walks participants through Colorado's legislative process, from bill drafting and introduction to committee review, floor debates, and the governor's signature. Designed for those new to the process or seeking a refresher, the session offers a practical overview of key procedural steps and decision points. Attendees will leave with a clear understanding of how policy ideas become law and how to engage effectively with the legislative process in Colorado.
Speakers
KL

Kady Lanoha

Colorado Department of Education
AH

Amara Hobbs

Colorado Department of Education
Friday September 4, 2026 8:00am - 9:15am MDT
Church Ranch B Denver Marriott Westminster
  Legal/Policy/DR

8:00am MDT

Pathways to Licensure for Special Education Teachers
LIMITED
Friday September 4, 2026 8:00am - 9:15am MDT
Church Ranch A @ Denver Marriott Westminster
Limited Capacity seats available
With the recent changes and expansion of licensure options within Special Education and Early Childhood Special Education, it can be difficult to know which pathway is best. This session explores pathways to licensure for special education teachers, including traditional, alternative, and temporary credential routes. Attendees will improve their understanding of requirements, timelines, and supports available to candidates. The scope includes eligibility, preparation, and compliance considerations. Participants will be able to identify licensure options, compare pathway features, and apply guidance to support recruitment, preparation, and retention of qualified special educators.
Speakers
JO

Jennifer O'Brien

Educator Career Navigation Director, Colorado Department of Education
Jennifer has over twenty years of experience in educator workforce development and has held several positions working directly with children and families. Jennifer has a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology from the University of Northern Colorado and a Master’s Degree in Social Work... Read More →
ML
Friday September 4, 2026 8:00am - 9:15am MDT
Church Ranch A
  SPED Licensure

9:15am MDT

Break
Friday September 4, 2026 9:15am - 9:30am MDT
Lobby @ Denver Marriott Westminster
Friday September 4, 2026 9:15am - 9:30am MDT
Lobby Denver Marriott Westminster
  Break

9:30am MDT

From Access to Instruction: Adaptations and Specially Designed Instruction
LIMITED
Friday September 4, 2026 9:30am - 10:45am MDT
Church Ranch B @ Denver Marriott Westminster
Limited Capacity seats available
From Access to Instruction: Adaptations and Specially Designed Instruction outlines the critical points for distinguishing the differences and connections between accommodations and modifications, and the components of effective specially designed instruction (SDI). Participants will examine how supports impact access, participation, and learning for students with disabilities while strengthening their understanding of IDEA and ECEA requirements. We will share some updated CDE resources. The session is designed to help educators make informed, student-centered decisions and align supports to individualized student needs and educational outcomes.
Speakers
avatar for Emily Ottinger

Emily Ottinger

Specific Learning Disability Specialist, Colorado Department of Education
avatar for Gina Herrera

Gina Herrera

Colorado Department of Education
Friday September 4, 2026 9:30am - 10:45am MDT
Church Ranch B Denver Marriott Westminster
  All

9:30am MDT

Developing Paraprofessional Training Tracks to Meet ECEA Requirements
LIMITED
Friday September 4, 2026 9:30am - 10:45am MDT
Salon C @ Denver Marriott Westminster
Limited Capacity seats available
In this session you will hear from a rural BOCES on the trials and successes of establishing training and supervision requirements that meet the needs of students and encourages retention among paraprofessional staff. Using a multi-tiered systems of support framework, you will learn how to incorporate high quality professional development, coaching/consultation and walk through strategies by viewing tools, training tracks and analysis of training requirements.
Speakers
avatar for Brandi Durr

Brandi Durr

Director of Exceptional Student Services, San Juan BOCES
I am a Nationally Certified School Psychologist, and I wear many hats for my BOCES including the CO-MTSS Regional Coordinator. I love my job and all the incredible staff and students I get the pleasure of working with. 
Friday September 4, 2026 9:30am - 10:45am MDT
Salon C Denver Marriott Westminster
  AU Director of Record

9:30am MDT

6 Critical ALP Actions Discussion
LIMITED
Friday September 4, 2026 9:30am - 10:45am MDT
Salon A @ Denver Marriott Westminster
Limited Capacity seats available
A central outcome of the spring 2026 Gifted Director meeting was the identification of six critical actions to move ALPs from compliance to meaningful impact. These actions reflect both urgency and direction for our collective work. These actions are not intended as additional initiatives, but as leverage points to strengthen and align the work many of you are already leading. This session continues the work by engaging in conversations, developing ideas for continued work, identifying what is working and what support is needed.
Speakers
avatar for Heather Baskin

Heather Baskin

Assistant Director, Office of Gifted Education, Colorado Department of Education
Heather currently serves as the Assistant Director of Gifted Education for the Colorado Department of Education. Prior to joining the Colorado Department of Education in September of this year, she served as the director of Gifted Education for Mesa County Schools.
Friday September 4, 2026 9:30am - 10:45am MDT
Salon A Denver Marriott Westminster
  Gifted Education

9:30am MDT

Creating an Integrated Advanced Learning Plan System
LIMITED
Friday September 4, 2026 9:30am - 10:45am MDT
Salon B @ Denver Marriott Westminster
Limited Capacity seats available
This session will discuss road-tested practices that have made ALP goals meaningful for students while creating a system that reduces the workload for GT site leads.
Speakers
avatar for Christina Sutter

Christina Sutter

Gifted Coordinator TOSA, Weld RE-4 Schools
I am the district's Gifted Education TOSA. During the past 2 years in the Weld RE-4 School District, I've handled a variety of tasks, including technology instruction back when floppy disks were still a thing, kindergarten lunch duty, 6th grade ELA, and Algebra II. From existential... Read More →
avatar for Jeremy Santy

Jeremy Santy

Gifted Educator and I Search Teacher, Weld RE-4 Schools
Friday September 4, 2026 9:30am - 10:45am MDT
Salon B Denver Marriott Westminster
  Gifted Education

9:30am MDT

Reimagining Advanced Learning Plans Through Strengths-Based Portfolios
LIMITED
Friday September 4, 2026 9:30am - 10:45am MDT
Westcliff A @ Denver Marriott Westminster
Limited Capacity seats available
When gifted students develop their talents in school, they produce amazing things! Advanced learning portfolios (ALPs) allow students to curate their best accomplishments while engaging them in authentic, meaningful metacognitive reflection. Learn how to create an ALP system that showcases growth, nurtures self-awareness (Boehning & Holliday, 2024; Petkal et al., 2020; Siegle, 2002), and builds a natural resume for post graduation.
Speakers
avatar for Michelle DuBois

Michelle DuBois

Gifted Education Coordinator, Boulder Valley School District
Michelle Pacheco DuBois, Ed.D. is the Gifted Education Coordinator for the Boulder Valley School District. Dr. DuBois conducts professional learning nationally focusing on culturally linguistically diverse and twice exceptional learners. She has been recognized by the Colorado House... Read More →
DA
Friday September 4, 2026 9:30am - 10:45am MDT
Westcliff A
  Gifted Education

9:30am MDT

Secondary GT Programming: Beyond ALPs, AP, and IB
LIMITED
Friday September 4, 2026 9:30am - 10:45am MDT
Westcliff B @ Denver Marriott Westminster
Limited Capacity seats available
Hear how one Colorado district is providing GT programming for their middle and high schools students that goes deeper and more individualized than "checking the box" of completing an ALP and offering advanced level classes.
Speakers
avatar for Annette Palmer

Annette Palmer

Lewis-Palmer School District
Friday September 4, 2026 9:30am - 10:45am MDT
Westcliff B Denver Marriott Westminster
  Gifted Education

9:30am MDT

Systems Thinking for Leaders in Eduation
LIMITED
Friday September 4, 2026 9:30am - 10:45am MDT
Salon D @ Denver Marriott Westminster
Limited Capacity seats available
Leaders in education are excellent problem-solvers, but the most pressing challenges require the ability to see a system clearly, understand what's actually driving the outcomes you're seeing and build a plan grounded in those realities rather than in wishful thinking. This session introduces participants to systems thinking as a practical leadership skill that helps to diagnose your situation more accurately, allowing you to act more strategically.
Speakers
C
Friday September 4, 2026 9:30am - 10:45am MDT
Salon D Denver Marriott Westminster
  Leadership SPED & GT

9:30am MDT

Pathways to Licensure for Special Education Teachers
LIMITED
Friday September 4, 2026 9:30am - 10:45am MDT
Church Ranch A @ Denver Marriott Westminster
Limited Capacity seats available
With the recent changes and expansion of licensure options within Special Education and Early Childhood Special Education, it can be difficult to know which pathway is best. This session explores pathways to licensure for special education teachers, including traditional, alternative, and temporary credential routes. Attendees will improve their understanding of requirements, timelines, and supports available to candidates. The scope includes eligibility, preparation, and compliance considerations. Participants will be able to identify licensure options, compare pathway features, and apply guidance to support recruitment, preparation, and retention of qualified special educators.
Speakers
JO

Jennifer O'Brien

Educator Career Navigation Director, Colorado Department of Education
Jennifer has over twenty years of experience in educator workforce development and has held several positions working directly with children and families. Jennifer has a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology from the University of Northern Colorado and a Master’s Degree in Social Work... Read More →
ML
Friday September 4, 2026 9:30am - 10:45am MDT
Church Ranch A
  SPED Licensure

10:45am MDT

Break
Friday September 4, 2026 10:45am - 11:00am MDT
Lobby @ Denver Marriott Westminster
Friday September 4, 2026 10:45am - 11:00am MDT
Lobby Denver Marriott Westminster
  Break

11:00am MDT

What's New in Adapted Physical Education (APE)?
LIMITED
Friday September 4, 2026 11:00am - 12:15pm MDT
Church Ranch B @ Denver Marriott Westminster
Limited Capacity seats available
This session is for administrative unit leadership to understand the evolving landscape of Adapted Physical Education (APE). APE in Colorado and nationwide continues to meet the needs of students with diverse abilities through innovative practices and expanded programming. Updated information will be provided on licensure pathways and university programs.
Speakers
avatar for Gina Herrera

Gina Herrera

Colorado Department of Education
BW
Friday September 4, 2026 11:00am - 12:15pm MDT
Church Ranch B Denver Marriott Westminster
  All

11:00am MDT

The JPEP Model: A District and Parent Learning Partnership
LIMITED
Friday September 4, 2026 11:00am - 12:15pm MDT
Salon C @ Denver Marriott Westminster
Limited Capacity seats available
Learn how Jeffco Public Schools and families collaborated to build a successful one-day conference focused on Gifted and Special Education. The session will help directors move beyond individual efforts and towards a sustainable and collaborative model for learning. Attendees will gain strategies for optimizing internal processes, building a culture of shared ownership, and empowering stakeholders to effectively support learners.
Speakers
DR

Deryck Ramey

Jefferson County School District
JG
Friday September 4, 2026 11:00am - 12:15pm MDT
Salon C Denver Marriott Westminster
  AU Director of Record

11:00am MDT

Gifted Education Expended Budget Work Session
LIMITED
Friday September 4, 2026 11:00am - 12:15pm MDT
Salon B @ Denver Marriott Westminster
Limited Capacity seats available
This session offers a dedicated space and support for finalizing expended budget submissions. Participants will have the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues to exchange best practices and address challenges, with additional support from CDE available.
Speakers
avatar for Heather Baskin

Heather Baskin

Assistant Director, Office of Gifted Education, Colorado Department of Education
Heather currently serves as the Assistant Director of Gifted Education for the Colorado Department of Education. Prior to joining the Colorado Department of Education in September of this year, she served as the director of Gifted Education for Mesa County Schools.
Friday September 4, 2026 11:00am - 12:15pm MDT
Salon B Denver Marriott Westminster
  Gifted Education

11:00am MDT

One District, Two High School Gifted Education Models
LIMITED
Friday September 4, 2026 11:00am - 12:15pm MDT
Westcliff B @ Denver Marriott Westminster
Limited Capacity seats available
This session will share the way one school district has designed services around school context and student need. Participants will compare two models, examine the details of each side-by-side, and reflect on their own local context. Come to explore your current gifted model and the alignment with student need, school capacity, and district goals.
Speakers
AF

Allie Freismuth

Montrose County School District
Friday September 4, 2026 11:00am - 12:15pm MDT
Westcliff B Denver Marriott Westminster
  Gifted Education

11:00am MDT

Reimagining Advanced Learning Plans Through Strengths-Based Portfolios
LIMITED
Friday September 4, 2026 11:00am - 12:15pm MDT
Westcliff A @ Denver Marriott Westminster
Limited Capacity seats available
When gifted students develop their talents in school, they produce amazing things! Advanced learning portfolios (ALPs) allow students to curate their best accomplishments while engaging them in authentic, meaningful metacognitive reflection. Learn how to create an ALP system that showcases growth, nurtures self-awareness (Boehning & Holliday, 2024; Petkal et al., 2020; Siegle, 2002), and builds a natural resume for post graduation.
Speakers
avatar for Michelle DuBois

Michelle DuBois

Gifted Education Coordinator, Boulder Valley School District
Michelle Pacheco DuBois, Ed.D. is the Gifted Education Coordinator for the Boulder Valley School District. Dr. DuBois conducts professional learning nationally focusing on culturally linguistically diverse and twice exceptional learners. She has been recognized by the Colorado House... Read More →
DA
Friday September 4, 2026 11:00am - 12:15pm MDT
Westcliff A
  Gifted Education

11:00am MDT

Universal Design for Learning (UDL)
LIMITED
Friday September 4, 2026 11:00am - 12:15pm MDT
Salon A @ Denver Marriott Westminster
Limited Capacity seats available
UDL is a framework to guide the design of learning environments that are accessible, inclusive, and challenging for every learner. This session will explore supporting learner agency, resources for UDL, and provide information on an upcoming UDL book study.
Speakers
avatar for Connolly Sherwood

Connolly Sherwood

Twice Exceptional Consultant, Colorado Department of Education
With over 20 years in education, Connolly has served in various roles—paraprofessional, special educator, gifted specialist, classroom cluster teacher, Title I teacher, and literacy coordinator. Her passion is supporting 2e learners and their families, including her own. After discovering... Read More →
avatar for Milcah Hawk

Milcah Hawk

COMTSS Regional Specialist, Colorado Department of Education
Milcah Hawk, Ed.S., NCSP, serves as a COMTSS Regional Specialist with the Colorado Department of Education’s Office of Learning Supports. She earned her Educational Specialist degree in School Psychology from the University of Colorado Denver and brings over 30 years of experience... Read More →
Friday September 4, 2026 11:00am - 12:15pm MDT
Salon A Denver Marriott Westminster
  Gifted Education

11:00am MDT

AU Determinations: Understanding Levels of Support and Using Data for Timely Action
LIMITED
Friday September 4, 2026 11:00am - 12:15pm MDT
Church Ranch A @ Denver Marriott Westminster
Limited Capacity seats available
From Access to Instruction: Adaptations and Specially Designed Instruction outlines the critical points for distinguishing the differences and connections between accommodations and modifications, and the components of effective specially designed instruction (SDI). Participants will examine how supports impact access, participation, and learning for students with disabilities while strengthening their understanding of IDEA and ECEA requirements. We will share some updated CDE resources. The session is designed to help educators make informed, student-centered decisions and align supports to individualized student needs and educational outcomes.
Speakers
avatar for Erin Frank

Erin Frank

Colorado Department of Education
JF

Josh Fails

Colorado Department of Education
Friday September 4, 2026 11:00am - 12:15pm MDT
Church Ranch A
  GSM

11:00am MDT

How to Navigate External Forces and Influences During IEP Meetings
LIMITED
Friday September 4, 2026 11:00am - 12:15pm MDT
Salon D @ Denver Marriott Westminster
Limited Capacity seats available
Today’s IEP meeting participants have access to more information, resources, and recommendations than ever before. Social media, AI, and outside influencers are readily available and full of ideas. When team members are operating from different sources of data/expectations, collaboration and consensus building can be challenging. This session focuses on providing special education administrators with tools and strategies to support robust student-centered conversations and team decision-making when External Forces and Influences enter the IEP meeting.
Speakers
KR
Friday September 4, 2026 11:00am - 12:15pm MDT
Salon D Denver Marriott Westminster
  Legal/Policy/DR

12:15pm MDT

2026 ESSU Fall Directors' Meeting Event Feedback
Friday September 4, 2026 12:15pm - 1:00pm MDT
Lobby @ Denver Marriott Westminster

Friday September 4, 2026 12:15pm - 1:00pm MDT
Lobby Denver Marriott Westminster
 

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