MTSS Integrated Conference &#x27;26

Need to track student data? Not sure where to start? Come check out how to easily track data on your students using Google Sheets and other tools. This hands-on tutorial presentation will show you how to track the data you have on your students and make it easy to share with your intervention team, administration, and other specialists. Please bring a laptop with you to this session.

Speakers

Susan Schuh

K-8 MTSS Coordinator, Bridgeport School District

Thursday July 30, 2026 10:40am - 11:40am PDT
Orchard South

Data & Assessment

Target Audience Principals, Teachers, MTSS Coach/Specialists, School Psychologists, Special Education Directors, District Administration
Experience Foundational, Developing
Grade Band Elementary, Secondary, District-wide

10:40am PDT

Aligned on Paper, Stuck in Practice: Using the Knoster Model to Build Inclusive Systems That Actually Work

Thursday July 30, 2026 10:40am - 11:40am PDT

Fuji 1

When MTSS collaboration breaks down, it's rarely a people problem — it's a systems problem. This session uses the Knoster Model for Managing Complex Change as a diagnostic lens for why inclusive systems stall, drawing on honest case studies from Washington state IPTN demonstration site teams. Participants will leave with a clearer understanding of what collaboration requires and a practical framework to diagnose exactly where their system needs attention.

Speakers

RinaMarie Leon Geurrero

Project Coordinator, None

Shane Miramontez

Inclusion Specialist, Other

Stacia Tellefson

Other

Thursday July 30, 2026 10:40am - 11:40am PDT
Fuji 1

Target Audience Principals, MTSS Coach/Specialists, Special Education Directors, District Administration
Experience Foundational, Developing, Proficient
Grade Band Elementary, Secondary, District-wide

10:40am PDT

Beyond Compliance: Leadership Lessons in Hope

Thursday July 30, 2026 10:40am - 11:40am PDT

Gala 3

Special education leadership is becoming increasingly complex. Legal requirements, staffing shortages, student needs, and system pressures can leave leaders feeling overwhelmed. While compliance remains essential, it cannot be the ultimate goal.
Drawing from 36 years of experience in special education, this session explores how leaders can move beyond survival toward building systems that support students, staff, and themselves. Participants will reflect on the realities of leadership today, reconnect with the purpose of the work, and leave with practical tools for sustaining excellence and hope in challenging systems.

Outcomes -
✔ renewed sense of purpose
✔ emotional steadiness
✔ two practical leadership tools
✔ reflection on their own leadership journey

Speakers

Justin Bradford

Executive Director of Special Services, ESD 123

Thursday July 30, 2026 10:40am - 11:40am PDT
Gala 3

Target Audience Principals, Special Education Directors, District Administration
Experience Foundational, Developing, Proficient
Grade Band District-wide

10:40am PDT

From Framework to Feel: Activating Restorative Practices with MTSS

Thursday July 30, 2026 10:40am - 11:40am PDT

Gala 2

Join a principal–school counselor team as we share how we’ve embedded restorative practices into our MTSS framework to strengthen Tier 1 supports and enhance Tier 2 responses. Learn how we’ve translated relationship-building, accountability, and belonging into practical strategies—from classroom circles to restorative approaches for addressing challenges. Walk away with real examples and actionable tools to build a connected school culture where every student and staff is supported.

Speakers

Phil Averill

Principal, Quincy School District

Molly Carlson

Granite Falls School District

Thursday July 30, 2026 10:40am - 11:40am PDT
Gala 2

Target Audience Principals, Teachers, MTSS Coach/Specialists
Experience Foundational, Developing
Grade Band Elementary

10:40am PDT

From Instruction to Referral: Getting MTSS Right for Multilingual Learners with Culturally Responsive Practices

Thursday July 30, 2026 10:40am - 11:40am PDT

Orchard North

This session explores how MTSS and the pre referral process should function for multilingual learners. Participants will examine culturally and linguistically responsive practices, the integration of English Language Development across all MTSS tiers, and structured tools to guide decision making. Attendees will leave with practical tools and reflective questions to support whole child data review, instructional access, and the differentiation of language difference from disability prior to special education referral.

Speakers

Kad El-Atwani

Multilingual Program Supervisor-OSPI, Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction

Kadriye El-Atwani (a.k.a Dr. Kad) is a Multilingual Education Program Supervisor at the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI), currently residing in Eastern Washington. Before joining OSPI, Dr. Kad served as a Multilingual Education Specialist at the New... Read More →

Virginia Morales

Assistant Director of Multilingual Education, Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction

Virginia Morales is the Assistant Director of Multilingual Education with the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction. She has over 20 years’ experience in the field of Multilingual Education. Most recently, Virginia was a Professional Learning Specialist at WIDA. In addition... Read More →

Katie Sperling

Multilingual Education Program Supervisor, Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction

Katie Sperling is a Multilingual Education Program Supervisor with more than 20 years of experience teaching and leading K–12 language development programs across Washington State. In her current role at OSPI, Katie provides statewide leadership and technical assistance to support... Read More →

Thursday July 30, 2026 10:40am - 11:40am PDT
Orchard North

Multilingual Learners

Target Audience Principals, Teachers, MTSS Coach/Specialists, School Psychologists, Special Education Directors, District Administration
Experience Foundational, Developing, Proficient
Grade Band Elementary, Secondary, District-wide

10:40am PDT

Pathways to Preventing Targeted Violence in Schools: A Collaborative Approach

Thursday July 30, 2026 10:40am - 11:40am PDT

Red Delicious

This practical session equips K–12 educators with clear, actionable steps for preventing targeted violence. Using a real-world case study to demonstrate how trusted adults, educators, and community partners can intervene early and guide students toward safe, prosocial pathways.
Key Takeaways:
- Identifying warning signs and risk factors for targeted violence
- Collaborative strategies for professionals
- How as a professional you can support students on a prosocial pathway.

Speakers

Jason McPherson

ESD 101

Malorie Woods

Olympic Educational Service District 114

Thursday July 30, 2026 10:40am - 11:40am PDT
Red Delicious

Target Audience Principals, Teachers, School Psychologists, Special Education Directors, District Administration
Experience Foundational, Developing
Grade Band Elementary, Secondary, District-wide

10:40am PDT

Identifying and Supporting Students Experiencing Homelessness Using the MTSS Framework

Thursday July 30, 2026 10:40am - 11:40am PDT

Fuji 3

If you are looking for effective, inclusive strategies for supporting students experiencing homelessness within the MTSS framework, this informative session is for you. Through discussion, collaborative activities and real-world examples, participants will learn:
• How inclusive systems can remove barriers to student success.
• Practical strategies for early identification of students experiencing homelessness.
• How to design and implement evidence-based supports at all tiers of MTSS.
• Strategies for building cross system collaborations.
Participants will leave this session equipped to support this vulnerable student group, while connecting students and families with essential resources both at school and in the community.

Speakers

Vivian Rogers Decker

Homeless Student Stability Education Program Supervisor, Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction

Vivian Rogers Decker has spent over 30 years in education serving students and families experiencing trauma, poverty, and housing insecurity. Currently she serves as the Homeless Student Stability Education Program Supervisor for the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction... Read More →

Rosemary Peterson

Education & Employment Manager, Washington State Department of Commerce, Office of Homeless Youth

Rosemary Peterson (she/her) is the Education & Employment Manager for the Washington State Department of Commerce’s Office of Homeless Youth (OHY), where she leads statewide initiatives to expand education, training, and economic opportunity for young people experiencing homelessness. Her commitment to this... Read More →

Thursday July 30, 2026 10:40am - 11:40am PDT
Fuji 3

SEL & Mental Health

Target Audience Principals, Teachers, MTSS Coach/Specialists, School Psychologists, Special Education Directors, District Administration
Experience Foundational, Developing, Proficient
Grade Band District-wide

12:40pm PDT

Every Student is a Tier One Student: Our MTSS Journey Using the Ci3t Framework

Thursday July 30, 2026 12:40pm - 1:40pm PDT

Fuji 1

Sedro-Woolley School District is in year seven implementing Ci3T as our district-wide MTSS framework. Leadership teams plan and develop professional learning based on input from stakeholders, and systematic data collection, for staff to meet academic, behavioral, and social needs of all learners in our district. Building Implementation Plans are developed and refined to provide clear expectations for stakeholders.
Districts in early stages of MTSS will see one journey for building and implementing MTSS through Ci3T.

Speakers

Lacy Lahr

School Psychologist, MTSS District Co-Lead, Sedro-Woolley School District

Heather Swenson

Librarian, MTSS District Co-Lead, Sedro-Woolley School District

Thursday July 30, 2026 12:40pm - 1:40pm PDT
Fuji 1

Data & Assessment

Target Audience Principals, Teachers, MTSS Coach/Specialists
Experience Foundational, Developing
Grade Band District-wide

12:40pm PDT

Your MTSS Roadmap: A Strategic Planning Session for School Teams

Thursday July 30, 2026 12:40pm - 1:40pm PDT

Fountain 1

MTSS works best when teams plan together. Bring your team to this collaborative workshop where you will conduct a self-assessment of current MTSS practices, explore implementation barriers through root cause analysis, and use structured planning time to identify intentional next steps. Whether your team is building, strengthening, or refining MTSS practices, this session provides structured time to reflect, problem-solve, and plan next steps together.

Speakers

Emily Bushouse

Behavior Inclusion Coach, NCESD 171

Emily is originally from Michigan where she earned her Educational Specialist degree in school psychology. She has worked in Michigan, Oregon, Arizona, and Washington in public school, university, and residential settings, serving students with special needs from preK through university... Read More →

Thursday July 30, 2026 12:40pm - 1:40pm PDT
Fountain 1

General MTSS Practice

Target Audience Principals, Teachers, MTSS Coach/Specialists, School Psychologists, Special Education Directors, District Administration
Experience Foundational, Developing, Proficient
Grade Band Elementary, Secondary, District-wide

12:40pm PDT

Beyond the Tiered Pyramid: Driving Sustainable Change through Leadership and Well-being

Thursday July 30, 2026 12:40pm - 1:40pm PDT

Fuji 2

Implementing a Social-Emotional and Behavioral (SEB) MTSS framework is often viewed as the definitive roadmap for student success, yet many districts find these initiatives stalling at the "educator buy-in" phase. Why? Because systems are only as strong as the people who power them. This session explores how leadership practices support SEB and Special Education programming to prevent initiative failure.

-Audit implementation friction to diagnose systemic challenges.

-Move beyond mandates to co-designed professional trust.

-Operationalize well-being, recognizing regulated adults as the primary intervention.

-Align SpEd with MTSS to bridge silos and create unified support

Speakers

Annalisa Sanchez

Educational Consultant, Lumera Leadership

I specialize in supporting school and district leaders as they design and sustain effective SEB MTSS and special education systems. My approach is rooted in the belief that leadership comes first. I have often seen strong initiatives stall because student supports exceed adult readiness... Read More →

Thursday July 30, 2026 12:40pm - 1:40pm PDT
Fuji 2

Target Audience Principals, MTSS Coach/Specialists, Special Education Directors, District Administration
Experience Foundational, Developing, Proficient
Grade Band Elementary, Secondary, District-wide

12:40pm PDT

From Silos to Systems: Reimagining School Safety Through MTSS

Thursday July 30, 2026 12:40pm - 1:40pm PDT

Gala 3

School safety and violence prevention is most effective when it is embedded within a strong Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), rather than implemented as a standalone initiative.
This session will highlight how districts can integrate safety and violence prevention strategies across Tiered supports. Presenters will share how school-based threat assessment, behavioral health supports, and community partnerships are being aligned within MTSS to create more cohesive and responsive systems.
Attendees will leave with practical strategies and tools to integrate violence prevention into their existing MTSS framework.

Speakers

Amber Wynn

Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction

Thursday July 30, 2026 12:40pm - 1:40pm PDT
Gala 3

Target Audience Principals, Teachers, MTSS Coach/Specialists, School Psychologists, Special Education Directors, District Administration
Experience Foundational, Developing, Proficient
Grade Band Elementary, Secondary, District-wide

12:40pm PDT

The Science of Hope

Thursday July 30, 2026 12:40pm - 1:40pm PDT

Gala 2

Hope is not wishful thinking—it is a measurable, teachable framework linked to improved academic, social, and emotional outcomes. This session introduces the Science of Hope, grounded in the research of goals, pathways, and agency, and explores how schools can intentionally build hope within a Multi-Tiered System of Supports. Participants will leave with practical strategies to foster hope for students and adults, strengthening engagement, resilience, and well being across tiers.

Speakers

Jolynn Kenney

Executive Director, Other

Executive Director by day. Professional hope-instigator by night. Leads a statewide nonprofit, corrals mentors like a benevolent chaos wizard, and will absolutely ask you to “just real quick reimagine the entire system” before lunch. Fueled by coffee, justice, and a deeply held... Read More →

Thursday July 30, 2026 12:40pm - 1:40pm PDT
Gala 2

SEL & Mental Health

Target Audience Principals, Teachers, MTSS Coach/Specialists, School Psychologists, Special Education Directors, District Administration
Experience Foundational, Developing, Proficient
Grade Band Elementary, Secondary, District-wide

1:50pm PDT

Beyond the Binary: Gender Inclusive Classrooms Uplift and Celebrate Transgender Youth

Thursday July 30, 2026 1:50pm - 2:50pm PDT

Gala 3

Participants will first experience an intro level session on gender diversity for school staff, including Tier 1 strategies to create intentionally inclusive spaces. Then, they will explore research that clearly indicates the need for this work and policy that calls for Washington educators to take action. Then, they will embark on a journey to explore multiple paths to classroom, school-wide, and district implementation of inclusive educational spaces that uplift and celebrate trans youth.

Speakers

Tracy Werthman

Social Emotional Learning Specialist, Highline School District

Thursday July 30, 2026 1:50pm - 2:50pm PDT
Gala 3

Equity & Inclusion

Target Audience Principals, Teachers, MTSS Coach/Specialists, School Psychologists, Special Education Directors, District Administration
Experience Foundational, Developing, Proficient
Grade Band District-wide

1:50pm PDT

From "we should" to "we did"; District Implementation Planning that Actually Works

Thursday July 30, 2026 1:50pm - 2:50pm PDT

Fountain 3

District leaders are great at setting goals—but turning those goals into daily practice is where things often fall apart. In this session, we’ll unpack what implementation planning really is (and what it is not), why it matters for district and implementation teams, and how it can move your work from aspirational to actionable. Participants will explore how implementation science clarifies roles, structures, and next steps—and leave with concrete tools to strengthen follow-through without adding more to their plates.

Speakers

Andrea Bowman

Regional MTSS Implementation Strategist, Olympic Educational Service District 114

Andrea Bowman currently serves as a Regional Implementation Strategist at Olympic Educational Service District 114, where she partners with district and building leaders to assess their current MTSS design and support action planning for system-wide improvements. Her work centers... Read More →

Kjersti Clayton

ESD 105

Thursday July 30, 2026 1:50pm - 2:50pm PDT
Fountain 3

Target Audience Principals, MTSS Coach/Specialists, District Administration
Experience Foundational, Developing, Proficient
Grade Band District-wide

1:50pm PDT

From Reflection to Action: Using the Principles & Practices Tool to Build Inclusive MTSS Systems

Thursday July 30, 2026 1:50pm - 2:50pm PDT

Fountain 2

Most MTSS frameworks ask teams to measure fidelity to structures. But structures don't change systems — people do. In this session, participants will explore the Principles & Practices Tool, a self-assessment grounded in appreciative inquiry, developed through the UW Haring Center's Inclusionary Practices Technical Network. Washington state demonstration site teams share how the P&P Tool shifted conversations from compliance to conviction — creating conditions for more inclusive, sustainable MTSS implementation rooted in belonging and equity.

Speakers

RinaMarie Leon Geurrero

Project Coordinator, None

Shane Miramontez

Inclusion Specialist, Other

Stacia Tellefson

Other

Thursday July 30, 2026 1:50pm - 2:50pm PDT
Fountain 2

Target Audience Principals, MTSS Coach/Specialists, Special Education Directors, District Administration
Experience Foundational, Developing, Proficient
Grade Band Elementary, Secondary, District-wide

1:50pm PDT

You Can’t Run MTSS on Burnout: Fueling Sustainable Systems and Staff

Thursday July 30, 2026 1:50pm - 2:50pm PDT

Orchard South

MTSS effectiveness depends on the people implementing it. When expectations outpace capacity, even strong systems become inconsistent and difficult to sustain. This interactive session moves beyond awareness into action. Participants will work through a practical tool to identify where misalignment is occurring in their roles and leave with a clear plan to realign expectations, improve clarity, and create more sustainable routines—supporting both staff well-being and long-term MTSS implementation.

Speakers

Mariah Angele

Auburn School District

Thursday July 30, 2026 1:50pm - 2:50pm PDT
Orchard South

Target Audience Principals, Teachers, MTSS Coach/Specialists, School Psychologists, District Administration
Experience Foundational, Developing
Grade Band District-wide

1:50pm PDT

Before It Escalates: The Connection between HIB & Threat Assessment

Thursday July 30, 2026 1:50pm - 2:50pm PDT

Gala 1

This applied training focuses on Washington State’s Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying (HIB) procedures and School-Based Threat Assessment practices. Using practical applications, participants will explore the realities of how school safety has intersections with school climate, student behavior, and intervention systems. Participants will practice how to identify behaviors and provide early intervention, implement safety interventions, and support students using existing systems to balance safety and inclusion.

Speakers

Jocelyn Nunez

Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction

Amber Wynn

Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction

Thursday July 30, 2026 1:50pm - 2:50pm PDT
Gala 1

Target Audience Principals, Teachers, MTSS Coach/Specialists, School Psychologists, Special Education Directors, District Administration
Experience Foundational, Developing, Proficient
Grade Band Elementary, Secondary, District-wide

1:50pm PDT

Bridging BTAM and MTSS: A Comprehensive, Evidence-Based Approach to School Safety

Thursday July 30, 2026 1:50pm - 2:50pm PDT

Red Delicious

Discover how Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management (BTAM) already reflects
core MTSS principles through early identification, multidisciplinary teaming, and tiered
intervention. This session highlights the SK Cascade Student Threat Assessment Team
(STAT) Process and connects research, real-world application, and system alignment to
demonstrate how comprehensive threat assessment processes address threats of
school violence. Outcomes include identifying opportunities to strengthen violence
prevention, enhancing team collaboration, and aligning evidence-based practices and
the MTSS framework.

Speakers

Courtenay McCarthy

Senior Advisor, School Safety Solutions, Public Consulting Group

Courtenay is a school psychologist and senior advisor of school safety solutions for Public Consulting Group. She served over a decade as the lead school psychologist in student threat assessment and management for Salem-Keizer Public Schools, conducting multidisciplinary behavioral... Read More →

John VanDreal

Chief Architect, Violence Prevention Solutions; School Psychologist, Public Consulting Group

John Van Dreal is a school psychologist, the chief architect of violence prevention solutions for Public Consulting Group, and the retired director of Safety and Risk Management Services for the Salem-Keizer School District. He continues his career consulting with school districts and communities... Read More →

Katie Callahan

Research Assistant, University of Washington Tacoma

Thursday July 30, 2026 1:50pm - 2:50pm PDT
Red Delicious

Target Audience Principals, Teachers, MTSS Coach/Specialists, School Psychologists, Special Education Directors, District Administration
Experience Foundational, Developing, Proficient
Grade Band Elementary, Secondary, District-wide

1:50pm PDT

Project ECHO for Inclusive Education and Collaboration

Thursday July 30, 2026 1:50pm - 2:50pm PDT

Gala 2