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
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.
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.
