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Wednesday, July 29
 

10:10am PDT

MTSS Tier 1: Building Roadmaps Through Collaboration
Wednesday July 29, 2026 10:10am - 11:10am PDT
This session strengthens MTSS Tier 1 foundations in secondary schools by building collaboration, consistency, and shared responsibility for student success. Strong Tier 1 practices improve engagement, reduce course failures, support executive functioning, and lessen the need for intensive interventions. Staff reflect on current practices, identify inconsistencies, set a shared Tier 1 goal, and determine supports needed to implement effective, schoolwide systems.
Speakers
avatar for Tamara Zunis

Tamara Zunis

School Psychologist/Former Teacher, Other
Hi! I am a current School Psychologist in the Puyallup School District. Prior to working in Washington State, I worked as both a general education and special education teacher in the Dallas/Fort Worth area of Texas for over a decade. I am currently part of my district’s secondary... Read More →
Wednesday July 29, 2026 10:10am - 11:10am PDT
Fountain 2
  Leadership & Systems

11:20am PDT

Curriculum Implementation Leadership: An Enabling Context for Inclusive Systems
Wednesday July 29, 2026 11:20am - 12:20pm PDT
Many principals describe curriculum use in their schools as "hodge-podge" or "all over the place," revealing a structural barrier that undermines the coherence and consistency inclusive systems require. Inequitable Tier 1 access perpetuates the very disparities MTSS is designed to eliminate. Drawing on implementation science and the enabling contexts needed to create conditions for success, this session reimagines the principal's role as a leader of curriculum implementation, equipping participants with four concrete leadership investments to sustain truly inclusive systems.
Speakers
avatar for Melissa Van Straten

Melissa Van Straten

Director of Teaching, Learning & Leadership, Mount Vernon School District
Dr. Melissa Van Straten is an educational leader and scholar-practitioner who currently serves as the Director of Elementary Teaching, Learning, and Leadership in the Mount Vernon School District in Mount Vernon, WA. Her career includes roles as an elementary classroom teacher, instructional... Read More →
Wednesday July 29, 2026 11:20am - 12:20pm PDT
Fuji 3

11:20am PDT

Inclusive Education in Practice
Wednesday July 29, 2026 11:20am - 12:20pm PDT
This session will show systems in place at Toppenish Middle School for inclusive education. This includes strong tier 1 systems (including SEL instruction), RTI groups (schoolwide, counselor-led, and inclusive), and delivery and monitoring of SDI across different placements, Attendees will leave knowing how general education curriculums can be adapted so SWD can be involved and progress within general education curriculums at the same time and same classroom as their peers.
Speakers
avatar for Brenda Brophil

Brenda Brophil

Toppenish School District
Hello!  Thank you for attending MTSS 2026! I have been teaching since 2005. I graduated from CWU in 2005 but moved to the Oregon Coast to begin my career as it was (and is!) beautiful there.  I taught within a self-contained and medically fragile classroom for four years, followed... Read More →
Wednesday July 29, 2026 11:20am - 12:20pm PDT
Gala 3

11:20am PDT

Introduction to Comprehensive, Integrated 3-Tiered System of Prevention (Ci3T)
Wednesday July 29, 2026 11:20am - 12:20pm PDT
Feeling stretched by fragmented initiatives and competing priorities? Focus on building one coherent MTSS aligned to Washington’s integrated approach for academics, behavior, and social-emotional learning. Developed and studied by researchers at the University of Kansas, this session introduces the Ci3T Building Your Model series and walks district and building leaders through the what, why, and how of strengthening Tier 1 systems and coordinated Tier 2/3 supports.
Speakers
avatar for Andrea Bowman

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 →
avatar for Sandra Gessner

Sandra Gessner

Assistant Superintendent of Teaching & Learning, Olympic Educational Service District 114
The Fellows’ Network is a group of instructional leaders convened by the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction Washington State Fellows’ Network and the Association of Educational Service Districts (AESD) Network. Our mission is to support district and community implementation of state learning standards in Mathematics, English Language Arts, Science, and Early Learning Guidelines. Fellows meet four times per year and are committ... Read More →
Wednesday July 29, 2026 11:20am - 12:20pm PDT
Fuji 2

11:20am PDT

UDL and the Purposeful Shift: Using AI to Empower Student-Led Learning
Wednesday July 29, 2026 11:20am - 12:20pm PDT
Does it ever feel like you’re working harder than your students? Have you spent hours on lessons, only to face disengaged learners? It’s time to shift your practice. Based on the transformative work of Katie Novak, this session explores how to move from a teacher-led to student-led environment where learners take the lead and teachers regain their time.
Speakers
avatar for Tracy Dabbs

Tracy Dabbs

Director of Technology & Innovation, Burlington-Edison School District
Check out our Ed-Tech Support site:
https://sites.google.com/be.wednet.edu/besd-technology-and-innovation/home
Wednesday July 29, 2026 11:20am - 12:20pm PDT
Gala 1

11:20am PDT

Using a Semi-Structured Interview to Accompany the MTSS Fidelity of Implementation Rubric to Establish Building and District Priorities
Wednesday July 29, 2026 11:20am - 12:20pm PDT
The AIR MTSS Fidelity of Implementation Rubric (2025) provides a comprehensive view of a building’s MTSS framework. Washington AIMS faculty developed a semi-structured interview for facilitators to examine building-level implementation of essential components in ELA, math, and social-emotional/behavioral areas. This session provides participants with steps to facilitate interviews, reliably score, and prioritize next steps for implementation. Participants will receive access to a facilitator’s guide, interview template, example building and district reports, and a resource library.
Speakers
avatar for William Rasplica

William Rasplica

Executive Director, Learning Support Services (Retired), UW Bothell
Bill retired after 42 years working in the public schools of Illinois, Iowa and Washington State. Past positions include paraprofessional, special education teacher, principal, AEA special education consultant and district special education administrator. In Washington, Bill has been... Read More →
avatar for Susan Ruby

Susan Ruby

Susan is a nationally certified school psychologist and practiced in five states before working as a professor in School Psychology at Eastern Washington University. She recently retired as Professor Emeritus and looks forward to collaborating with districts and schools in their MTSS... Read More →
Wednesday July 29, 2026 11:20am - 12:20pm PDT
Fountain 1

1:20pm PDT

MTSS from Scratch to Success: Empowering Educators, Students, and Families With a MTSS Success Story for the Virtual School
Wednesday July 29, 2026 1:20pm - 2:20pm PDT
This professional development session explores how a virtual school designed and implemented a fully functioning Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) from the ground up. Participants will learn key structures, processes, and tools used to build a responsive system in a remote environment. The session highlights first-year successes, future plans, and practical strategies for data-driven decision making, intervention planning, and team collaboration to support all learners effectively in a virtual setting with actionable examples and templates.
Speakers
avatar for Katherine Blair

Katherine Blair

Special Services Director, Valley School District
avatar for Taylor Morgan

Taylor Morgan

Intervention Specialist, Valley School District
Wednesday July 29, 2026 1:20pm - 2:20pm PDT
Gala 1

1:20pm PDT

Multi-Tiered System of Supports: A District Implementation Roadmap — An Evidence-Based Framework for Systemic School & District Improvement
Wednesday July 29, 2026 1:20pm - 2:20pm PDT
MTSS/RTI is not a program you purchase — it is a systemic transformation in how districts think about students, data, and instruction. Drawing on two decades of peer-reviewed research and real-world district experience, this session walks participants through a three-phase, three-year implementation roadmap anchored in four non-negotiable components: a tiered continuum of supports, universal screening, progress monitoring, and data-based decision-making. Equity, family partnership, and lessons from Washington State's Last Mile Project are woven throughout.
Speakers
avatar for Cassie Martin

Cassie Martin

Executive Director of Special Education, OSPI
Dr. Cassie Martin is WA state’s Executive Director of Special Education at OSPI. For over 25 years, Cassie has dedicated her professional life and learning to equitable and inclusive education for students with disabilities in support of strong educational outcomes for all students... Read More →
avatar for Tania May

Tania May

Assistant Superintendent of Special Education, OSPI
Dr. Tania May is the Assistant Superintendent of Special Education for the Washington state Office of
Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI). Her work is focused on collaborating with schools,
community partners, families, and students in support of improved outcomes for stude... Read More →
avatar for William Rasplica

William Rasplica

Executive Director, Learning Support Services (Retired), UW Bothell
Bill retired after 42 years working in the public schools of Illinois, Iowa and Washington State. Past positions include paraprofessional, special education teacher, principal, AEA special education consultant and district special education administrator. In Washington, Bill has been... Read More →
Wednesday July 29, 2026 1:20pm - 2:20pm PDT
Orchard South

2:30pm PDT

Aligning for Impact: Building an Integrated MTSS Approach in the Middle Grades
Wednesday July 29, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT
This session shares lessons from implementing a district-wide, integrated MTSS approach through the lens of the middle grades. Participants will explore how we aligned PBIS, mental health, and academics to create safe, welcoming schools grounded in each student’s story, strengths, and needs. With a focus on growth of the “whole child”, we will highlight a systems approach that increases student outcomes. Participants will leave with actionable strategies to strengthen MTSS implementation in their schools.
Speakers
WJ

Wyeth Jessee

Superintendent, Shelton School District

avatar for Mary K. Johnson

Mary K. Johnson

Principal at Olympic Middle School, Shelton School District
Mary Johnson is the principal of Olympic Middle School in Shelton, Washington, where she is committed to building systems that support the academic, behavioral, and social-emotional success of every student. With more than 20 years in education, Mary has served in a variety of roles... Read More →
AM

Adrienne Minnery

Shelton School District

Wednesday July 29, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT
Golden Delicious

2:30pm PDT

Belonging by Design: Improving Inclusive Tier 1 Settings in Elementary Schools
Wednesday July 29, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT
What leadership moves help schools increase belonging and meaningful access to grade-level instruction for students with disabilities? In this session, elementary principals share brief case studies of how they strengthened Tier 1 systems to support inclusive practices within an MTSS framework. Participants will explore the leadership decisions, structures, and instructional shifts that led to improved outcomes and consider how these approaches might inform their own efforts to build more inclusive schools.
Speakers
avatar for Faye Britt

Faye Britt

Edmonds School District
avatar for Cassie Stevens

Cassie Stevens

Inclusionary Practices Coordinator, Northwest Educational Service District 189
Cassie Stevens has served as the Inclusionary Practices Coordinator at Northwest Educational Service District 189 since 2020. Cassie is part of a statewide team of Inclusionary Practices coordinators that support school and district leaders to implement and improve inclusionary practices... Read More →
avatar for Johnna Stewart

Johnna Stewart

Principal, Edmonds School District
Johnna Stewart has served as the Principal at Brier Elementary for the past 11 years. Prior to that, she served as a school counselor for 10 years in the Edmonds School District and worked in various social service roles before working in education. The team at Brier Elementary has... Read More →
Wednesday July 29, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT
Fuji 2

2:30pm PDT

From Consultation to Transformation: How District Partnerships Remove the Barriers That Disempower Students in MTSS
Wednesday July 29, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT
Most MTSS systems were designed to support students—yet too often, they continue to disempower those furthest from opportunity. Through a partnership with an elementary school in a Washington State district, this interactive session reveals how consultation can surface hidden barriers and transform Tier 1 practices. Participants will use a practical diagnostic tool to uncover inequities in their own systems and leave with a clear, actionable approach to build inclusive environments where every student can thrive.
Speakers
avatar for Britney Boyles

Britney Boyles

Senior Liberation Consultant, And Still We Rise
Consulting Coordinator and Senior Liberation Consultant at And Still We Rise, Britney Boyles is based in Washington State and was a public school educator for nearly a decade. As an administrator, Boyles centered the needs of those who are often unseen and amplified the voices of... Read More →
Wednesday July 29, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT
Red Delicious

2:30pm PDT

From Framework to Function: MTSS in Action for Small Schools
Wednesday July 29, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT
This session highlights how a small district moved MTSS from theory to fully functioning systems. Participants will see real structures for behavior, RTI, and SPED integration, including meeting processes, data use, and intervention cycles. We will share tools, templates, and team roles that support sustainability. Outcomes include increased staff clarity, improved intervention effectiveness, and stronger alignment between general and special education systems in a small school setting.
Speakers
SL

Sarah Lewman

Special Services Director, Omak School District
NR

Nicole Roberts

SpEd Teacher, Omak School District
SS

Star Stone

Omak School District
BW

Brenda Worden

Omak School District
Wednesday July 29, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT
Fountain 2

3:40pm PDT

From Talk to Traction: Leading MTSS Implementation That Actually Gets Done
Wednesday July 29, 2026 3:40pm - 4:40pm PDT
Does your team spend time talking about MTSS without seeing meaningful progress? This session focuses on moving MTSS from discussion to action using practical project management strategies. Participants will explore tools such as project charters, RACI matrices, communication plans, and structured team routines to clarify roles, set priorities, and sustain momentum. With an emphasis on equity, participants will leave with concrete strategies and ready-to-use tools to ensure MTSS efforts translate into consistent, systemwide implementation.
Speakers
avatar for Dr. Hannah Gbenro

Dr. Hannah Gbenro

Chief Operations Officer, Dynamic Education Consulting & Solutions

Wednesday July 29, 2026 3:40pm - 4:40pm PDT
Gala 3

3:40pm PDT

High Impact, Low Cost: Leadership Moves That Make MTSS Work
Wednesday July 29, 2026 3:40pm - 4:40pm PDT
When budgets are tight, leadership moves matter most. This session dives into practical, no-cost strategies to strengthen MTSS through facilitation, alignment, and inclusive systems design. Participants will learn how to improve teaming, decision-making, and coherence without adding initiatives, while leveraging existing state, regional, and local supports. Attendees will leave with concrete tools to increase impact, reduce fragmentation, and build sustainable, inclusive MTSS systems using what they already have.
Speakers
avatar for RJ Monton

RJ Monton

Monton Consulting
Wednesday July 29, 2026 3:40pm - 4:40pm PDT
Golden Delicious
 
Thursday, July 30
 

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
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
avatar for RinaMarie Leon Geurrero

RinaMarie Leon Geurrero

Project Coordinator, None
avatar for Shane Miramontez

Shane Miramontez

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

10:40am PDT

Beyond Compliance: Leadership Lessons in Hope
Thursday July 30, 2026 10:40am - 11:40am PDT
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
avatar for Justin Bradford

Justin Bradford

Executive Director of Special Services, ESD 123
Thursday July 30, 2026 10:40am - 11:40am PDT
Gala 3

10:40am PDT

From Framework to Feel: Activating Restorative Practices with MTSS
Thursday July 30, 2026 10:40am - 11:40am PDT
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
avatar for Phil Averill

Phil Averill

Principal, Quincy School District
MC

Molly Carlson

Granite Falls School District

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

10:40am PDT

What’s Missing in MTSS Implementation? Building Sustainable Systems, Culture, and Practice
Thursday July 30, 2026 10:40am - 11:40am PDT
MTSS, 504, and special education systems often develop alongside one another, sometimes creating overlapping expectations that strain staff capacity and generate procedural fragmentation. This may stem from limited attention to how systems interact and from underestimating the role strong Tier 1 instruction plays in reducing pressure on intervention structures. This session shares how a rural district designed its systems to better nest within one another, striving toward greater coherence, staff efficacy, and intervention fidelity while offering practical strategies for aligning these systems.
Speakers
EB

Erich Bolz

Bolz Leadership Services
JH

Jeff Hardesty

Oroville School District
Thursday July 30, 2026 10:40am - 11:40am PDT
Golden Delicious

12:40pm PDT

Beyond the Tiered Pyramid: Driving Sustainable Change through Leadership and Well-being
Thursday July 30, 2026 12:40pm - 1:40pm PDT
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
avatar for Annalisa Sanchez

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

12:40pm PDT

Building Functional Tier 2 MTSS Systems That Drive Results
Thursday July 30, 2026 12:40pm - 1:40pm PDT

This interactive workshop helps schools move beyond fragmented, inconsistently implemented Tier 2 supports toward a structured, data-driven system grounded in clarity and fidelity. Drawing from real statewide examples, participants will examine proven strategies for identifying interventions, collecting and using data, and strengthening team infrastructure. Using a Tier 2 Teaming Guidance Document, teams will assess current systems and build an actionable plan tailored to their setting.
Speakers
avatar for David Mendez

David Mendez

Associate Director, True Measure Collaborative
David has worked alongside educators his entire professional career as a teacher, community organizer, instructional coach and in various non-profit leadership roles. He is passionate about ensuring all kids have access to a high quality education, especially those who are furthest... Read More →
avatar for Micheal Williams

Micheal Williams

Program Manager, True Measure Collaborative
Program Manager with The True Measure Collaborative, I bring 18 years of experience in Special Education supporting students with a wide range of cognitive, physical, social, and behavioral needs. Prior to my current role, I spent 3 years in the Tukwila School District, as a district... Read More →
avatar for Cassie Watkins

Cassie Watkins

Program Manager, True Measure Collaborative
TE

Tasnim Elmaghrabi

Program Manager, True Measure Collaborative
Program manager with The True Measure Collaborative supporting schools across washington state, as an experienced educator and program leader with over a decade in K–12 special education across charter and public schools in California and Washington. She began as a Special Education... Read More →
Thursday July 30, 2026 12:40pm - 1:40pm PDT
Fountain 3

1:50pm PDT

From "we should" to "we did"; District Implementation Planning that Actually Works
Thursday July 30, 2026 1:50pm - 2:50pm PDT
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
avatar for Andrea Bowman

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

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
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
avatar for RinaMarie Leon Geurrero

RinaMarie Leon Geurrero

Project Coordinator, None
avatar for Shane Miramontez

Shane Miramontez

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

1:50pm PDT

You Can’t Run MTSS on Burnout: Fueling Sustainable Systems and Staff
Thursday July 30, 2026 1:50pm - 2:50pm PDT
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
MA

Mariah Angele

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