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Building Bridges to Success: Strengthening Behavior and Academic Foundations

July 22-24 2025 UWF Fort Walton Beach Campus

We’re thrilled to welcome you to three powerful days of learning, connection, and collaboration as we continue building bridges to support all students in Okaloosa County. This year’s institute is designed to equip educators, paraprofessionals, and service providers with strategies that not only address behavior but also strengthen academic outcomes and inclusive practices.

July 22: Blueprint for Success – Laying the Groundwork for Effective Instruction
🔹 Focus: Foundational teaching strategies, explicit instruction, and curriculum unpacking.
July 23: Bridging Behavior – Strategies for Connection & Classroom Success
🔹 Focus: Behavior supports, PBIS, social-emotional learning, and engagement strategies.
July 24: Pathways to Inclusion – Making Learning Accessible for Every Student
🔹 Focus: Universal Design for Learning (UDL), assistive technology, and inclusive practices.

Thank you for joining us on this journey towards building a brighter future for our students.
Warm regards,
Student Intervention Services

Type: Structure & Processes clear filter
Tuesday, July 22
 

9:00am CDT

Structured Teaching: Building Independence and Success for Students LIMITED
Tuesday July 22, 2025 9:00am - 11:00am CDT
Join experts from the Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD) to explore the power of Structured Teaching—an evidence-based approach designed to support students. This session will focus on creating visually organized, predictable classroom environments that foster independence, reduce anxiety, and increase student engagement. Participants will walk away with practical strategies, real-life examples, and tools to implement Structured Teaching effectively in various classroom settings.
Speakers
avatar for Debi Cassidy

Debi Cassidy

Autism Consultant, Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD)
Tuesday July 22, 2025 9:00am - 11:00am CDT
UWF FWB Rm 836

9:00am CDT

Classroom Management: Creating Calm, Consistent, and Connected Classrooms LIMITED
Tuesday July 22, 2025 9:00am - 3:00pm CDT
Join FDLRS for a hands-on session focused on proactive, positive classroom management strategies that support all learners. Discover how to establish clear expectations, build strong teacher-student relationships, and create routines that reduce disruptions and increase engagement. This session will provide practical tools and real-world examples to help you foster a learning environment that is structured, supportive, and student-centered.
Speakers
DJ

Deirdre Jackson

Human Resource Development Specialist, FDLRS
Tuesday July 22, 2025 9:00am - 3:00pm CDT
UWF FWB Rm 355

12:00pm CDT

Collaborative Teaching Partnerships Pt. 1 LIMITED
Tuesday July 22, 2025 12:00pm - 3:00pm CDT
Part 1 of 2 (Part 2 July 24)
In this session, the Florida Inclusion Network will guide participants through the foundations of effective collaborative teaching. The 6-hour professional learning course is designed for teachers who provide in-class supports to students with disabilities in general education settings. It fulfills the requirements of Section 1003.03, Florida Statutes (F.S.), specifically the subsection mandating training in team-teaching methods within one year of assignment. Throughout the session, participants will engage with content from six comprehensive modules, which include:
· Collaborative Teaching Approaches
· Instructional Strategies
· Planning Methods
The course is eligible for Special Education recertification points through the district’s professional learning department. Participants must complete the full 6-hour course and the subsequent follow-up activity to earn these points.

Speakers
JP

Jessica Proctor

Facilitator, FIN
KF

Katie Feliciano

Facilitator, FIN
Tuesday July 22, 2025 12:00pm - 3:00pm CDT
UWF FWB Rm 835
 
Wednesday, July 23
 

9:00am CDT

SEL Strong Start: Harmony Curriculum™ Everyday Practices LIMITED
Wednesday July 23, 2025 9:00am - 10:30am CDT
Start your school year strong by exploring the everyday practices of Harmony Curriculum™—a research-based program designed to build healthy relationships and social-emotional skills in the classroom. In this interactive session, you'll be provided details and expanded features of the Everyday Practices in Harmony Third Edition, including Personal Goals, Meet Up and Buddy Up. You will also learn about Harmony Curriculum™, including Lessons & Activities, that you can implement in your classes right away.  
Speakers
avatar for Erika Peterson

Erika Peterson

District Intervention Coordinator, OCSD
Wednesday July 23, 2025 9:00am - 10:30am CDT
UWF FWB Rm 355

9:00am CDT

Smooth Moves: Mastering Effective Classroom Transitions LIMITED
Wednesday July 23, 2025 9:00am - 11:00am CDT
Classroom transitions can make or break the flow of your day. This session explores practical strategies for creating smooth, efficient transitions that reduce downtime, increase student engagement, and promote positive behavior. Learn how to set clear expectations, use visual and auditory supports, and incorporate routines that work for all learners—including those with special needs. Participants will walk away with ready-to-use tools and techniques to make every transition purposeful and peaceful.
Speakers
BL

Brittellen Luciano

Region 1 Project Manager, SEDNET
Wednesday July 23, 2025 9:00am - 11:00am CDT
UWF FWB Rm 835

12:00pm CDT

Sensory Integration in the Classroom LIMITED
Wednesday July 23, 2025 12:00pm - 1:30pm CDT
This session will explore how sensory processing impacts student behavior, attention, and learning—and how you can design a classroom that meets a wide range of sensory needs. Learn to recognize signs of sensory dysregulation, understand the difference between sensory seekers and avoiders, and implement practical strategies to support regulation and engagement. From simple environmental adjustments to sensory tools and movement breaks, you’ll leave with ideas that can make a big difference in how students feel and function throughout the day.
Speakers
avatar for Tisha Melton

Tisha Melton

Autism Consultant, Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD)
I am a certified teacher, Board Certified Behavior Analyst and Certified Trauma and Resilience Specialist . I currently work as an autism consultant for the Florida State University Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD). 
Wednesday July 23, 2025 12:00pm - 1:30pm CDT
UWF FWB Rm 836
 
Thursday, July 24
 

12:00pm CDT

Collaborative Teaching Partnerships Pt 2 LIMITED
Thursday July 24, 2025 12:00pm - 3:00pm CDT
Part 2 of 2 (Part 1 July 22)
In this session, the Florida Inclusion Network will guide participants through the foundations of effective collaborative teaching. The 6-hour professional learning course is designed for teachers who provide in-class supports to students with disabilities in general education settings. It fulfills the requirements of Section 1003.03, Florida Statutes (F.S.), specifically the subsection mandating training in team-teaching methods within one year of assignment. Throughout the session, participants will engage with content from six comprehensive modules, which include:
· Laws, Language, and Research
· Communication
· Roles and Responsibilities

The course is eligible for Special Education recertification points through the district’s professional learning department. Participants must complete the full 6-hour course and the subsequent follow-up activity to earn these points.
Speakers
JP

Jessica Proctor

Facilitator, FIN
KF

Katie Feliciano

Facilitator, FIN
Thursday July 24, 2025 12:00pm - 3:00pm CDT
UWF FWB Rm 460
 
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