January | CKEC

January

Building Bridges: Strengthening Parental Involvement in the IEP Process(Indicator 8)

January 12, 2026 8:30 am - 11:30 am

Location: Lexington Campus (CKEC Training Center)

2331 Fortune Drive, Lexington, KY 40509

Presenter: Kim Hinton

Target Audience: Special Education Teachers, Special Education Admin, ARC Facilitators

This interactive professional learning session equips educators, ARC/IEP team members, and administrators with practical strategies to strengthen parental involvement in special education. Participants will explore Special Education Indicator 8, examine barriers to meaningful family engagement, and practice communication and collaboration techniques that ensure parents are active partners in the ARC/IEP process. Through hands-on activities, role-plays, and actionable planning, attendees will leave with concrete strategies to foster stronger school-family partnerships and improve outcomes for students with disabilities.

Learning Outcomes:

Understand Indicator 8 and its impact on schools and families.
Identify and overcome common barriers to parent participation.
Apply effective communication and facilitation strategies in ARC/IEP meetings.
Develop actionable steps to enhance parent engagement in your school or district.

Contact kim.hinton@ckec.org with questions.

Unlocking Literacy: Building Fluency for Comprehension

January 12, 2026 9:00 am - 11:00 am

Location: Virtual

Presenter: Erica Price

Target Audience: General Education Teachers working with students with IEPs, Co-Teachers, Interventionists, Instructional Coaches, Resource Teachers

Unlocking Literacy: Building Fluency for Comprehension– Fluency is the bridge between decoding and understanding. This session highlights practical methods to help adolescents read smoothly and expressively so they can focus on making meaning.

Two hours of PD credit will be awarded for participation in this virtual session. For questions, contact erica.price@ckec.org.

The Autism Helper Cadre: Classroom Schedules

January 13, 2026 9:00 am - 12:00 pm

Location: Virtual

Presenter: Sasha Long

Target Audience: General Ed Teachers, Special Ed Teachers, Behavior Interventionists, Behavior Coaches, Special Education Instructional Coaches

Classroom Schedules

Schedules are one of the most essential components to any effective classroom! Schedules let us know when transitions will occur, the order of activities, and alerts us to changes. Children with autism, receptive language challenges, anxiety, and a history of trauma, schedules are even more important. Effective use of schedules can increase functional independence and decrease negative behaviors. However, there are some common pitfalls we fall into when it comes to appropriate schedule use. Learn my 10 dos and don’ts for classroom schedules and make the most out of this must-have strategy!

Three hours of PD or EILA credit will be awarded for participation in each virtual session.

For questions, contact erica.price@ckec.org

Grit, Growth, and Great Math: Embracing Productive Struggle for ALL Learners

January 13, 2026 9:00 am - 11:00 am

Location: Virtual

Presenter: Mary Ruth Hertweck

Target Audience: General Education, Special Education, Instructional Coaches, Math Interventionists, and Administrators

This powerful, two-hour virtual session will focus on productive struggle in mathematics for all learners. Learn how to support students as they grapple with meaningful tasks, use purposeful questioning to spark thinking, and turn mistakes into opportunities for growth. Together, we’ll explore strategies for fostering a growth mindset, facilitating rich discussions, and building a classroom culture where every student is empowered to engage in productive struggle and develop deep conceptual understanding.

Contact maryruth.hertweck@ckec.org with any questions.

Inquiry in Action Virtual Book Study

January 14, 2026; February 25, 2026; March 25, 2026; April 15, 2026 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Location: Virtual

Presenter: Sherra Caudill

Target Audience: 6-12 Teachers (Social Studies) & Instructional Coaches

Description: Join fellow social studies educators for a dynamic four-part virtual book study of Inquiry-Based Practice in Social Studies Education by S.G. Grant, Kathy Swan, and John Lee. In this interactive professional learning series, participants will unpack the Inquiry Design Model (IDM) to reimagine teaching and learning through meaningful questions, authentic tasks, and rich sources.

Each one-hour session explores key chapters of the text and offers practical, classroom-ready strategies to design and implement inquiry-based instruction that deepens understanding and student engagement.

Walk away with inquiry blueprints, adaptable templates, and a clear plan for transforming your next unit into an authentic, student-driven investigation of the world.

No Fee: Please note that this is a bring-your-own-book book study. Books can be found here: https://www.amazon.com/Inquiry-Based-Practice-Social-Studies-Education/dp/1032202351/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0

PD/EILA Credit Available

Contact sherra.caudill@ckec.org with questions.

Teaching Foundational Reading Skills Using the UFLI Foundations

January 14, 2026 8:30 am - 3:30 pm

Location: Lexington Campus (CKEC Training Center)

2331 Fortune Drive, Lexington, KY 40509

Presenter: Erica Price

This professional development session provides educators with an in-depth understanding of the UFLI Foundations program—a comprehensive, systematic phonics curriculum developed by the University of Florida Literacy Institute. Grounded in the science of reading, UFLI Foundations is designed to help educators deliver explicit and sequential instruction in phonemic awareness, phonics, decoding, encoding, and irregular word recognition.

Participants will explore the key components of the UFLI program, including the structure of daily lessons, the use of decodable texts, and multisensory routines that support all learners, particularly those at risk for reading difficulties. Hands-on modeling, guided practice, and implementation strategies will be provided to support immediate application in the classroom.

Participants will receive a copy of UFLI Foundations and each will receive 6 PD hours for attending. If you have any questions, contact erica.price@ckec.org

Neurodiversity in Action: Preventing Disability Harassment and Building Inclusive Schools

January 15, 2026 8:30 am - 11:30 am

Location: Lexington Campus (CKEC Training Center)

2331 Fortune Drive, Lexington, KY 40509

Presenter: Kim Hinton

Target Audience: Special Education Teachers, Guidance Counselors, Principals, School Psychologists, Directors of Special Education

Every student deserves to feel safe, respected, and valued. This interactive 3-hour professional learning session equips educators with the tools to recognize the strengths of neurodiverse learners while addressing the serious issue of disability harassment. Participants will:

Explore the concept of neurodiversity through a strengths-based lens.
Learn how to identify disability harassment and understand legal responsibilities under IDEA, Section 504, and the ADA.
Practice practical strategies—including bystander intervention and trauma-informed responses—to stop harassment when it happens.
Develop an action plan to foster an inclusive school climate where differences are celebrated, not targeted.

Through case studies, role-play, and collaborative planning, educators will leave prepared to champion neurodiversity and safeguard every learner’s right to thrive. This session is in-person. PD and/or EILA credit will be provided.

Contact kim.hinton@ckec.org with questions.

Cognitive Coaching

1/15/2026, 1/16/2026, 2/12/2026, 2/13/2026, 3/32026, 3/42026, 3/26/2026, 3/27/2026

8:30 am - 3:30 pm

Location: Lexington Campus (CKEC Training Center)

2331 Fortune Drive, Lexington, KY 40509

Presenter: Mark Helton

Target Audience: Teachers, Facilitators, ARC Chairs, PLC Leaders, School/District Administrators, Instructional Coaches, Interventionists

Cognitive Coaching℠ is a form of mediation that can be applied to professional interactions in a variety of settings and situations with the intention of enhancing self-directed learning. It is a composite of skills, strategies, maps, and tools, as well as mental models and beliefs. It is also a model for classroom mediation to enhance students’ self-directed learning. Research on Cognitive Coaching℠ has linked its implementation to increased student achievement, greater teacher efficacy and satisfaction, higher levels of teacher cognition, and professional, collaborative cultures.

This is the 8-day Foundational Training and is presented only in a face-to-face format. Participants will develop an understanding of three structured conversations focusing on planning, reflecting, and problem resolving. In addition, they will develop knowledge and skills for expanding teacher thinking.

EILA will be applied for each day.

$1,000 Fee

1/15/2026, 1/16/2026, 2/12/2026, 2/13/2026, 3/32026, 3/42026, 3/26/2026, 3/27/2026

NOTE: There is a minimum number of participants required for this training. Registrants will be notified no later than December 19 if the training will be cancelled.

ARC Chairperson Training
January 16, 2026 8:30 am - 3:30 pm

Location: Harrodsburg Campus

1150 Danville Road, Harrodsburg, KY 40330

Presenter: CKEC Staff

Target Audience: Any district staff who lead ARC meetings

Description: This workshop will introduce school administrators who are new to the role of ARC Chairperson to the functions and responsibilities of this position. During this full-day workshop, participants will become familiar with: steps in conducting an ARC meeting, different types of ARC meetings, disability categories of special education, specially designed instruction, and state/federal regulations impacting chairing an ARC meeting. Opportunities will be provided to discuss, ask questions, and network with other administrators concerning the role of ARC Chairperson.

6 EILA Hours will be provided for the training

Contact cari.sherrets@ckec.org with questions.

Fueling the Flame: Student Enrichment Beyond Mastery

January 20, 2026 8:30 am - 3:30 pm

Location: Lexington Campus (CKEC Training Center)

2331 Fortune Drive, Lexington, KY 40509

Presenter: Lindsey Ellis

Target Audience: K-12 Teachers, Instructional Coaches, Administrators

Description: Embrace the essence of DuFour's 4th Question, "What do we do when students already know it?" This session is dedicated to igniting educators' approaches to teaching, focusing on enriching students who surpass standard academic benchmarks. Learn to identify and cultivate each student's unique talents, fostering curiosity, creativity, and emotional and social intelligence. Discover interdisciplinary methods and sustainable practices to keep the flame of learning alive for all students.

Assistive Technology in Action: Supporting Communication, Learning, and Independence

January 20, 2026 12:30 pm - 3:30 pm

Location: Lexington Campus (CKEC Training Center)

2331 Fortune Drive, Lexington, KY 40509

Presenter: Erica Price

Target Audience: General Ed Teachers, Special Ed Teachers, Behavior Interventionists, Behavior Coaches, Special Education Instructional Coaches, Paraeducators

Description: AT in Action is an interactive training designed to help educators understand how assistive technology can meaningfully support student communication, learning, behavior, and independence. Participants will learn what assistive technology is—and what it isn’t—while exploring real examples of lite-tech, mid-tech, and high-tech tools used across daily routines. The session will walk through the SETT Framework for choosing the right tools, demonstrate how to embed AT into instruction, and highlight the role of data collection in determining effectiveness. Educators will leave with practical strategies and ready-to-use ideas they can immediately implement to support diverse learners in their classrooms.

This is an in-person session.

Participants will receive a 3-hour PD certificate.

Contact erica.price@ckec.org with any questions.

Algebra Strategies for Middle and High School

January 20, 2026 9:00 am - 11:00 am

Location: Virtual

Presenter: Mary Ruth Hertweck

Target Audience: Grades 6-12 General Education Teachers and Special Education Teachers, Math Interventionists, Instructional Coaches, Administration

This two-hour virtual session will focus on research-based strategies from the What Works Clearinghouse guide for teaching Algebra to middle school and high school students. Participants will have the opportunity to explore how these strategies might help students develop algebraic thinking and be used to address misconceptions along the way. There will be time to create personalized tasks and materials based on the strategies.

Contact maryruth.hertweck@ckec.org with any questions.

Think Like a Mathematician: Metacognitive Strategies for Diverse Learners
January 21, 2026 9:00 am - 11:00 am

Location: Virtual

Presenter: Mary Ruth Hertweck

Target Audience: General Education, Special Education, Instructional Coaches, and Administrators

Unlock the power of thinking about thinking in math! In this virtual session, teachers will explore metacognitive strategies to boost learning for all students—especially those with disabilities. Walk away with practical tools and simple procedures you can use right away in your classroom to help students take ownership of their learning.

Contact maryruth.hertweck@ckec.org with any questions.

Parent & Family Engagement Cadre

January 22, 2026 9:00 am - 10:30 am

Location: Virtual

Presenter: CKEC and SESC Staff

Target Audience: General Education Teachers, Counselors, Administrators, Special Ed

CKEC and SESC invite you to partner with us for the Virtual Parent & Family Engagement Cadre.

Join us virtually from 9:00–10:30 am EST on 1/22/26, 2/26/26, 3/26/26, and 4/23/26. Together, we will explore resources and share ideas to strengthen the inclusion of parents and families in students’ school experiences. Sessions will feature guest speakers who are experts in family and community engagement, as well as opportunities to connect with participants across the region to highlight and learn from practices that are working in schools.

From Resource to Results: Putting HQIRs into Practice

January 22, 2026; February 19, 2026; March 19, 2026; April 16, 2026

9:00 am - 12:00 pm

Location: Lexington Campus (CKEC Training Center)

2331 Fortune Drive, Lexington, KY 40509

Presenter: Tabor Placido

Target Audience: DSC, School Administrators, Instructional Coaches

Description: This professional learning series is designed for district and school leaders responsible for curriculum, instruction, and assessment. Through a sequence of collaborative sessions, participants will explore how to effectively implement and maximize their High-Quality Instructional Resources (HQIRs) to drive improved student outcomes.

Using the Curriculum Implementation Framework as a guide, leaders will learn how to develop and refine a local curriculum document, utilize the Pedagogical Practices Mapping Tool, and align learning targets, standards, lessons, and assessments to ensure coherence across their instructional system.

Each session will balance learning, reflection, and collaboration, providing opportunities for participants to:

Examine tools and processes that strengthen curriculum implementation;
Apply learning to their own district or school context;
Engage in meaningful discussion and problem-solving with peers; and
Hear from other districts about their implementation successes and challenges.

By the end of the series, participants will leave with actionable tools, aligned curriculum structures, and strategies to ensure improved teaching and learning across classrooms.

One registration to attend all sessions.

Contact heather.brown@ckec.org with questions.

Fueling the Flame: Student Enrichment Beyond Mastery

January 27, 2026 8:30 am - 3:30 pm

Location: Harrodsburg Campus

1150 Danville Road, Harrodsburg, KY 40330

Presenter: Lindsey Ellis

Target Audience: K-12 Teachers, Instructional Coaches, Administrators

For more information, contact lindsey.ellis@ckec.org

Thinking Maps: A Language for Learning

January 27, 2026 8:30 am - 3:30 pm

Location: Lexington Campus (CKEC Training Center)

2331 Fortune Drive, Lexington, KY 40509

Presenter: Holly Lawrence

Target Audience: Teachers, Instructional Coaches, Administrators

Description: Thinking Maps is a set of 8 visual patterns that correlate to specific cognitive processes. Based on the building blocks of brain-based learning, they are used across all grades and content areas to build critical thinking, problem-solving, comprehension, and communication skills necessary for academic success in every domain.

Participants will gain:

Overview of Theory, Research Basis
Introduction to the Defining Characteristics of Thinking Maps
Learning the Thinking Maps: 8 Visual Patterns for Critical Thinking - Asking Questions
Strategies for Developing Independent Learners: Teaching the Maps to Students

Participants will receive a copy of Thinking Maps: A Language for Learning, 2nd Ed. Teacher’s Guide.

Fee: $125.oo for Member Districts; $200.00 for Non-Member Districts

6 Hours PD/EILA Credit

Contact holly.lawrence@ckec.org with questions.

Reasoning for All: Math Routines that Engage Every Learner

January 29, 2026 8:30 am - 3:30 pm

Location: Lexington Campus (CKEC Training Center)

2331 Fortune Drive, Lexington, KY 40509

Presenter: Mary Ruth Hertweck

Target Audience: General Education, Special Education, Instructional Coaches, Math Interventionists, and Administrators

This engaging, six-hour in-person, professional development on Routines for Reasoning is inspired by the work of Grace Kelemanik, Amy Lucenta, and Susan Janssen Creighton. Participants will receive a copy of the book with this training. We will explore powerful, ready-to-use routines that seamlessly weave the Standards for Mathematical Practice into daily instruction, helping all students engage more deeply while developing essential habits of mathematical thinking. As the authors remind us, “Teaching students to think and reason is perhaps the greatest challenge we face as math educators”—and these routines offer clear, practical pathways to make it happen.

Contact maryruth.hertweck@ckec.org with any questions.

Time-Saving AI Tools for Teachers that Make Learning More Engaging (2-Day Cohort)

January 29, 2026 and February 25, 2026 8:30 am - 3:30 pm

Location: Lexington Campus (CKEC Training Center)

2331 Fortune Drive, Lexington, KY 40509

Presenter: Holly Lawrence

Target Audience: Teachers, Instructional Coaches, Library Media Specialists, School Technology Coordinators, Digital Learning Coaches, Administrators

Description: In this two-day cohort, educators will explore the potential of artificial intelligence in the classroom, centered on the six educator functions presented in The Artificial Intelligence Playbook by Meghan Hargrave, Douglas Fisher, and Nancy Frey. Through these interactive sessions, participants will engage in hands-on activities that demonstrate how AI can streamline lesson planning and boost student engagement.

Day 1 will explore managing content, fostering student engagement, and meeting students’ instructional needs. Day 2 will focus on assessing student learning, providing effective feedback, and supporting lifelong learning. By the end of the cohort, participants will have a toolbox tailored to their teaching context, leaving with new, time-saving tools to enrich learning experiences in meaningful ways.

Participants will receive a copy of The Artificial Intelligence Playbook (1st Edition).

Fee: Free for Member Districts; $125.00 for Non-Member Districts

6 Hours of PD/EILA Credit each day

Contact holly.lawrence@ckec.org with questions.

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