This hands-on, interactive session will look at how early math skills can be tied to high quality literature and literacy based learning experiences in the inclusive early childhood classroom. All discussions, content and activities will align to the New Jersey Preschool Teaching and Learning Standards and NAEYC's Developmentally Approrpiate Practice.

Meet Our Presenter

Jason Verdone, LRC-S Family Events Coordinator, has been in the Early Care and Education field for 25 years serving in many different capacities: from director of childcare services for the YMCA of Camden County, to working within The Childcare Resource Center at EIRC-Resource and Referral offices for Gloucester and Cape May counties, to currently working with the Learning Resource Center-South at Rowan University for the past 20 years as the Family Events and Center Coordinator. Mr. Verdone is also currently working as the Early Head Start CDA Consultant with Quality Care, Inc. Jason also works with the childcare community at large providing high quality, professional development.

This session is for current or potential co-teachers, as well as the instructional leaders who support them in this journey. Participants will deepen their understanding of the prevailing co-teaching models, discuss how to use a variety of co-instructional approaches to maximize learning for students with disabilities, and consider a visual co-planning tool designed with teachers' limited planning time in mind.

Meet Our Presenter

Taija Haller, MA, is a Technical Assistance Specialist with the Learning Resource Center-South dedicated to supporting educators as they implement inclusive practices and cultivating a professional learning community for novice teachers. Previously, she was a middle school special educator in a Title I school for thirteen years. She has a Bachelor of Science in Special Education and a Master of Arts in Intercultural Studies.

Systemic change is a comprehensive approach to conquering the barriers to inclusive practices many schools face. Practical strategies for leading and planning systemic change, as well as individualized planning practices for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities, will be shared, Participants will learn about the barriers that impact students with intellectual and developmental disabilities, specifically.

Meet Our Presenter

Michele Gardner, MEd, is the Executive Director of ALL In for Inclusive Education (formerly NJCIE). Michele has over 26 years experience in New Jersey public schools and has dedicated her administrative career to making public schools inclusive spaces for students with a wide range of learning abilities. She is the recipient of the 2020 NJCIE Inclusion Honors award and the 2020 NJASA Special Education Administrator of the Year.

Need to spice up your classroom library? Explore newly pushed picture books for a series of book talks and explore how these books can foster inclusive classrooms and empower diverse learners. This professional development session will provide educators with strategies to integrate inclusive themes using contemporary picture books that celebrate diverse identities, cultures, and abilities. Leave with a curated list of engaging titles and practical tools to bring inclusive education to life through the power of storytelling.

Meet Our Presenter

Cathy A.R. Brant, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Equity in Teacher Education at Rowan University. A graduate of Rutgers University (B.A. & M.Ed.), Cathy began her educational career as an elementary teacher in New Jersey. After six years teaching, she attended The Ohio State University for her doctoral degree. Her research involves two strands: LGBTQ+ topics in education/teacher preparation and elementary social studies education. Cathy is currently researching the experiences of gender diverse youth in schools. She is also currently involved in a project helping elementary grade teachers integrate social studies and English language arts instruction (ELA).

Explore the new UDL 3.0 Guidelines as they shift to centering equity, identity, and systemic change. This training will guide educators through the shifts in learner-centered design, emphasizing belonging, joy, and multiple ways of knowing.

Meet Our Presenter

Alicia Drelick EdD, is an Assistant Professor of Inclusive Education at Rowan University. She is a certified Assistive Technology Professional and former special education teacher. Dr. Drelick's interests are in leveraging technology to support inclusive education, UDL and teacher preparation.

Explore the new UDL 3.0 Guidelines as they shift to centering equity, identity, and systemic change. This training will guide educators through the shifts in learner-centered design, emphasizing belonging, joy, and multiple ways of knowing.

Meet Our Presenter

Jordan Fagan, MA, is an Inclusion Facilitator for ALL In for Inclusive Education (formerly NJCIE). She earned her M.A. in Writing, Gender, and Culture from King's College London. She later earned her M.S.Ed in Educating Students with Disabilities from Brooklyn College. Jordan is a "people person" with a focus on building authentic relationships and creating opportunities for equitable access.

This session focuses on strengthening family engagement in the IEP and 504 processes. Gain practical strategies to simplify complex terms, foster trust-based relationships, and empower parents as active partners in their child’s education.

Meet Our Presenters

Alicia Drelick EdD, is an Assistant Professor of Inclusive Education at Rowan University. She is a certified Assistive Technology Professional and former special education teacher. Dr. Drelick's interests are in leveraging technology to support inclusive education, UDL and teacher preparation.

Cathy A.R. Brant, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Equity in Teacher Education at Rowan University. A graduate of Rutgers University (B.A. & M.Ed.), Cathy began her educational career as an elementary teacher in New Jersey. After six years teaching, she attended The Ohio State University for her doctoral degree. Her research involves two strands: LGBTQ+ topics in education/teacher preparation and elementary social studies education. Cathy is currently researching the experiences of gender diverse youth in schools. She is also currently involved in a project helping elementary grade teachers integrate social studies and English language arts instruction (ELA).

The updated UDL 3.0 Guidelines emphasize the importance of learner agency. Examine what learner agency looks like and explore strategies to leverage AI tools to foster more inclusive, accessible, and empowering learning environments for all students.

Meet Our Presenter

Judi Kibelstis, MA, is the Instructional Materials Specialist for the Learning Resource Center-South. She began her career in education as a secondary Social Studies and English teacher in Philadelphia and has been focused on inclusive education practices since joining the LRC-South in 2011. She earned her Master’s degree in Educational Technology from Rowan University.

In this session, attendees will have an opportunity to learn from a preschool leadership team about the steps they have taken to shift their school toward inclusive programming, and their reflections/recommendations about the experience of doing so. Join the conversation!

Meet Our Presenters

Michelle Damiani, PhD, is an Assistant Professor of Inclusive Education at Rowan University. She received her Ph.D. in Special Education from Syracuse University. Formerly, she was a professor-in-residence at a local early childhood elementary school, an elementary special education teacher, and a new teacher mentor. Her teaching and research focuses on building capacity in schools by expanding the use of inclusive pedagogy and practices and understanding the experiences of teachers with disabilities in the teacher workforce.

Melanie Sweeney, MA, MSEd, Principal J. Harvey Rodgers

Brad Unick, MA, is a Preschool Instructional Coach in the Glassboro Public School District. He earned his Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from TCNJ. He has 15 years of experience in Early Childhood as a teacher and a coach.

This workshop will support the participant in building their students' mathematical knowledge through examination of the math standards and curricular math goals. The participant will also be engaged in interactive activities that will aid in their ability to create and implement math practices, as connected to inclusive play experiences that are meaningful for all children.

Meet Our Presenters

Johari Sykes- Ratliff, MA, is an Early Childhood Lecturer in the Early Childhood, Elementary, and Critical Foundations of Education Department at Rowan University. Prior to her current position, Johari served for over twelve years in the Camden City School District, in a variety of roles including, Classroom Teacher, Master Teacher, Lead Educator/School Administrator, and Lead Educator/District Supervisor. In addition to Lecturer at Rowan, Johari has supported the Professional Development School initiative, recruitment of new faculty and staff, has engaged in a variety of College of Education programs/ initiatives, and provided coordination of the Early Childhood program. Johari is an active member of several professional organizations and enjoys presenting Early Childhood content that supports the growth and development of teachers, paraprofessional staff, school leaders, students, parents and the community.

Nicole Desesso, MA is a dedicated early childhood educator with over 25 years of experience. She is the Supervisor of Early Childhood for Camden City School District and an Adjunct Professor at Rowan University. Specializing in curriculum development, teacher training, and performance-based assessment, she is passionate about fostering young learners’ success. Nichole holds a Master’s in Educational Leadership from Cheyney University and multiple New Jersey teaching and supervisory certifications.

As more students with disabilities identify as neurodivergent it is vital that educators understand the unique strengths, differences, and challenges that exist for these students in the classroom setting. This presentation will provide an understanding of the definition of neurodiversity and the importance of developing inclusive practices to best support neurodivergent individuals. Group activity we will focus on scenarios and successful strategies to foster an inclusive classroom environment.

Meet Our Presenters

John Woodruff, MS, (he/him/his) is Director of the Accessibility Services at Rowan University. He coordinates campus services for students with disabilities and manages transitions for students entering college. John holds an MS in Health Education from St. Joseph’s University and a BS in Business Administration from St. Francis University (Loretto, Pennsylvania). John is the co-author of a book with Dr. S. Kay Kuder and Dr. Amy Accardo entitled, College Success For Students On The Autism Spectrum: A Neurodiversity Perspective and co-author of a book with Dr. Michelle Kowalsky entitled, Creating Inclusive Library Environments. His most recent activities include program development, activities, and events to promote access and understanding on campus; and leadership of faculty-led and community–led strategic partnerships for inclusion, training and mentoring. John’s professional career reflects over thirty-eight years of education, training, administration and management of employment and training programs for persons with disabilities.

Chiara Latimer, MFT, is Coordinator of the Autism PATH Program at Rowan University. This program is designed to support the transition of neurodiverse students from higher education into meaningful employment. Chiara has dedicated 10 years of her career to supporting neurodiverse students in clinical and educational settings. With the growth of neurodivergent students entering higher education, Chiara began teaching courses on career development and self-advocacy skills as an adjunct faculty member at Camden County College. In addition, she supported students and faculty in the implementation of academic accommodations at the Community College of Philadelphia. Chiara served as the inaugural co-chair of the Neurodiversity Affinity Group for the Eastern Association of Colleges and Employers. She currently serves as a member of Disability In: NJ. In 2022, Chiara was recognized by ROI-NJ as a Diversity & Inclusion Influencer and was recently highlighted in the article,"Hiring neurodiverse: 5 Questions with Rowan's Chiara Latimer." With a focus on career readiness and employer education, Chiara continues to promote the importance of empathy and inclusion in the workplace through professional conferences and training for employers.

Are you creating an accessible and welcoming school culture that recognizes and responds to disability as diversity in your school? In this session we will discuss policies, practices, and action steps that schools can take to support educational professionals with disabilities and create inclusive school environments for all.

Meet Our Presenter

Michelle Damiani, PhD, is an Assistant Professor of Inclusive Education at Rowan University. She received her Ph.D. in Special Education from Syracuse University. Formerly, she was a professor-in-residence at a local early childhood elementary school, an elementary special education teacher, and a new teacher mentor. Her teaching and research focuses on building capacity in schools by expanding the use of inclusive pedagogy and practices and understanding the experiences of teachers with disabilities in the teacher workforce.

Ready to dive into practical co-teaching resources that you can bring back to your classroom or school community? This session invites educators to explore a variety of resources that support key aspects of the co-teaching journey, including conversations that pave the way for success, co-planning that promotes effective instruction for learners with disabilities, and processes that support professional and school-wide growth. Resources for both co-teaching teams and school leadership teams will be shared!

Meet Our Presenter

Taija Haller, MA, is a Technical Assistance Specialist with the Learning Resource Center-South dedicated to supporting educators as they implement inclusive practices and cultivating a professional learning community for novice teachers. Previously, she was a middle school special educator in a Title I school for thirteen years. She has a Bachelor of Science in Special Education and a Master of Arts in Intercultural Studies.

The topic of artificial intelligence in education is complex and can be daunting for many. However, it is essential for educators to engage with AI and consider its potential impact on students and how they learn. This participant-led discussion will aim to examine the benefits and challenges of integrating AI into the classroom. Participants will gain insights and perspectives on how to leverage AI effectively to create engaging, inclusive, and purposeful learning.

Meet Our Presenter

Judi Kibelstis, MA, is the Instructional Materials Specialist for the Learning Resource Center-South. She began her career in education as a secondary Social Studies and English teacher in Philadelphia and has been focused on inclusive education practices since joining the LRC-South in 2011. She earned her Master’s degree in Educational Technology from Rowan University.

This hands on, interactive session will look at the four NJ Preschool Teaching and Learning Standards for Mathematics. Participants will create four centers that can be used as small group activities in the inclusive preschool classroom. Activities will center around understanding of number and counting, numerical operations, conceptualizing of measurable attributes of objects and developing spatial and geometric sense. Don't miss out on the marvelous math fun!

Meet Our Presenter

Jason Verdone, LRC-S Family Events Coordinator, has been in the Early Care and Education field for 25 years serving in many different capacities: from director of childcare services for the YMCA of Camden County, to working within The Childcare Resource Center at EIRC-Resource and Referral offices for Gloucester and Cape May counties, to currently working with the Learning Resource Center-South at Rowan University for the past 20 years as the Family Events and Center Coordinator. Mr. Verdone is also currently working as the Early Head Start CDA Consultant with Quality Care, Inc. Jason also works with the childcare community at large providing high quality, professional development.

This session, structured as a reading party, will invite participants to explore the many resources on teaching disability history and neurodiversity through literature in the LRC-S Library. Participants will move through several stations where they will select a text on a disability and/or neurodiversity related topic and read a brief excerpt followed by a small group discussion about the resource. Taking a Universal Design for Learning (UDL) lens,the reading party is designed to provide Inclusion Institute participants with an alternative to more traditional presentation options.

Meet Our Presenters

Amy Accardo, EdD, is an Associate Professor and co-chair of the Department of Wellness and Inclusive Services in Education at Rowan University. Her scholarly activities focus on promoting equitable education opportunities for autistic students and working with neurodiverse students, teachers, faculty, and staff to implement inclusive pedagogy and practices.

Madeline P. Boehning, MS Ed, is a graduate assistant in the Educational Leadership, Administration, and Research Department, and a third-year PhD student in the special education concentration. Before joining Rowan, she worked as a secondary ELA and humanities teacher in co-taught and inclusive classrooms. Ms. Boehning’s research interests include the policies, school structures, and teaching methods that support teachers as they work to create inclusive classrooms. She is also interested in the representation of neurodivergence and dis/ability in the K-12 curriculum.

Casey Woodfield, PhD, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Wellness and Inclusive Services in Rowan University’s College of Education. Her work builds capacity for inclusive education with an emphasis on centering the perspectives of autistic and neurodivergent students who use Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). Her scholarly activities focus on communication and inclusion as inextricably connected imperatives, and aim to foster educational approaches grounded in the value of disability and neurodiversity.