Professional Development
The Bresnahan-Halstead Center is committed to work for the advancement of knowledge and quality services for people with disabilities through research, professional development, partnership/technical assistance, and scholarships. As part of this mission, the Center is committed to assisting not only professionals who work with students with disabilities but also families of these individuals to expand their knowledge and skills in their work with them. Because the ultimate goal of the Center is to improve the academic, social, emotional, and vocational outcomes of individuals with disabilities, we have made funding available to increase the knowledge and/or skills of faculty in the School of Special Education or Board members of the Bresnahan-Halstead Center, with preference given to those individuals pursuing advanced certification, endorsement, or licensure.
Professional Development Application Guidelines
2023 Special Education Directors'
Leadership Academy
We’re All in This Together: The Journey Toward Authentic Leadership
July 19 - July 21, 2023 at Lion Square Lodge in Vail, Colorado
Come to learn, to network, and to relax.
Mike Robbins will partner with us, sharing his message on collaboration for successful leadership. As an expert in teamwork, leadership, and emotional intelligence, Mike delivers his message that empowers people, teams, and organizations to work together effectively and be more successful. He has inspired tens of thousands of people around the world to reach new levels of awareness and productivity, both personally and professionally. Through his speeches, seminars, and writing, Mike teaches people important techniques that allow them to be more grateful, appreciative, and authentic with others and themselves.
Registration fee for the 2023 Special Education Directors’ Leadership Academy is $400. As part of your registraion fee, a copy of Mike Robbins' book, We're All in This Together, will be sent to you. Registration also includes breakfast and lunch each day of the Academy as well as lodging on July 19 and 20, based upon availability at Lion Square Lodge. Space is limited to 45 participants, so you are encouraged to register as soon as possible.
Registering for the Academy is your commitment to attend and participate in all sessions, July 19 (evening networking), July 20, and July 21.
Complete registration for 2023 Special Education
Directors' Leadership Academy here.
Most Recent Events
Early Childhood Summit
Leading from the Middle: Influencing Up, Down, and Sideways
June 21-22, 2018
Join us at the Keystone Convention Center to interact and learn more about the concept of leading from the middle and discover ways in which your individual and collective interactions with children, families, and colleagues can make the biggest difference on a daily basis. Leaders include state, regional, and local directors and other administrators as well as early childhood coordinators, building principals, and assistant directors and coordinators. Camille Catlett, Scientist Emerita at Frank Porter Graham Child Development Center at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, will provide keys to successfully implementing a leadership approach that accesses “buckets” of evidence-based practice for multiple contexts in which young children learn and grow.
- Download Summit flyer
- Download registration form
- Download EDSE 508-642 course information
2022 Special Education Directors' Leadership Academy
What's the Law Got to Do with It? Addressing Challenging Behaviors in Schools
July 20 - July 22, 2022 at Lion Square Lodge in Vail, Colorado
Join with other Colorado Special Education Directors in gaining the tools to understand and interpret legal and ethical considerations needed to meet these challenges. Mitchell Yell, Ph.D., Chair of Teacher Education at Fred and Francis Lester Palmetto, will lead the 2022 Academy. Dr. Yell’s expertise and research focus includes special education law, classroom management, and IEP development.
Download behavior IEPs powerpoint here.
Download lessons from due process powerpoint here.
Download 504 discipline guidance here.
Download positive proactive approaches guide here.
Download Q&A Endrew case here.
Download addressing needs of children Q&A here.
Download USDE Dear Colleague letter here.
Download discipline powerpoint here.
Download Amy Rowley perspective here.
2018 Special Education Directors' Leadership Academy
Mapping Your Journey: Engaged Leadership for Customer Empowerment
July 18-20, 2018
Come to learn, to network, and to relax! Attend the annual Special Education Directors’ Leadership Academy co-sponsored by the UNC Bresnahan-Halstead Center and the Colorado Department of Education at Lion Square Lodge in the stunning Vail Valley. Lauren Larson, Chief of Staff for the Governor of Colorado, will lead us in mapping our journey of engaged leadership for empowering others that results in positive educational outcomes for PK-12 students.
