Sarah Peck is an educator with 16 years experience in both primary classroom teaching, and school-wide leadership. She has also presented workshops at a conference, and Community of Practice on leading change in the area of literacy, and writing to support all learners. Sarah's passions lie in supporting neurodiverse learners to thrive, as well as up-skilling her own teaching and instructional practices to meet the needs of all learners.

Sarah Peck

Working Memory and Cognitive Load

Sarah will share some basic information on the role of Working Memory and Cognitive Load in relation to learners in the classroom. She also has some useable tips for how to support students where Working Memory may be challenged, and how to help ease Cognitive Load.

You will learn..

1. A basic understanding of Working Memory and Cognitive Load.

2. How Working Memory and Cognitive Load can impact learning.

3. Some simple tips for supporting students with Working Memory challenges, and ways to help ease Cognitive Load.

Gretchen Wegner is a classroom teacher turned academic coach and the founder of the Anti-Boring Learning Lab, where educators obsess over sharing the science-backed study skills and executive function strategies every student needs to thrive. Explore her courses, community, and free resources for educators on her website.

For more information please go to www.antiboringlearninglab.com.

Gretchen Wegner

Founder, Anti-Boring Learning Lab

The “Coach Approach” to Communicating More Effectively With Students

Teacher’s aide’s have a unique opportunity to personalise student learning. However, many adults who work with students talk to them in ways that are inadvertently unmotivating, and dare we say, boring?! In this presentation we’ll explore some common mistakes that many educators make when talking to students about their learning and behavior; discuss surprising words to stop saying as well as simple options to say instead, and a 3-step model for how to adopt a “coach approach” when working 1:1. Put these anti-boring tips into practice during your next school day and notice the difference they make right away! 

At the end of my session, you will..

 - Learn some surprising ways you could be  communicating with students that hurt their learning

- Learn words to stop saying, as well as specific options for what to say instead when talking to students 1:1

- Learn a simple communication model that increases students' motivation at school

About Karen...

Karen is a champion for LifeLong Learning and is on a mission to transform education globally. Described as an educational alchemist, a conscious creator and a playful priestess, she turns research into practical strategies which positively impact teaching and learning.

A multi-award-winning speaker, educator and businesswoman, Karen is an expert in effective teaching, learning, study skills, motivation and positive thinking. She is the CEO of Spectrum Education, Principal of Spectrum Online Academy and the author of 11 books. She loves empowering teachers, parents and students and is the wife to one and the mother of two young adults (who won’t leave home!)

Karen was named the Global Evolutionary Woman of the Year 2022.

Karen Tui Boyes

Educational Alchemist

Brain Based Strategies for retention of learning by Karen

After my session you will..

- How the brain processes information

- Why repetition is key

- How to use flashcards with 100% success

- Ways to increase independence

- How to stop over supporting

Amy is passionate about people and strengthening team culture - Amy Scott (former lawyer) is all about “less friction more fun”! Amy is best known as the “dots lady” having shared the epic NZ made “dots communication” tool with more than 40,000 people ‘in person’ across every industry imaginable.A rural Central Otago girl, Amy represented NZ in ice hockey. She lawyered for 8 years before kicking off her life’s purpose inspiring people to be their best selves through communicating better.

Find out more here:

www.amyscott.co.nz

Amy Scott

People Expert

Communicate Better - Connect Powerfully: Building Meaningful Relationships Through Effective Communication

In today’s fast-paced digital world, the pressure to connect quickly is ever-present. This keynote equips you with practical tools to understand diverse communication styles and build meaningful relationships. Amy’s engaging approach offers actionable insights, empowering you to navigate conversations confidently. Embrace courage and hone your skills to connect authentically and effectively in any setting. This delightful presentation goes beyond theory, providing concrete strategies for impactful communication and lasting connections in today’s dynamic landscape

After my session you will..

-Understand communication styles: Gain practical tools to understand diverse communication styles, helping to build more meaningful relationships with students, colleagues, and parents.

-Have confidence in conversations: Learn actionable insights and strategies to navigate conversations confidently, fostering authentic connections in various educational settings.

-Learn strategies for lasting connections: Acquire concrete strategies for impactful communication, ensuring lasting and meaningful connections in today’s fast-paced digital world.

Tanya Curtis comes with a wealth of clinical experience, academic qualifications and innate wisdom in the fields of Behaviour Change, Mental Health, Disability and Education.

Tanya is a Behaviour Specialist, Counsellor, Author, Clinical Supervisor & Founding Director of Fabic’s Behaviour Specialist centre. Tanya has also pioneered a wide range of products via Fabic Publishing with books for adults and children, posters, DVD’s, calendars, communication cards, bookmarks and more. Not to mention the wide range of online learnings Tanya offers via Fabic.TV and Fabic.Study all designed to support lasting behaviour change.

For more information please go to www.fabic.com.au

Tanya Curtis

FABIC Behaviour Specialist Centre

Understanding the culture of Autism Spectrum Disorder

After my session you will learn..

-Autism is simply a different culture - no right or wrong just different.

-As is the case with any culture if we learn to understand ourselves and others we work compatibility together

-Without understanding there can be the clashing of the titans

Megan Gallagher, is a mum, teacher, coach, speaker, PLD facilitator and consultant. She weaves her teaching experience, intense interest and curiosity about the brain, and coaching skills together in all that she does. She specialises in coaching for children, families and educators, and shares her expertise in wellbeing, curriculum design, and impactful teaching and learning as a speaker and facilitator

For more information please go to www.meggallagher.nz

Megan Gallagher

Teacher and Coach - Ignite Your Spark

BIGGER for your wellbeing 

You will learn..

-How to support your own self care in a demanding role

-About wellbeing across four different dimensions- all of which make us happier and healthier

-A secret to enhancing relationships to reduce stress 

Jenny is passionate about supporting schools, teachers, teacher aides and parents to understand and meet the needs of neurodiverse and at-risk learners. She has been working towards transformation in schools for 25 years and is an Author of 2 books in this field. I believe teacher aides as having a huge part to play in making a positive difference.

For more information please go to

 www.raisingachievement.com.au

Jenny Tebbutt

Author of Wobbly Kids

Be the Teacher Aide who Empowers Learners and Learning

You will learn..

- The value of the role

- What being effective looks like

- How you can set goals to achieve great outcomes 

Susan has made exceptional contributions to the learning disabilities field by designing and implementing multisensory learning programs. Her 30+ years of practical experience have benefitted thousands of students worldwide. Susan holds two post-graduate degrees, has authored numerous articles, has presented at international conferences, and has personally tutored hundreds of students. 

For more information please go to www.edubloxtutor.com

Susan de Plessis

Chief Academic Officer, Edublox Online Tutor

Dyscalculia: Symptoms, Causes, and Intervention Strategies 

After my session you will..

-Know what dyscalculia is and its symptoms.

-Know the four causes of dyscalculia and how math anxiety can contribute.

-Learn strategies to help students with dyscalculia.

Stephanie Pinto is an award-winning Emotional Intelligence coach, best-selling author, and international speaker. She’s also the host of the Emotionally Intelligent Parenting podcast. Stephanie founded Let's Raise Emotionally Intelligent Kids, an online community of over 100,000 parents. Her best-selling book, From Chaos to Connection, was published in February 2023.Stephanie is the Emotional Intelligence Mentor for Australia’s Nurture Parenting Magazine. She has also been featured in numerous international summits and conferences and in 2023 hosted her own virtual parent conference with 30 speakers from across the globe. 

www.stephaniepinto.com

Stephanie Pinto

Award-winning coach, best-selling author, international speaker

Emotional Intelligence in the classroom

After my session you will learn..

1. What is emotional intelligence and why TA's and students need it

2. What emotional intelligence does for the classroom, engagement, learning and social atmosphere.

3. What are some myths/misconceptions about emotions or emotional intelligence?

4. What are 3 things TAs can do today to bring EI into the classroom?

5. Does emotional intelligence help TAs support kids academic and social emotional needs, if so how?

Brenda is a leadership and mindset development coach and the founder of Leadership Reboot. With 20 years’ coaching, recruitment and HR experience, and qualifications in career development and emotional intelligence, it is Brenda’s passion and mission to coach leaders to realise their professional purpose and potential, starting with self-awareness.

For more information please go to www.leadership-reboot.co.nz

Brenda James

Leadership & Mindset Development Coach, Author & Speaker

BELIEVE: Brenda will take you on a safe dive inward, sharing insights on how you can develop your own self-leadership and belief.

After my session you will..

- Have the tools to tap into a deeper level of self-awareness

-Understand the true power of their thinking.

-Be inspired to believe in themselves to step into their true potential.

Paul Micallef is an established speaker, trainer, and coach specializing in Emotional Intelligence and Co-Chair of the Australian Autism Alliance. Using a structured approach, he simplifies complex topics and bridges the empathy gap. Paul educates about autism 'from the inside' through his YouTube channel with 250,000 subscribers, promoting autistic voices.

For more information please go to www.autismfromtheinside.com.au

Paul Micallef

Autism from the Inside

Emotional Regulation for Autistic Students

You will learn..

-How to overlap between sensory environment and emotional regulation

-The effects of social stress in the classroom

-an intuitive understanding of common emotional regulation challenges for autistic students

Forensic Health and Learning Coach, working with Neurodivergent children and adults for the last 25 years. I grew up with undiagnosed Dyslexia and ADHD, as it hadn’t been invented in my day. At 50 years old, I found the key to successful visual thinking and learning and looked back on how things could have been so different for me. I advocate for neurodivergent students, helping them think and learn in the way that matches their skills.

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For more information please go to www.empoweringlearning.co.uk 

Olive Hickmott

FABIC Behaviour Specialist Centre

How Visual Creative young people learn

Find out how any student can scaffold new learning on top of their exceptional visual thinking and learning strengths. Empowering Learning has cracked the code of Dyslexia and ADHD for these students and discovered how to keep all the strengths while releasing the confusion of trying to learn in an auditory sequential environment. 

After my session you will learn..

-How to support all young children

-How to teach visual diverse thinkers

-How to raise the possibility of reducing Dyslexia and ADHD, whilst retaining the visual strengths

Evelyn Mann, B.Ed, Post Grad Dip: Drama in Education. Experience includes classroom teaching, lecturing tertiary level, advisor to schools - Drama, theatre in education as an actor/facilitator and Artistic Director. Work in over 600 Aotearoa/NZ schools from Te Hapua to Rakiura. There is a great Teacher Aide in our family.

Evelyn Mann

DRAMAWORKZ

It's all in the question - questioning to encourage deeper thinking

You will learn..

- Tips and techniques for asking better questions.

-Have an understanding of what a 'real' question is

-Recognise the relationship between listening and questioning in response

Matthew “Dr. Matt” Zakreski, PsyD is a high energy, creative clinical psychologist and professional speaker who utilizes an eclectic approach to meet the specific needs of his neurodivergent clients. 

Find out more here:

www.drmattzakreski.com

Matthew John Zakreski

The Neurodiversity Collective

Riding Out the Storm

Managing Emotional Intensity in Gifted Students. Gifted and twice-exceptional individuals are marked by their intensity, particularly their emotional intensity. These emotional outbursts can be very disruptive and dysregulating to the students, their peers, parents, teachers, and community supports. This session will focus on the psychology and neuroscience behind emotional intensity and give concrete, accessible techniques that will allow for the development of self-regulation skills.

At the end of the session..

-Teacher aides will learn the neuropsychological factors behind big feelings in kids and students.

-Teacher aides will be able to identify and practice strategies designed to help students regulate their own emotions

-Teacher aides will understand the role that they can play in helping students to co-regulate their emotions.

Vanessa is a global expert in Trauma Informed Practice,Vanessa is a leading Integrative Child & Adolescent Psychotherapist with 20 years experience. Her speciality is bringing Life Skills for Mental Health and Wellbeing Programmes to school communities. She has returned to New Zealand after 30 years in the UK and has a wealth of experience delivering these services. Vanessa works globally delivering online to Europe, America, Hong Kong and Australasia.

For more information please go to www.lighteducationtraining.com 

Vanessa McHardy

Director of Lighteducation, Integrative Child and Adolescent Psychotherapist

Understanding how Trauma and Stress impact learning

After my session you will have..

-An understanding of how trauma & stress impacts learning.

-Learnt that all children are born creative divergent geniuses, let’s keep them this way!

-The basics of neuroscience to help understand how our reactions stop us from learning and how to enable students to respond to new information and experiences so they are open hearted, curious learners.


Kathryn has dedicated nearly 30 years of her life learning and training about how the brain and body develop and interact – understanding how this influences what we do, say, think and how we behave. Kathryn has her Masters of Educational Psychology, and has certified as a Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics practitioner. She has done a TEDx talk titled ‘Neuroscience of Device Zombies’. Kathryn also has a podcast series with the amazing Pio Terei, called “I’ve Got Questions” A mix of practice and theory has led her to have a fascinating understanding of how every day stress can impact us and those around us. She put this into real life practice by raising her two beautiful children who are now young adults.

Find out more here: www.engagetraining.co.nz

Kathryn Berkett

Trainer

The power of relationships

You will learn..

1.Why we need to consider our own selves first.

2.Why relationships are the most essential qualification

3. 'Serve and return' theory of relationship building