Friday, February 6th, 2026
REGISTRATION CLOSES on Feb. 2nd
Welcome Address 8:30-8:50 am
Nicholas Ford, Superintendent of Catholic Schools
Drawing New Maps of Hope: Lessons from Pope Leo for Catholic Educators — Join Superintendent Nicholas Ford for a reflection on Pope Leo’s call to reimagine Catholic education with courage and creativity. Discover how this vision inspires educators to lead with hope and form communities rooted in faith, purpose, and joy.
Professional Development and Curriculum Day Options
All Online Workshop Sessions run 9:00 am – 11:00 am.
All sessions provide 2 professional clock hours.
Thriving in High-Stakes Conversations: A Framework for Catholic Educators
Presenter: Jenell Kheriaty
In this interactive workshop, we will explore practical strategies to plan for and navigate challenging, high-stakes conversations. Using a framework designed for Catholic educators, attendees will learn to proactively prepare for and conduct challenging conversations effectively. Attendees will learn to respond to unexpected interactions or emotionally charged emails from parents, prepare for productive conversations, and maintain focus on what’s best for students throughout the process.
Participants will be able to…
- Proactively foster collaborative relationships with parents
- Respond effectively to emotionally charged interactions and messages from parents
- Prepare for and conduct productive, collaborative conversations, even when stakes and emotions are high
- Maintain the dignity of all involved and keep conversations focused on what is best for student(s)
Who should attend: Early Learning Educators, Elementary Educators, Middle School Educators, High School Educators, Administrators / School Leaders
Capacity: 100
SESSION CLOSED on 2/3
Creating Classrooms Where All Belong: Supporting Students with Autism
Presenter: Cassie Borges, LBA/ UW Haring Center for Inclusive Education
This professional development session equips K-12 educators with essential knowledge about Autism Spectrum Disorder, current research on diagnosis trends, and evidence-based strategies for inclusive classroom practices. Through interactive presentations, collaborative discussions, and hands-on application activities, teachers will develop practical skills to create supportive learning environments where students with autism can achieve academic and social success in an inclusive education setting.
By the end of this session, participants will:
- Discover the unique profiles of learners on the autism spectrum and uncover how their strengths and challenges emerge in real classroom contexts.
- Interpret the latest research on autism trends to understand what’s driving increased identification and what it means for inclusive education.
- Plan for success using Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and specially designed instruction (SDI) to create flexible, strengths-based supports for students with autism.
- Envision collaborative strategies for partnering with families and school teams to foster inclusive classrooms where every learner feels a true sense of belonging and thrives.
Who should attend: Early Learning Educators, Elementary Educators, Middle School Educators, High School Educators, Administrators / School Leaders, Specialists / Instructional Leaders, Anyone in Catholic School Education
Capacity: 100
SESSION CLOSED on 2/3
Faith as a Tool of Positivity
Presenter: Dr. Matt Barmore
This session is designed to help participants recognize and utilize their faith as a source of positivity in their work. It will also provide activities and opportunities for discussion to explore how students and colleagues can contribute to this idea.
- Participants will reflect on their spirituality as a source of positivity.
- Participants will explore Jesus as a model of positive interaction.
- Participants will reflect on ways students and colleagues contribute to their ministry.
- Participants will engage in a prayer experience that is adaptable to both their personal and professional circumstances.
Who should attend: Early Learning Educators, Elementary Educators, Middle School Educators, High School Educators, Administrators / School Leaders, Specialists / Instructional Leaders, Anyone in Catholic School Education
Capacity: 50
SESSION CLOSED on 2/3
Mental Health First Aid
Presenter: Carrie Farrell (coach kos)
This Mental Health First Aid webinar gives K–12 educators a practical, faith-aligned toolkit for recognizing and responding to common student mental-health challenges such as anxiety, depression, self-harm, and eating disorders. In just two hours, teachers learn simple, classroom-ready strategies to support students while staying within their role. The training focuses on prevention, early identification, and reinforcing a culture of care grounded in Catholic values.
- Participants will learn to recognize early signs of anxiety, depression, self-harm, suicide risk, eating disorders, and medical/injury-related mental health challenges in K–12 students, and understand how these issues intersect with faith and whole-person formation.
- Participants will gain simple, faith-aligned strategies and classroom skills that support student well-being, foster resilience, and promote a preventative mental-health culture rooted in Christian values.
Who should attend: Anyone in Catholic School Education
No Maximum
SESSION CLOSED on 2/3
AI Basics: Learn about Generative AI and Its Application in the Classroom
Presenter: Ms. Lisa Snow
A concise introduction to core AI concepts and practical examples for classroom use. Participants will explore basic classroom applications and consider key ethical and privacy issues.
- Explain foundational AI concepts and common educational uses.
- Recognize ethical, privacy, and bias concerns with classroom AI.
- Explore some practical brief classroom activities that incorporates an AI literacy.
Who should attend: Elementary Educators, Middle School Educators, High School Educators, Administrators / School Leaders, Anyone in Catholic School Education
No Maximum
SESSION CLOSED on 2/3
Inclusion in Action: Why It Matters, IDEA, and Practical Strategies
Presenter: Julie Cantillon, Ph.D./ADAC & Jeannie Ray-Timoney Ed.D.
This 2-hour virtual professional learning session will equip educators and school leaders in the Archdiocese of Seattle with essential knowledge and strategies for implementing inclusive practices, grounded in a clear definition of inclusion, an overview of IDEA for Catholic schools, and the child find and service plan processes. The session will highlight practical approaches for strengthening universal instruction and supporting students’ executive function skills. Participants will receive a session Padlet with resources and tools to support implementation in their Catholic school contexts.
- Understand the why of inclusion by exploring key principles of inclusive education within Catholic school settings and examining how a clear definition of inclusion guides schoolwide practice.
- Develop foundational knowledge of IDEA by reviewing how the law applies to Catholic schools, including the child find process and the development of service plans.
- Apply practical strategies by identifying ways to strengthen universal instruction and support students’ executive function skills within classroom and school-wide environments.
Who should attend: Elementary Educators, Middle School Educators, High School Educators, Administrators / School Leaders, Specialists / Instructional Leaders
No Maximum
SESSION CLOSED on 2/3
Navigating Critical Conversations and Tough Topics
Presenters: Branda Anderson, Holocaust Center For Humanity
Centering on Facing History and Ourselves resources, we will model how to build a reflective and honest classroom rooted in identity and belonging. We will discuss strategies for engaging students in difficult conversations and building their capacity to think critically about such topics.
- Participants will be able to identify the importance of reflecting on identity to build community and be an effective facilitator/educator.
- Participants will examine key elements and gain strategies for establishing a reflective, safe and inclusive classroom community in order to have rich conversations about contemporary issues.
- Participants will be able to implement strategies for facilitating difficult conversations.
Who should attend: Middle School Educators, High School Educators, Administrators / School Leaders, Specialists / Instructional Leaders, Anyone in Catholic School Education
No Maximum
SESSION CLOSED on 2/3
Rethinking Teacher Supervision and Evaluation
Presenter: Kim Marshall
Shifting from traditional evaluations to short, frequent, unannounced visits with face-to-face feedback conversations
- Formulate a plan for changing the way teachers are supervised and evaluated
Who should attend: Elementary Educators, Middle School Educators, High School Educators, Administrators / School Leaders, Specialists / Instructional Leaders, Anyone in Catholic School Education
No Maximum
SESSION CLOSED on 2/3
Everyday Tools for Better Days: Brain-Smart Strategies for Calmer, More Connected Classrooms
Presenter: Julie Widman & Holly Winchell
This PD session blends faith, brain science, and practical classroom tools to address today’s rising behavioral challenges. Educators will learn brain-based, relational approaches that reduce disruptions and strengthen belonging, explore why punitive responses fall short, and practice low-lift strategies they can use immediately. Participants will also receive a free month of the “I Manage Me” curriculum to help students build self-management, emotional regulation, and responsible decision-making. Leave equipped, encouraged, and ready to create classrooms where every child is known, supported, and able to thrive.
By the end of the session, teachers will leave with:
- A clear understanding of how behavior connects to learning, brain states, and teacher stress
- A faith-aligned, relational alternative to punitive management systems
- A practical toolkit of everyday classroom strategies
- A one-month self-management unit they can begin teaching the very next day
- Renewed confidence in creating classrooms where connection, calm, and learning can thrive
Who should attend: Early Learning Educators, Elementary Educators, Middle School Educators, Administrators / School Leaders, Specialists / Instructional Leaders
No Maximum
SESSION CLOSED on 2/3
Finance and Budget Success for Catholic School Leaders
Presenter: John Sullivan, Assistant Superintendent for Finance
This session covers three broad areas that will lead a Catholic School Leader or potential leader to successful Financial Management. It starts with how many of a leader’s relationships must be cultivated with a long-term vision of the School’s success in mind. Next, it outlines what reports are useful to a School leader and how each can be used successfully. Finally, the review of several types of School Budgets and related metrics are discussed. The goal of this session is to share many best practices while giving participants an opportunity to raise questions about finance in their unique communities.
This session will provide attendees with:
- An understanding of the relationships that a Catholic School Finance Leader should be developing.
- Insight into the Financial Reporting that a Catholic School Leader should expect to receive.
- Examples of ways to create and use Catholic School Budgets and School Financial Measures.
Who should attend: Administrators / School Leaders, Anyone who aspires to lead a Catholic School and would like to expand their understanding of Catholic School Financial Management
No Maximum
Email John Sullivan for late registration – john.sullivan@seattlearch.org
Practical Strategies for Supporting Students with ADHD
Presenter: Dr. Ariane Gauvreau
The number of students diagnosed with ADHD continues to rise, yet many teachers feel unsure about how to best support them. This workshop will offer practical, evidence-based strategies to help students with ADHD stay engaged, regulate their attention and behavior, and experience success in the classroom.
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
- Identify common ADHD characteristics and explain how they influence learning, behavior, and engagement across classroom settings.
- Apply evidence-based instructional and environmental strategies that increase attention, participation, and success for students with ADHD.
- Use simple, proactive supports—such as routines, visual tools, movement, and feedback—to prevent challenges and promote independence and self-regulation.
Who should attend: Elementary Educators, Middle School Educators, High School Educators, Administrators / School Leaders, Specialists / Instructional Leaders
No Maximum
SESSION CLOSED on 2/3
GenAI for K-12 Teachers
Presenter: Lewis Poché
Educators today face urgent questions about how generative AI can both support and challenge teaching and learning, especially within the mission-driven context of Catholic education. This session will explore how AI can enhance lesson planning, personalize instruction, and responsibly empower students while preserving integrity, productive struggle, and ethical formation. Designed especially for those who have not participated in the recent Office of Catholic Schools Presents Zoom series, it offers a practical and accessible introduction to the opportunities and challenges of AI in today’s classrooms.
This session will provide attendees with:
- Participants will be able to reflect on the concerns about AI, both in general and specific to education, through a Catholic lens.
- Participants will be able to apply practical strategies for guiding students in responsible AI use, including AI Literacy and AI Policy.
- Participants will be able to use general purpose and education specific AI tools to plan a lesson and create lesson materials.
- Participants will be able use AI tools from students’ point of view and consider how GenAI can support students in deepening their understanding of content.
Who should attend: Middle School Educators, High School Educators
No Maximum
SESSION CLOSED on 2/3
Standards of Excellence: More than Accreditation!
Presenter: Greg Dhuyvetter
This workshop will provide an overview of the WCEA Standards of Excellence accreditation protocol. We will cover the phases of the project, the products of the study, the SEOnline platform, the accreditation visit, and tips for everyone involved in the process.
- Participants will be able to articulate the value of the accreditation process for schools
- Participants will understand the the phases of the Self Study
- Participants will understand how the SEOnline platform can be used during accreditation years and between accreditation cycles.
- Participants will have clear direction for developing and completing action plans
- Participants will understand how a school can maximize the value of an accreditation visit
Who should attend: Anyone in Catholic School Education
Capacity: 50
SESSION CLOSED on 2/3 – email Greg directly for late registration at gdhuyvetter@wcea.org
Building Leadership Retreats- How to put on a retreat for your team
Presenter: Kelly Surapaneni, Office for Catholic Schools
In this workshop, participants will receive a templates for delivering a retreat for any point in the year. Themes, prayer services, reflection exercises (for both individual and groups)will all be included.
This session will:
- Participants will be able to lead a Liturgy of the Word prayer service.
- Participants will be able to design a retreat with reflection exercises for both individuals and groups.
- Participants will understand how to utilize a Knowledge Cafe for working through problems of practice, unpacking strategic priorities and assessing how/when to collaborate with team members.
Who should attend: Anyone in Catholic School Education
No Maximum
Email Kelly S. for late registration – kelly.surapaneni@seattlearch.org
Demystifying Title Programs: Access, Impact, Results
Presenter: Dr. Jackie Flanigan, Consultant with Equitable Education Services
This session will deepen participants’ understanding of the full range of Title programs, including how to access resources, maximize available funding, and strategically leverage these supports to enhance student learning and strengthen instructional effectiveness.
- Understand the essentials of each Title program, including their purpose and benefits
- Know how to access Title programs and learn strategies for fully utilizing associated funding
- Obtain tips for working with your local public school district and methods for successfully advocating use of private school Title funding mechanisms
Who should attend: Administrators / School Leaders, anyone responsible for school title programs
Capacity: 50
SESSION CLOSED on 2/3
IST CONFERENCE 2026 – Confident Futures – Strengthening Learning & Resilience with Literacies for Lifelong Success
As a part of their Microsoft Showcase School events, O’Dea is excited to be hosting their annual Innovative School Virtual Conference highlighting innovating tools educators can access in the classroom. 2026 Agenda and Registration is online. Sponsored and coordinated by O’Dea High School
Building a Belonging Learning Community
Presenter Carol Adams, Ph.D.
This in-person workshop is designed for early career educators and others who want to learn how to better cultivate a thriving classroom learning environment. Shifting away from ‘managing student behaviors’, we will focus on strategies to develop trust, student agency, and joy.
By the end of this session, teachers will be able to:
- Reflect on their own ‘classroom management’ style and establish goals for growth
- Identify tools and strategies to promote student agency and teacher-student trust
- Practice responding to common classroom scenarios.
Who should attend: Elementary Educators, Middle School Educators, High School Educators, Anyone in Catholic School Education
This session will be offered in person at Seattle University’s College of Education (Loyola Hall, room TBD)
Capacity: 50
For Early Learning educators looking to complete STARS hours, please contact David Mayer, Director of Early Learning, for information about the EL meeting. (david.mayer@seattlearch.org)
THE COLLABORATION LAB (for Admissions, Marketing, Communications & Fundraising staff)
Time: 9-2pm
Location: Peace & Spirituality Center 1663 Killarney Way, Bellevue, WA 98004
The Collaboration Lab is a high-impact professional learning experience focused on what is truly working in admissions, marketing, communications, and fundraising. Together, we’ll dive into proven strategies, learn from special guest voices, and engage in rich dialogue that leads to practical takeaways you can use right away. This will be a soul-filling, restorative day away from the building- full of meaningful learning, joy, connection, and collaboration with colleagues who understand your work.
If you have any questions, contact Kristin Moore (Kristin.moore@seattlearch.org)