On March 13, 2024 the Office of Special Education held their 2nd Annual Special Education Conference, titled “Brand New Day: Transforming Educational Practices to Optimize Student Success! at Newark Vocational High School. The Newark Board of Education utilized Staff Development Day to assemble Special Education Teachers, Child Study Team members and administrators for a day of professional learning. Superintendent Roger León and Assistant Superintendent of Student Support Services Carolyn Granato delivered opening remarks and extended a warm welcome to teachers, child study team members, and board members. The dynamic Keynote speaker, LeDerick Horne, shared his personal journey of receiving special education services in school and overcoming challenges to become a celebrated poet, author, and advocate for individuals with disabilities. His presentation, "A Path to Pride and Success," offered educators advice, strategies, and resources on how to help students build positive self-esteem and recognize their disability as a strength.
More than 750 special education staff participated in the full-day conference with 38 concurrent workshops covering various topics such as Differentiating instruction for special education students, Assistive Technology, Strategies for Behavior Supports, IEP Development, Applied Behavior Analysis, and Collaboration with Parent/Caregivers.
The success of the conference was made possible through collaboration with the Culinary Arts students and staff at Newark Vocational High School and Principal DeSantis. Special thanks to Student Ambassadors from NJ Regional Day and John F. Kennedy schools and the NBOE Paraprofessionals for their assistance to conference attendees throughout the day.