The WDE offers conferences on a variety of topics throughout the year. Check this list frequently for updates.
Professional Development Opportunities
2019 The Week of Academic Vision & Excellence (WAVE)
July 29-31, Marian H. Rochelle Gateway Center, 222 South 22nd St., Laramie
Each year, the Wyoming Department of Education (WDE) Special Education Programs Division hosts the Week of Academic Vision in Excellence (WAVE) conference. The WAVE conference brings together local and national experts to uniquely address Wyoming’s best practices and special education law needs.
Many educators from around the state and WDE staff will be presenting, as well as nationally renowned speakers such as Tricia Berg, Patrick Schwarz, and LeDerick Horne. Our special education law attorneys are assigned topics to not only meet the unique needs of Wyoming, but they are also well versed in the 10th circuit court case decisions. This year our attorneys are Jose Martin, David Richards, Perry Zirkel, Kathleen Mehfoud, Jason Ballum, and Selene Almazan.
Our best practice and law sessions will address co-teaching, behavior, using data based decisions, evaluations and eligibility, ESY, 504 plans, LRE challenges, and many more topics.
The WDE Special Education Programs invites all educators, pre-service teachers, parents, advocacy groups, attorneys, and anyone interested in the symposium topics to attend.
Lodging Options:
Holiday Inn Laramie
204 30th Street
Laramie, WY 82070
(307) 721-9000
Use the following link to book https://www.holidayinn.com/redirect?path=hd&brandCode=HI&localeCode=en®ionCode=1&hotelCode=LAREG&_PMID=99801505&GPC=WAY&cn=no&viewfullsite=true
Hilton Garden Inn – Laramie
2229 Grand Ave.
Laramie, WY 82070
307-745-5500
Use the following link to book: https://secure3.hilton.com/en_US/gi/reservation/book.htm?inputModule=HOTEL&ctyhocn=LARLAGI&spec_plan=WAVE19&arrival=20190729&departure=20190801&cid=OM,WW,HILTONLINK,EN,DirectLink&fromId=HILTONLINKDIRECT
For more information, contact Jennifer Duncan at 307-777-3793 or jennifer.duncan@wyo.gov.
2019 STEAM Conference
July 31 – Aug. 2 (Pre-conference July 30) at Laramie High School
The STEAM Conference is a high-caliber professional development opportunity focused on active, hands-on learning experiences with high-level engagement. Attendees will learn about innovative STEAM best practices and instructional strategies that address the needs of K-20 educators in their efforts to prepare students for success.
The Pre-Conference begins July 30, with the Full Conference running from July 31 to August 2.
- Attendees: Register here
2019 Native American Education Conference
Aug. 7-8, 2019 at Central Wyoming College, Riverton, Wyo.
The NAEC offers suicide prevention skills; understanding of and appreciation for the history and culture of the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho tribes; cultural sensitivity for educators and other adults who impact Native American students; emotional and social needs of Native American students; empowering youth to develop leadership skills and choose healthy lifestyles; and promoting understanding, building relationships and generating ideas for engaging families and the community in education of the whole child.
This conference is not only for educators of American Indian students. More than 60 workshops will be offered covering a range of education topics. PTSB and UW credit available.
Cost is $35. Students get in free.
2019 S5S Superintendent’s Policy Summit
Oct. 1-2 (Pre-conference Sept. 30) at the UW Gateway Center in Laramie
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jillian Balow will host the S5S Policy Summit on October 1-2, 2019. This event will be at the UW Gateway Center in Laramie, with a pre-conference on September 30. Presentations will cover topics under the following three strands: Education Law, State Accreditation, and School Improvement & Support. This year’s theme is “Pursuing Excellence Together.”
For more information, visit the S5S page or contact Danielle Saulsberry at danielle.saulsberry@wyo.gov.
2019 Wyoming Innovations in Learning Conference
Nov. 6-8 at the Gillette Cam-Plex
The 2019 Wyoming Innovations in Learning Conference will be held in Gillette from November 6-8.
Those wishing to present at the conference can register here. Proposals are due May 3, 2019.
For more information, visit the Innovations in Learning website or contract Robin Grandpre at robin.grandpre1@wyo.gov or 307-777-5315.