Contact Information
Susan Shipley
(307) 777-2925
susan.shipley@wyo.gov
Leslie Bechtel Van Orman
(307) 857-9267
leslie.vanorman@wyo.gov

The Wyoming Department of Education, Special Education Programs Division, is hosting an in-person Week of Academic Vision for Excellence (WAVE) Conference to be held at the University of Wyoming Gateway Center in Laramie from August 1-3. This conference is relevant for educators, parents, and other Wyoming stakeholders. State and national presenters will cover topics such as literacy, specially designed instruction, behavior/discipline, social/emotional, trauma informed care, IEP process, and Special Education law.
- WAVE Conference cost: $350 (registration ends July 3, 2023).
- Early Bird registration: $275 (Must register by: June 5, 2023).
- Register for the conference here.
For more information, contact Deana Smith at 307-777-5326 or deana.smith@wyo.gov, or Jennifer Duncan at 307-777-3530 or jennifer.duncan@wyo.gov.
The WDE Special Education Programs Division is pleased to announce a post WAVE conference bootcamp for new special education teachers who have three years or less experience. This bootcamp will allow a deeper dive into topics such as providing FAPE, IEP development, classroom strategies, specially designed instruction, high leverage practices, and behavior strategies.
If you are attending the 2023 WAVE conference and would also like to attend the Bootcamp for new special education teachers, select the ticket for the WAVE conference and the New SPED Teacher Bootcamp.
- Register here.
For more information, contact Thom Jones at 307-777-6376 or thom.jones@wyo.gov, or Jennifer Duncan at 307-777-3530 or jennifer.duncan@wyo.gov.
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WAVES 2021-22
Web-based Academic Vision for Excellence Seminars
WAVES is a series of 1-to-3-hour live presentations delivered virtually by locally- and nationally recognized experts on a variety of topics important to all Wyoming educators. Administrators, teachers, paraprofessionals, and parents can receive ongoing professional development free of charge by attending the live sessions or by viewing the recorded sessions. PTSB and STARS credit will be offered for live and recorded sessions. Winter/spring WAVES sessions will resume in January 2022.
View Archived WAVES Sessions and Materials
Special Education Paraprofessional Training Series
This series focuses on professionalism, ethics, and confidentiality; behavior management strategies; high-leverage practices to support students; and effective teacher-para collaboration strategies.
- Day 1 Part 1: https://youtu.be/eThBwcXCgOs
- Day 1 Part 2: https://youtu.be/fLuwoYUfcLU
- Day 2 Part 1: https://youtu.be/LpYc9lrkRyM
- Day 2 Part 2: https://youtu.be/jwJILheq1bU
The Project WIN website is a clearinghouse of the Wyoming Department of Education, Division of Special Education Programs that provides information about special education resources, evidence-based instructional practices, professional development and events to educators, families and other agencies. The website is funded by a State Personnel Development Grant from the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP).