National Resource Center for Paraeducators

05/04/2026

Our next 2025-2026 Saturday Mornings with the NRCP webinar is Saturday, May 9, 2026, 10-12 MST.

Register Today!

https://cvent.me/QvBbKb

"Visual Supports for Communication: Practical Strategies for Classroom Staff" will be presented by Suzie Djidjoli.
Description:
In this session, you will learn about how to obtain, use, and integrate visual communication supports, also known as alternative and augmentative communication (AAC) tools. You will gain foundational knowledge about how AAC tools support classrooms universally, as well as how they are used with individual students for their unique language needs. Resources will be shared for how to easily create low-tech AAC tools and find funding options for mid- and high-tech tools. The second half of the course will be rich with opportunities for active practice as you learn key strategies that help students learn to use AAC tools effectively and create a classroom culture where multi-modal communication is the norm, including aided language input, descriptive teaching, and scaffolding with appropriate prompts.

04/06/2026

Our next 2025-2026 Saturday Mornings with the NRCP webinar is Saturday, April 11, 2026, 10-12 MST.

Register Today!

https://cvent.me/QvBbKb

"Paraeducator Roles and Responsibilities" will be presented by Christine Manning.
Description:
In this session, we will empower you with knowledge that spans across multiple areas of special education. We will look at the difference between 504's and IEP's and how the paraeducator can support student success. We will discuss a variety of ways the paraeducator can support the students they work with in the general education setting with regard to the 504, IEP, Title I, behavior plan, and more. By the end of this session, you will have the power to conquer the world of special education and support the success of our students.

03/20/2026

https://conta.cc/3PlrIcW

Email from Utah State-TAESE-NRCP Your Input Matters!     Greetings! We Need Your Help!! We want to hear from you! Please take a few minutes to complete a short survey and let us know which trainings a

02/12/2026

Registration closes at Midnight!!! Don’t miss out on the 38th National NRCP Virtual Conference!!!
Join us virtually February 20–22, 2026 a dynamic experience packed with inspiration, learning, and connection!
Don't Miss inspiring Keynotes from:
• Matthew Bowerman
• Dan & Samuel Habib
• Matthew Wappett
• Panel of Administrators, Teachers, and Paraeducators
Practical Breakout Sessions on:
• Building belonging and supporting every learner
• Trauma-informed strategies and mindfulness for paraeducators
• Partnering with families for early math success
• AI skills for paraeducator success
• Communication strategies for students with complex needs
…and so much more!
Virtual Networking Opportunities
Don’t miss your chance to gain actionable tools, connect with peers, and empower your role in education.
Group discounts available!!!
https://cvent.me/XME8Ge

02/11/2026

We are looking forward to closing the 38th National NRCP Conference with a powerful, interactive keynote panel featuring leaders and practitioners from across the country!
Our final keynote brings together:
• 2 Administrators
• 2 Teachers
• 2 Paraeducators
This national panel represents diverse voices across K–12 education and will provide an honest, real world look at the challenges, innovations, and opportunities in today’s schools.
Attendees will participate in a live, interactive Q&A, gaining insight into:
✔ What belonging, support, and resilience look like in practice
✔ How educators at every level are navigating change
✔ Strategies for collaboration among administrators, teachers, and paraeducators
✔ Stories from the field that illuminate what students and staff truly need
This closing keynote promises candid conversation, practical takeaways, and inspiration grounded in lived experience.
👉 Register today and join us for this dynamic conference finale!
https://cvent.me/XME8Ge

02/10/2026

We’re excited to feature Dr. Matthew Wappett as a keynote speaker at the 38th National NRCP Conference, presenting “Science of Belonging.”
Dr. Wappett is the Executive Director of the Utah State University Institute for Disability Research, Policy, & Practice and a national educator and researcher specializing in inclusion, compassionate leadership, resilience, and stress management. Known by many as “The Laughter Doctor,” he studies how laughter supports stress reduction and builds inclusive environments. His dynamic, engaging presentation style has made him a highly sought after speaker across the country.
Learn more about Dr. Wappett’s work and background here:
🔗https://www.usu.edu/experts/profile/matthew-wappett/ [usu.edu]
Join us for this energizing keynote on belonging and resilience!
https://cvent.me/XME8Ge

02/09/2026

Leadership grows through collaboration!
Join us before the 38th National NRCP Virtual Conference with our interactive Leadership Session on February 19, 2026 (4–6 p.m. MST).
This session brings together paraeducators, service providers, administrators, and advocates from across the nation. It’s open to anyone involved in (or interested in!) paraeducator leadership, such as state staff, regional trainers, higher education partners, advisory groups, and more.
You don’t need to be a formal state or district leader to participate.
If you want to strengthen paraeducator leadership, this session is for you!
Register here for the full conference and add the Leadership session to your registration: https://cvent.me/XME8Ge

Register here for JUST the Leadership Session at no cost:
https://usu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1XlS2C1fnZ3KlAq

Share your perspective! Complete the presurvey here: https://usu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9n189UxzmfgM6IS

02/04/2026

We are thrilled to welcome Dan Habib and Samuel Habib as keynote speakers at the 38th National NRCP Conference on February 21, 2026!
Dan and Samuel are the Emmy® Award–winning filmmakers behind the New York Times Op Doc My Disability Roadmap and their new feature film The Ride Ahead, now airing on PBS. Their keynote, “A Roadmap for an Inclusive Life,” will explore disability rights, advocacy, inclusion, and the journey toward adulthood with honesty, humor, and hope.
Dan’s documentaries have reached global audiences and been translated into 17 languages. Samuel, 25, is a filmmaker, presenter, columnist, and disability rights advocate whose work and life experiences offer essential insights into what true inclusion can and should look like.
🎬 Watch and learn more:
www.RideAheadFilm.com
📱 Follow The Ride Ahead:
FB: /therideahead
Insta:
X:
Register today and don’t miss this unforgettable keynote!
https://cvent.me/XME8Ge

02/03/2026

Join us virtually February 20–22, 2026 for the 38th National NRCP Conference for three days of learning, inspiration, and connection!
We are honored to welcome Dr. Matthew J. Bowerman as our 2026 Welcome Conference Keynote, presenting “The Power in the Room” on February 20.
Dr. Bowerman is a school administrator, researcher, nationally published author, and trauma responsive education specialist with nearly 30 years of experience across K–16 learning environments. His work centers on building trauma informed, healing centered communities where students and educators can thrive.
He is also an Emmy Award and Cine Golden Eagle Award recipient for “BusSTOP,” an educational short film addressing bullying in the U.S. His book, Heartleader, continues to inspire educators nationwide, and his writing appears with Edutopia, NEA, NAESP, AMLE, the U.S. Army, Teach Better, and more.
Connect with Dr. Bowerman:
• LinkedIn: Matthew Bowerman
• Instagram:
• X:
His book: www.teachergoals.com/heartleader
His writings: https://www.edutopia.org/profile/matthew-j-bowerman/
Register today and don’t miss this inspiring keynote!
https://cvent.me/XME8Ge

02/02/2026

Our next 2025-2026 Saturday Mornings with the NRCP webinar is Saturday, February 7, 2026, 10-12 MST.

Register Today!

https://cvent.me/QvBbKb

"Evidence-Based Practices for Paraeducator Career Growth" will be presented by Kathleen Adolt-Silva.
Description:
Dr. KAS presents “Evidence-Based Practices for Paraeducator Career Growth". This presentation provides strategies for paraeducators to advance their careers. It highlights the importance of continuous professional development, engaging in mentorship, and seeking specialization to enhance skills. Building a network can lead to collaboration and opportunities, while embracing technology and reflective practices boosts instructional effectiveness. Pursuing leadership roles and setting clear career goals are vital for growth. These strategies empower paraeducators to confidently navigate and elevate their careers in education.