The 2023 Nebraska MTSS Summit featured engaging presentations and interactive breakout sessions around the theme of “Transformations Through Coherence.”
Earlier this year, NDE released an updated NeMTSS Framework and shared glossary to promote coherence within the department and across Educational Service Units, districts, schools and programs statewide.
- Aligning with the new framework, the summit focused on using a whole child approach in the process of implementing a multi-tiered system of support for continuous improvement and providing high-quality and evidence-based social, emotional, behavioral, environmental and academic support for all students.
- Presenters and workshops provided participants with opportunities to systematically promote inclusive practices and support staff in improving outcomes for students.
- The summit served as an introduction and expansion of work educators are starting or have already begun with NeMTSS workshops and implementation support.
Speakers
Keynote Presenters
Kelly Karhoff
Speech-Language Pathologist
Omaha Public Schools
“Hybrid Inclusive Instruction Program: Empowering Elementary School Students Through Inclusive Education”
BIOGRAPHY
Kelly Karhoff is a speech-language pathologist for Omaha Public Schools. With a deep passion for helping individuals overcome communication challenges, Karhoff has made a significant impact in her field. One of her most remarkable accomplishments is her pivotal role in the collaborative design and implementation of a hybrid special education program focused on inclusive instruction. Understanding the significance of inclusive education, she took the initiative to develop a program that integrates students with special needs into mainstream classrooms. This innovative approach not only facilitates academic progress, but also promotes social interaction and emotional well-being among all students. Karhoff’s commitment to creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment has had a transformative effect on students’ lives. By providing specialized intervention and support, she empowers individuals to develop their communication skills, fostering independence and self-confidence.
Lisa Moody
Special Education Teacher
Omaha Public Schools
“Hybrid Inclusive Instruction Program: Empowering Elementary School Students Through Inclusive Education”
BIOGRAPHY
Lisa Moody is a special education teacher for Omaha Public Schools, where she has played a pivotal role in the creation and implementation of a groundbreaking special education hybrid program. With a passion for creating inclusive environments where students with disabilities feel accepted and valued as members of the school community, Moody has dedicated herself to bridging the gap between special education and general education. Through her innovative program, she strives to foster an atmosphere of inclusivity, where all students are learning and growing together. Moody promotes collaboration and understanding among students of diverse abilities to ensure each student’s unique strengths are celebrated and applied within the classroom. She brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her work with extensive qualifications, including master’s degrees in special education, ESL and early childhood education. Her commitment to promoting inclusivity and ensuring that every student feels valued and accepted has earned her widespread recognition, including the prestigious Milken Educator Award.
Sam Stecher
Co-Founder and Educational Consultant
MissionMonday.com
“#MissionMonday: Take the Random Out of Random Acts of Kindness”
BIOGRAPHY
Sam Stecher has been changing school culture from the inside since 1997, serving in roles ranging from paraprofessional to superintendent of schools. He has provided instruction, training and leadership at every level — from elementary school to university institutions. Stecher got his start in education as a teacher at Horizon Middle School in Kearney, where he taught history and coached wrestling for more than a decade. He is co-founder, with his good friend Mark Johnson, of an educational consulting firm known as MissionMonday.com, which specializes in providing leaders, educators, schools and communities with interventions to foster a positive school culture. Stecher is also co-author of “It Happens in the Hallway,” a dynamic account of experiences in the classroom. Stecher has had the opportunity to connect with thousands of leaders and educators nationwide through his work with MissionMonday.com and speaking engagements at conferences and schools.This endeavor began more than 20 years ago in a little coffee shop where two good friends would get together to talk about their successes and failures as teachers. Their conversation grew beyond the classroom and set them on a mission to change the world. And that conversation has never really stopped… consider this an invitation to join.
W. David Tilly III, Ph.D.
Former Deputy Director and Administrator of Division PK-12 Education (Retired)
Iowa Department of Education
“Creating Coherence Across the Education System Using MTSS Thinking”
BIOGRAPHY
W. David Tilly served as deputy director and administrator of the Division of PK-12 Education at the Iowa Department of Education (IDE) from 2012 to 2020. Dr. Tilly previously served as director of innovation and accountability for Heartland Area Education Agency (AEA) 11 and was a consultant for assessment, research and innovation at IDE. Dr. Tilly has worked in various other capacities, including as a practicing psychologist, a university trainer at Iowa State University, a state department of education consultant and an administrator. He collaborates with states, school districts, federal offices and national organizations to improve educational results for all children. Dr. Tilly is also the author or co-author of 40 published journal articles, book chapters and books, mostly focused on education innovation, systems change and improving educational results.
Robin Winters
Elementary Teacher
Omaha Public Schools
“Hybrid Inclusive Instruction Program: Empowering Elementary School Students Through Inclusive Education”
BIOGRAPHY
Robin Winters is more than just a first grade teacher; she is a beacon of compassion, dedication and inclusivity in the world of education. With a heart as open as her classroom doors, Winters has been on a mission to create an environment where every student feels valued, regardless of their abilities or backgrounds. With an unwavering belief in the potential of each child, Robin fosters an environment that encourages collaboration, empathy and understanding. Her dedication to promoting inclusivity has not only transformed the lives of her students, but has also served as an inspiration to her colleagues. Winters’ commitment to creating inclusive classroom communities, coupled with a desire to further her education by working to obtain master’s degrees in early childhood education and ESL, showcases her passion for empowering young minds.
Breakout Presenters
Olivia Alberts: “Coherence in Elementary Literacy”
Emily Arkfeld: “Walk the Talk: Connecting SEBL to Well-Being” and “Note to Self: You Matter”
Scott Blum: “Data, Data Everywhere: The Power of Collaborative Partnerships and Visualizations”
Hank Bohanon: “Implementing MTSS in High School Classrooms” and “Keeping Silos But Baking Better Bread: Integrating MTSS Efforts to Transform Practices”
Lori Broady: “Student Behavior: Approaches That Won’t Fuel the Fire”
Sally Carlson: “Creating Safe Schools with Psychological First Aid for Schools and MTSS”
Trudy Clark: “Learn How to Develop Nurturing, Collaborative Learning Spaces”
Jessie Coffey: “Tools for Fostering Educators’ Compassion Resilience”
Amy Colwell: “EUREKA! Discovering Your Data Treasure Trove in Teaching Strategies GOLD”
Brent Conway: “The Science of Reading is More Than a Curriculum — It Is a System!”
Cheryl Couch: “Lending a Hand in SEL for Early Learning” and “Science of Reading: Tying It All Together”
Julie Downing: “Kink the Firehose: Maximizing NeMTSS Through Systems Leadership”
Megan Dufek: “Building Championship Teams”
Scott Eckman: “Working the Wisdom Within Your Building” and “Promoting Powerful Practices for the Classroom”
Chandra Essex: “Walk the Talk: Connecting SEBL to Well-Being” and “Note to Self: You Matter”
Kristen Evans: “Building Championship Teams”
Heidi Farmer: “MTSS and IEP Teams: Wearing the Get Along Shirt” and “EUREKA! Discovering Your Data Treasure Trove in Teaching Strategies GOLD”
Tessa Fraass: “Kink the Firehose: Maximizing NeMTSS Through Systems Leadership”
Brooke Gebers: “A Tiered Approach to Addressing Chronic Absenteeism”
Sara Gentry: “Walk the Talk: Connecting SEBL to Well-Being” and “Note to Self: You Matter”
Jill Guenther: “Walk the Talk: Connecting SEBL to Well-Being” and “Note to Self: You Matter”
Jane Hansmeyer: “Universal Design for Learning – Optimizing Teaching and Learning in the Classroom”
Blair Hartman: “Partnerships for Inclusion” and “MTSS and Improved Post-School Outcomes: What We Do Now Matters Later”
Medea Henke: “Universal Design for Learning – Optimizing Teaching and Learning in the Classroom”
Michael Hebert: “Nebraska WORDS: Preliminary Findings and Reflections from Year 1”
Kim Jacobson: “Creating Safe Schools with Psychological First Aid for Schools and MTSS”
Kris Kampovitz: “Partnerships for Inclusion”
Sydney Kobza: “Partnerships for Inclusion” and “CTE Without Limits: NeMTSS”
LaRaesha Kugel: “Creating a Culture of Learning and Trust through Restorative Practices”
McKayla LaBorde: “Data, Data Everywhere: The Power of Collaborative Partnerships and Visualizations”
Jay Martin: “Digital Wise Parenting to Create Digital Fitness in Schools and Homes”
Aly Martinez-Wilkinson: “Learn How to Develop Nurturing, Collaborative Learning Spaces”
Christopher McCroy: “Building Intentional and Meaningful Relationships Through Mentoring”
Mary Jo McElhose: “Coherence in Elementary Literacy”
Brian McKevitt: “Transform Your MTSS with the Help of Your School Psychologist!”
Becky Michael: “Coherence in Elementary Literacy”
Kristina Norwood: “EUREKA! Discovering Your Data Treasure Trove in Teaching Strategies GOLD”
Lindsey Ondrak: “Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Services”
DérNecia Phillips: “Building Intentional and Meaningful Relationships Through Mentoring”
Dani Potter: “Student Behavior: Approaches That Won’t Fuel the Fire”
Jen Pollock: “Creating Partnerships to Address Mental Health, SEBL and Systems Development”
Mindy Pritchett McBride: “Building Championship Teams”
Bill Pulte: “Data, Data Everywhere: The Power of Collaborative Partnerships and Visualizations”
Michele Rayburn: “EUREKA! Discovering Your Data Treasure Trove in Teaching Strategies GOLD”
Mariella Resendiz Alvarez: “How Family and Community Engagement Supports NeMTSS”
Ryan Ricenbaw: “Kink the Firehose: Maximizing NeMTSS Through Systems Leadership”
Mackenzie Riedel: “Walk the Talk: Connecting SEBL to Well-Being” and “Note to Self: You Matter”
Heather Robbins: “Working the Wisdom Within Your Building” and “Promoting Powerful Practices for the Classroom”
Michalla Schartz: “MTSS and IEP Teams: Wearing the Get Along Shirt” and “MTSS and Improved Post-School Outcomes: What We Do Now Matters Later”
Sara Skretta: “Psychological Safety for Highly-Effective Teams is the Key to Success”
Amy Slama: “MTSS and Improved Post-School Outcomes: What We Do Now Matters Later”
Sheyanne Smith: “MTSS and Twice-Exceptionality: Identifying and Supporting Students Who Are High-Ability Learners and Have a Disability”
Shirley Vargas: “A Tiered Approach to Addressing Chronic Absenteeism”
Brian Welch: “How Family and Community Engagement Supports NeMTSS”
Cecilia Wilke: “Data, Data Everywhere: The Power of Collaborative Partnerships and Visualizations”
Brian Wojcik: “Continued Conversations: Planning for Technology Supports Within an MTSS Framework”
