Learn From the Top Education Specialists Serving Neurodiverse Students
November 1-2, 2024 - Suffolk, VA
Registration closes October 23
Sharpen Your Skills
Network With The Best
Get Refreshed & Inspired
Conference Overview
Day One: Keynotes & Breakouts
Join us for a dynamic exploration into the realm of cognitive enhancement in education. Our conference Enhancing Cognition: Optimizing Learning and Processing Speed is designed to delve deep into the strategies and instructional techniques that can transform how students learn and process information. From understanding the intricacies of cognition to implementing effective instructional methodologies, this conference will offer insights and practical tools for educational therapists and educators. Attendees will explore innovative approaches to accelerate learning and enhance processing speed, empowering students to unlock their full cognitive potential.
Day Two: Optional Workshops
If you are an educational therapist and want to deepen your skills, this day is for you! For this in-person training, you can choose between "GeoClock: Fundamentals" or "Spelling: Linking Reading and Writing."
Day One | Nov 1st: Conference Keynotes & Breakout Sessions
Attend in person or Purchase a Replay of the Keynotes - $279
Keynote Session 1: Dr. Kristin Barbour - Enhancing Cognition: Optimizing Learning and Processing Speed
Description:
Examine the significance of processing speed with Dr. Kristin Barbour, a crucial cognitive skill that underpins thinking and learning. Understand how variations in processing speed impact learning to refine your prescriptive approach with educational therapy. Implement NILD educational therapy techniques with an emphasis on developing your student’s processing speed.
Learning Objectives:
*Describe processing speed - define, identify slow processing (behavioral and formal)
*Understand the biology of processing speed
*Recognize the impact of processing speed (learning, school and socially)
*Promote processing speed through NILD techniques
Keynote Session 2: Dr. Jeanne Zehr - Accelerating Cognition with Mediation
Description:
Join Dr. Jeanne Zehr as she explores how specific thinking skills, built through the human interaction of mediated learning experience, result in more efficient processing speed for our learners. The Feuerstein method embraces 28 cognitive functions organized into three phases of thinking - input, elaboration, and output. Therapists will see value by incorporating intentional questioning, wait time, and expecting reciprocity from our learners.
Learning Objectives:
*Define “cognitive function” with an overview of all 28
*Understand how cognitive functions are present in all academic tasks, NILD therapies, and are foundational to processing speed
*Recognize the impact of mediated learning experience on processing speed
*Promote wait-time and asking the right question to impact thinking and learning
Keynote Session 3: Bridget Hughes - Enriching NILD Techniques to Cultivate Executive Functions and the Language of Thinking: A Strategic Approach to Cognitive Development
Description:
Connect with NILD Instructor, Mrs. Bridget Hughes, to discover strategies for helping students develop executive functions and the language of thinking through NILD techniques. Understand the importance and intricacies of mediation in enhancing students’ executive functions and processing speed. Intentionally implement and promote the use of common executive function language with students.
Learning Objectives:
*Define executive functions and how they impact students of all ages
*Understand how to effectively develop students’ “language of thinking” and processing speed during NILD educational therapy sessions
*Recognize the importance of students’ strategy development and use
*Promote a healthy executive function culture
Afternoon Breakout Sessions
*NILD educational technique modeled
*Using Games in NILD to develop processing speed
*Conveying the NILD story
How to Register
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Pick a Conference Workshop
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If attending a workshop, please register for one of the options below.
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Register for the Conference
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Choose the in-person option or purchase the conference video replay.
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Book Your Travel
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At the bottom of this page, access all the details for travel and accommodations.
Day Two | Nov 2nd: Optional Workshops
Pick from one of the options below
Spelling: Linking Reading & Writing - $425
Sound boxes, word sums, lexical matrices, and etymology activities are key tools to help students make sense of spelling. The knowledge, content, and tools learned in this workshop are an excellent addition for educational therapists who provide Rx for Discovery Reading and/or Writing. Educational therapists can also learn new ways to incorporate building students' spelling abilities through meaning using NILD techniques and materials. (1/2-day)
GeoClock Fundamentals - $275
The GeoClock Fundamentals workshop strengthens math concepts for K-2 students through hands-on activities and research-backed insights. Participants will learn how temporal and spatial orientation impact math learning and discover how the GeoClock educational tool supports skill development and creative thinking. This workshop includes dedicated practice time for designing GeoClock-based lessons to use in educational therapy settings. (1/2-day)
Join us in beautiful Suffolk, VA!
Suffolk, Virginia is located in the heart of Coastal Virginia, known for its rich history, beautiful natural scenery, and friendly community, Suffolk offers visitors a wide range of attractions and activities to enjoy, from strolling through historic neighborhoods and shopping at local boutiques, to hiking through scenic parks and sampling delicious regional cuisine, there's something for everyone in Suffolk. It's a great place for Educational Therapists to get away to relax and recharge for a new season of work! Plus, we're having a social hour with refreshments immediately following the conference.
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Travel
Norfolk International Airport - 24 miles away
Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport - 24 miles away
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Hotels
Courtyard by Marriott - Suffolk/Chesapeake
Amenities: upscale bedding, free Wi-Fi, ergonomic workspaces, and HDTVs. At our updated Suffolk, VA hotel, we also offer an indoor and outdoor pool, 24/7 fitness center, business center, free parking, and onsite Bistro, serving healthy fare, evening cocktails & Starbucks© beverages.
Next door to the conference venue.
Booking link - Reserve by October 15th!
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Conference Venue
Hub 757 offers over 28,000 sq. ft. of flexible function space for a variety of events. Weddings, banquets, meetings, parties – the possibilities are endless. Located in the Harbour View area of Northern Suffolk, Hub 757 features an urban chic, industrial atmosphere capable of accommodating all types of events.
Address: 6801 Bridgeway Dr, Suffolk, VA 23435
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Food
Riverstone Chophouse, Taste Unlimited, Ruby Tuesday, La Parilla Mexican Grille, Mezeh, Yama Sushi, Starbucks, Subway, Metro Diner, First Watch, Gianna's Pizzeria, and much more!
Don't just take our word for it
"The allotted for each presentation was great. The speakers provided some points of insight and great ideas to implement during sessions. Having speakers who are leaders in their field and bring a wealth of knowledge are greatly appreciated."
"Being an independent NILD educational therapist gives me flexibility in my schedule, but I also love being able to connect with people at the conferences."
"You feel like you're in a family when you go to conferences. The ladies are very sisterly. You can count on them to have really great ideas, plus they are willing to share."
"The sessions were topics I'd been wanting to learn more about for a while."
"I went to the conference in November. It was amazing, restorative and inspired me to leave my job to do NILD Educational Therapy on my own."
"NILD conferences are great. You get introduced to new ideas from NILD, plus learn how other educational therapists are using the tools and methodologies in their therapy practices."
"Conference was exactly what I needed and met many specific needs as a therapist."
"I have gained a better understanding of effective EF coaching and how to better support my students and fellow educators."