2020 Texas State Conference
Member pricing: $176/attendee
Non-Members: $220/attendee
Members be sure to login to take advantage of a 20% discount!
August 6-7, 2020,
8:50am – 4:30pm
“A mind once stretched by a new idea never returns to its original dimension.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
The 2020 TBCWEA State Conference was filled with fun and exciting learning experiences. We embarked on a journey to refocus on looking at life and learning through the eyes of young children! Never before has it been so critical to be attuned to the needs of young children and their families.
Did you miss the conference? For the first time ever…we are planning to have a FULL conference recording available for you. Editing is underway and recordings will be available soon! Subscribe to our mailing list or follow us on social media for all the latest updates!
| Day 1 | Thursday, August 6, 2020 |
| Session 1: Through Your Eyes as a Teacher |
8:50am – 10:30am |
How Do I Fix My Eyes on God
Dr. Sam Holm, Justin & Hollye Hornsby
Let’s get this conference started off right with some music and movement to get our bodies and minds ready to learn and then a word from Dr. Sam Holm about placing our focus on the One who is actually in charge.
Licensing Standard 746.1309 (f,7) Professional Development
Core Competencies: Professionalism and Ethics (9.2)
God Sees You In Your New Normal as a Teacher
Who would have anticipated the challenges that the last few months have brought? Some things are different, but your role as a teacher, and the love and care you show each child and family matters more than ever! This mother of four will challenge your perspective of your vital role in the life of these children inside and outside the classroom. In this unpredictable world, GOD SEES YOU and the impact you are making for His Kingdom!
Licensing Standard 746.1309 (f,7) Professional Development
Core Competencies: Professionalism and Ethics (9.2)
How Do I Deal with My Stress/Anxiety?
Life can be stressful, but the events of 2020 have dramatically increased the pressure. You have a choice: you can fix your eyes on the fearful circumstances of life or you can fix your eyes on Jesus. God uniquely designed your five senses to help you focus your heart and mind on Him. Learn some practical tips to decrease stress and find peace in the Lord.
Licensing Standard 746.1309 (f,7) Professional Development
Core Competencies: Professionalism and Ethics (9.2,3)
Panel: Can I Ask for Help?
Dr. Melissa Ewing, Amy Carlson, Dr. Shelly Melia
“I just need to deal with it and keep going.” “If I ask for help, that means I’m failing/not capable/weak.” “I don’t want my boss to think I can’t do this job.” Do you have these thoughts? In this session, we’ll visit with some experts and clear up how, when, and why you SHOULD ask for help and how asking for help actually makes you more confident in your abilities to get the job done.
Licensing Standard 746.1309 (f,7) Professional Development
Core Competencies: Professionalism and Ethics (9.2,4)
| Session 2: Supporting the Emotional Needs of Children |
10:45am-12:15pm |
Navigating the Emotional World of Children
This session will focus on understanding the emotional development of young children, the elements of emotion and how they process feelings. We will also explore temperament as a foundation for understanding emotion and our calling to be good stewards of children’s emotional and spiritual well-being. This time will end with practical ideas for furthering a child’s emotional development.
Licensing Standard 746.1309 (b.1,2,4) Child Growth & Development, Guidance & Discipline, Teacher-Child Interaction, (f.11) Attachment & Responsive Caregiving
Core Competencies: Responsive Interactions and Guidance (2.1,2); Supporting Skill Development (4.1)
Panel: Looking at Teacher-Child Engagement
Mary Ann Bradberry, Allison Jessee
How can you create an environment for discovery, curiosity, problem-solving, and higher-level thinking? How can we engage our students in a way that allows them to grow more curious, confident, and invested in their own learning? We will look at practical ways to engage in conversation and questioning in your preschool classroom to help children discover their sense of wonder, foster a love for learning, and begin making connections to the world around them and to the Creator who made them.
Licensing Standard 746.1309 (b.2,4) Guidance & Discipline, Teacher-Child Interaction, (f.10,11) Observation & Assessment, Attachment & Responsive Caregiving
Core Competencies: Responsive Interactions & Guidance (2.3,4), Observation & Assessment (5.1)
Being Purposeful: Exploring 3 Basic Concepts for Being Intentional with Kids
This session will focus on three basic concepts for being intentional with kids. We’ll discuss the significance of our contribution, and some foundational ingredients kids need from us. This time will also invite you to consider some important questions your kids need you to ask. You also will leave with five questions to answer on behalf of the kids you teach.
Licensing Standard 746.1309 (b.1,2,4) Child Growth & Development, Guidance & Discipline, Teacher-Child Interaction, (f.9,11) Planning Developmentally Appropriate Activities, Attachment & Responsive Caregiving
Core Competencies: Supporting Skill Development (4.1), Observation & Assessment (5.1)
How to Connect in a Disconnected World and Why We Have To
As competent teachers who care, we must focus on connection. Children were made to connect – to their people, to their peers and to their world. Toxic stress and Trauma make this connection both more difficult and crucial. This session will cover some of the science, current research, and powerful tools and tips.
Licensing Standard 746.1309 (b.2,4) Guidance & Discipline, Teacher-Child Interaction (f.1,10,11) Care of Children with Special Needs, Observation & Assessement, Attachment & Responsive Caregiving
Core Competencies: Responsive Interactions & Guidance (2.2,4), Observation & Assessment (5.2)
| Session 3: The Classroom Environment Through the Eyes of a Child |
1:15pm – 2:45pm |
A Look into the Classroom that Nurtures Boys
“Why can’t he focus? Why is he always moving?” “He won’t talk. I can tell he’s struggling, but he won’t open up. Help!” “How can I help boys experience more success in school?”“Is this normal for a boy his age?” These are questions, declarations and some of the most common cries for help from boys. They represent the playful, puzzling, passion-filled, sometimes exhausting, fascinating and mysterious journey of raising boys. Wild Things: The Art of Nurturing Boys helps educators understand and explore the hearts, minds and ways of boys and the vital role teachers play along the journey to manhood. This class is packed full of practical suggestions for how to teach and discipline more in tandem with the way boys are designed rather than in opposition to it.
Licensing Standard 746.1309 (b.1,2,4) Child Growth & Development, Guidance & Discipline,Teacher-Child Interaction (f.9) Planning Developmentally Appropriate Activities,
Core Competencies: Child Growth & Development (1.1,2,4) Supporting Skill Development (4.1)
What Do Our Kids Need: Through the Eyes of a Dietitian and Mom
In this session, Amy explores the importance of good nutrition for young children and breaks through common missteps when helping them learn about nutrition and to trust their own bodies.
Licensing Standard 746.1309 (b.1) Child Growth & Development, (f.2) Child Health
Core Competencies: Health, Safety, & Nutrition (8.4)
Panel: All Day, Every Day – Incorporating the Bible Into Classroom Routines
Melissa McKenzie, Lauren Osborne Blaschke
Is your “Bible Time” limited to Chapel or an extra group time during your week? These two experts will share some easy, practical ways to move beyond telling a story and integrate the “Jesus-way” of living into teachable moments throughout your day every day!
Licensing Standard 746.1309 (b.3) Age-Appropriate Curriculum (f.9,10,11) Planning Developmentally Appropriate Activities
Core Competencies: Supporting Skill Development (4.1-9)
Yes, You Can Teach the Bible To Preschoolers
God’s word is alive and active! God loves speaking to adults, but sometimes we forget that He wants to speak to kids too! As teachers, we can share in the exciting relationship between the Lord and our kids by teaching them His Word. There is no need to be a theologian. You have been called and are already equipped with the creativity to do this. We just might need a nudge to tap into it!
Licensing Standard 746.1309 (b.3,4)Age-Appropriate Curriculum, Teacher-Child Interaction (f.9) Planning Developmentally Appropriate Activities
Core Competencies: Supporting Skill Development (4.1-9)
| Session 4: The Need for Play and Exploration of Nature |
3:00pm – 4:30pm |
Play IS Learning: Encouraging Nature Play for Young Children
The benefits of nature play for a young child’s development is professionally researched and documented; however, many practitioners are hesitant about incorporating nature into their environment and curriculum. Through inspiring photographs of children at play, participants will gain an understanding of the benefits of nature play in supporting a child’s curiosity, exploration, learning and overall development.
Licensing Standard 746.1309 (b.1,2) Child Growth & Development, Guidance & Discipline (f.9,10) Planning Developmentally Appropriate Activities, Observation & Assessement
Core Competencies: Child Growth & Development (1.5), Learning Environments (3.1)
Music and Movement for Calming Anxious Kids
When emotions are running wild and our brains (and, in turn, our bodies) are out of control, what do we do to dial everything down a notch? A dance party, you say? Our bodies and brains are so intertwined that specific movement and rhythm with our bodies can actually calm our brains and emotions as well. Learn some tips and tricks for using music and movement to create a calm learning environment from the inside out!
Licensing Standard 746.1309 (b.2,3,4) Guidance & Discipline, Age-Appropriate Curriculum, Teacher-Child Interaction (f.9,10,11) Planning Developmentally Appropriate Activities, Observation & Assessement, Attachment & Responsive Caregiving
Core Competencies: Supporting Skill Development (4.1,7,9)
Be Careful! Danger in Avoiding Risky Play
Brain and Behavior research tells us that children gain critical cognitive, physical, and even emotional skills when engaging in child-directed risk. This includes both physical risk (balancing, leaping, climbing) and social risk (inviting a new friend to play). When we prevent all risks in the name of safety. we rob children of the skills to accurately assess and navigate common situations. In this session we will identify the differences between risk and hazards, examine our role in children’s play, and develop strategies to support healthy risk.
Licensing Standard 746.1309 (b.1,3,4) Child Growth & Development, Age-Appropriate Curriculum, Teacher-Child Interaction (f.9) Planning Developmentally Appropriate Activities
Core Competencies: Child Growth & Development(1.1,5)
Panel: Getting Kids Outdoors and into Nature: More Critical Than Ever!
The State of Texas has proposed increased time outdoors for all age groups. How does this benefit young kids and what should it look like? Healthy physical, mental, emotional and social development happens organically in an outdoor environment that pulls children back into nature where their imaginations can soar and their bodies can take calculated risks. Join our discussion on how to make the most of time outdoors and why it’s important right now.
Licensing Standard 746.1309 (b.1) Child Growth & Development, (f.9) Planning Developmentally Appropriate Activities
Core Competencies: Supporting Skill Development(4.1-9)
| Day 2 | Friday, August 7, 2020 |
| Session 1: The Learning Environment Through the Eyes of A Child |
8:50am – 10:30am |
God Through the Eyes of a Child
Dr. Shelly Melia, Justin & Hollye Hornsby
How do young children see and experience God and how can we support their childlike faith and natural openness to spiritual conversations? This session will focus on faith from a child’s perspective and encourage adults to return to the wonder of childlike faith.
Licensing Standard 746.1309 (b.1) Child Growth & Development
Core Competencies: Child Growth & Development (1.4)
Finding Space - Ideas for Classroom Design
This presentation will give us some ideas on traveling the unexpected road of COVID-19 and physical distancing in our classrooms. How can we create environments that allow children to play freely but allow for more distance without breaking the bank?
Licensing Standard 746.1309 (b.1,2,3) Child Growth & Development, (f.9,10) Planning Developmentally Appropriate Activities, Observation & Assessement
Core Competencies: Learning Environments (3.1)
Panel: Emergent Curriculum Versus Theme-related Curriculum: Can I Do Both?
So often teachers move from one center to another and desperately try to adapt what they learned at one center to their new center and become enormously overwhelmed with confusion about how to implement “the curriculum.” If truth be told, “the real curriculum” is the child. No matter what theory or method you use, it is the child who is your inspiration. It isn’t always what we plan that happens in our classrooms, but where the children take us. How can you stay flexible to bring balance and intent to your classroom?
Licensing Standard 746.1309 (b.1,3) Child Growth & Development, Age-Appropriate Curriculum, Teacher-Child Interaction (f.9,10) Planning Developmentally Appropriate Activities, Observation & Assessement
Core Competencies: Learning Environments (3.2)
Rolling, Spinning, Jumping and Running – Embracing Big Body Movement and Development
Children need movement to develop their bodies and brains. Uncover the progression of physical development and why it is important to embrace bending, twisting, and wiggling in our learning environments!
Licensing Standard 746.1309 (b.1,3) Child Growth & Development, Age-Appropriate Curriculum (f.2,9,10) Child Health, Planning Developmentally Appropriate Activities, Observation & Assessment
Core Competencies: Child Growth & Development (1.1), Supporting Skill Development (4.9)
| Session 2: Looking Beyond the Challenging Behaviors of Children |
10:45am – 12:15pm |
The Pause on Labels
The labeling of children is running rampant through our schools and centers. Which ones are “real”? Which ones are “right”? Let’s pause. As a believer, what do we really believe? What does the Bible say about these children? Let’s take a pause to ponder His labels before we entertain any others.
Licensing Standard 746.1309 (b.1) Child Growth & Development (f.1,10,11) Care of Children with Special Needs, Observation & Assessement, Attachment & Responsive Caregiving
Core Competencies: Child Growth & Development (1.2), Observation & Assessment (5.1.2)
What Does Grief Look Like for a Child and How Does It Affect Behavior?
Young children experience grief differently than teenagers and adults. This session will explore grief through the eyes of a young child. Special emphasis will be given to recognizing behaviors that signal a child may be grieving.
Licensing Standard 746.1309 (b.1) Child Growth & Development (f.10,11) Observation & Assessement, Attachment & Responsive Caregiving
Core Competencies: Child Growth & Development (1.4)
You See a Conflict; I See An Opportunity
I’m sure all your students do everything they are told to do? No? Believe it or not this may be very typical of young learners! We will discuss development levels and stages and what can be expected at each stage of development. I will teach you a strategy to help children solve conflict! We will also explore ways to make your classroom engaging so each child’s learning style can be met!
Licensing Standard 746.1309 (b.1,2) Child Growth & Development, Guidance & Discipline
Core Competencies: Child Growth & Development (1.1), Supporting Skill Development (4.1,2)
Keys to Self Regulation
Developing self-regulatory skills is debatably the most important task of childhood. Preschoolers are still primarily in the stage of co-regulation who need superhero teachers to guide them. This session will help you see your own superpowers and learn how Active Inhibition practice can help fight against dysregulation (and the behaviors that come with it) in your classroom.
Licensing Standard 746.1309 (b.1,2,4) Child Growth & Development, Guidance & Discipline, Teacher-Child Interaction, (f.11) Attachment & Responsive Caregiving
Core Competencies: Responsive Interactions & Guidance (2.2), Supporting Skills Development (4.1)
| Session 3: Staying Connected with Families |
1:15pm – 2:45pm |
We Are All Connected: Community Through the Eyes of a Child
Early childhood classrooms should reinforce and enhance young children’s sense of belonging and connection to their environment, each other, their families, and their community. This presentation invites educators to support and encourage these connections and offers inspiring examples and images that describe how to weave elements of connectedness which vividly reflect children, families, and community.
Licensing Standard 746.1309 (b.1) Child Growth & Development (f.6,7) Cultural Diversity, Professional Development
Core Competencies: Learning Environments (3.1) Families & Community Relationships (7.3)
Honoring Cultural Diversity In Our Families
Albert Wright
How can we build relationships with families who look, sound and act different than us? Children benefit when we can truly partner with their parents! In this session, you’ll learn some practical tips for approaching diversity with cultural humility in order to build stronger relationships with the families you serve.
Licensing Standard 746.1309 (f.6,7) Cultural Diversity, Professional Development
Core Competencies: Diversity & Dual Language Learners (6.1), Families & Community Relationships (7.1)
Mirrors, Windows, and Sliding Glass Doors: Building Resilience, Empathy and Healthy Identity Through our Choice of Picture Books
Dr. Rudine Bishop once described books as the “windows, mirrors, and sliding glass doors” in a children’s world. They not only offer our students a way to understand and process their own worlds, but allow them to visualize and step into the lives and worlds of others. This session will focus on how we can use our classroom to foster empathy, resilience, healthy identity, and community by intentionally introducing new books into our curriculum. You will be introduced to many great books as well as discuss how we can use these books to create conversation and activities to reinforce concepts critical to our classroom communities and our children’s well-being.
Licensing Standard 746.1309 (b.1,2,3) Child Growth & Development, Guidance & Discipline, (f.6,9) Cultural Diversity, Planning Developmentally Appropriate Activities
Core Competencies: Responsive Interactions & Guidance (2.4), Supporting Skill Development (4.1), Diversity & Dual Language Learners (6.1)
Panel: Drive-Bys, Drive-Ins and Drive-Ups: Are They Here to Stay?
Presenters TBD
What do you do when you can’t have a large event? We’ve seen some innovative and creative connections created this past Spring! See how several schools created unique events that allowed for some extra special memories to be made. They might even lead to new traditions!
Licensing Standard 746.1309 (e.3,4) Safety, Risk Management (f.7,9) Professional Development – Family Connection, Planning Developmentally Appropriate Activities
Core Competencies: Families & Community Relationships (7.2)
| Session 4: Looking Forward |
3:00pm – 4:30pm |
Making Time for Peace In The Classroom – Seeing our Strengths
This session will focus on adult/child interactions in the classroom. The adults set the tone for all social emotional growth and the peacefulness in the environment. All children struggle from time to time regulating their emotions. There is a powerful lesson to be taught and modeled in that moment. Come learn best practices for interacting with young learners so we can all learn in a peaceful environment.
Licensing Standard 746.1309 (b.1,2,3,4) Child Growth & Development, Guidance & Discipline, Teacher-Child Interaction
Core Competencies: Responsive Interactions & Guidance (2.1,2)
Teaching with a Renewed Mindset
Now more than ever, we need to embrace and respect the whole child. Let’s enter this school year with a renewed mindset to support the needs of the children we serve through our learning environments, daily play experiences, and face to face interactions.
Licensing Standard 746.1309 (f.9) Planning Developmentally Appropriate Activities
Core Competencies: Child Growth & Development (1.1,5); Supporting Skill Development (4.9)
Panel: What’s Next? Protecting the Minds and Hearts of Young Learners
Stacy Benge, Dr. Shelly Melia, Mary Ann Bradberry
We have the ability and the responsibility to set the foundation of healthy emotional development. Research indicates that emotionally strong children are able to learn and retain new knowledge faster and at deeper levels. Learn what you can do to protect and nurture the minds and hearts of young learners.
Licensing Standard 746.1309 (f.7) Professional Development (Parent Connection)
Core Competencies: Families & Community Relationships (7.3,4)
Honoring a Legacy
Dr. Shelly Melia, Diane Lane
In this session, we’ll take a look at the impact that one person has had on faith-based early childhood education. Her clear vision and unwavering resolve to fulfill her calling have created a lasting legacy. Join us as we make much of what God has done and commit to continuing the work we’ve been called to.
Licensing Standard 746.1309 ( (f.7) Professional Development
Core Competencies: Professionalism and Ethics (9.2)
Amy Carlson, MS, RD, LD
Registered/Licensed Dietitian
Amy Carlson MS,RD,LD is a Registered/Licensed Dietitian living in the Houston area. She holds her Bachelor’s of Science in Nutrition from the University of Minnesota, where she grew up, and received her Master’s of Science in Nutrition from Texas Women’s University. She has been practicing in her field for over 21 years and has had the privilege of working with girls and women with eating disorders for nearly as long. She has four children that have all “graduated” from a weekday program and she is passionate about affirming preschool teachers in what they do and why it matters. As a passionate follower of Christ and her background, Amy encourages others to take care of one’s self…spiritually, emotionally and physically.
- Trainer Criteria (a.5) of Minimum Standard 746.1317
- God Sees You In Your New Normal as a Teacher
- Can I Ask for Help? (Panel Discussion)
- What Do Our Kids Need: Through the Eyes of a Dietitian and Mom
David Thomas, L.M.S.W.
Director of Family Counseling, Nashville, TN
David Thomas is the Director of Family Counseling at Daystar Counseling in Nashville, Tennessee. He is the co-author of eight books, including the best-selling Wild Things: The Art of Nurturing Boys, Are my Kids on Track? and The 12 Emotional, Social and Spiritual Milestones Your Child Needs to Reach. He is a frequent guest on national television and podcasts, including his own with Sissy Goff and Melissa Trevathan called “Raising Boys and Girls”. David has been
featured in publications like USA Today, and speaks across the country.
He and his wife, Connie, have a daughter, twin sons and a feisty yellow lab named Owen.
- Trainer Criteria (a.4,5) of Minimum Standard 746.1317
- Navigating the Emotional World of Children
- Being Purposeful: Exploring 5 Basic Concepts for Being Intentional with Kids
- A Look into the Classroom that Nurtures Boys
Dr. Sandra Duncan
International Education Consultant
Working to assure the miracle and magic of childhood through classroom environments that are intentionally designed to connect children to their community and neighborhoods, Dr. Sandra Duncan is an international consultant, an author of six books focused on the environmental design and layouts of early childhood classrooms.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Western Michigan University, a Master of Science in Elementary Education from Indiana University and a Doctorate of Education from Nova Southeastern University.
- Trainer Criteria (a.4,5) of Minimum Standard 746.1317
- Lessons from Jellyfish: The Classroom Environment
- Emergent Curriculum Versus Theme-related Curriculum: Can I Do Both? (Panel Discussion)
- We Are All Connected: Community Through the Eyes of a Child
Stacy Benge
Child Development and Early Learning Specialist
Stacy is a child development and early learning specialist who approaches early childhood education in a way that makes sense. In addition to holding a Master of Science degree in Human/ Child Development and Family Studies, she has spent 10 years in the early childhood classroom, teaching children, ages birth to five. Stacy also has over 20 years’ experience of sharing her passion for child and human development with fellow early learning professionals by designing and presenting continuing education courses. Stacy is a Master Level Trainer #1581 on the Texas Trainer Registry.
- Trainer Criteria (a.5) of Minimum Standard 746.1317
- Rolling, Spinning, Jumping and Running – Embracing Big Body Movement and Development
- Teaching with a Renewed Mindset
- What’s Next? Protecting the Minds and Hearts of Young Learners (Panel Discussion)
Lauren Osborne Blaschke
Christian Independent Consultant/Speaker
Lauren has a bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M University as well as a Master’s of Education from the University of Texas at Arlington. She was a teacher for eight years, both in the public and private sectors and has been a Christian Independent Consultant/Speaker for over fifteen years. She has a deep desire to encourage and refresh women to live in the freedom that comes with believing and obeying God fully. With this passion, she is a zealous speaker at women’s events, retreats, conferences and seminars.
- Trainer Criteria (a.5) of Minimum Standard 746.1317
- All Day, Every Day – Incorporating the Bible Into Classroom Routines (Panel Discussion)
- Yes, You Can Teach the Bible To Preschoolers
- The Pause on Labels
Mary Ann Bradberry
Former Executive Director, TBCWE
After seven years as the Executive Director of Texas Baptist Church Weekday Education Association, Mary Ann recently retired to spend more time exploring the world through the eyes of her three-year-old granddaughter. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a graduate degree in Early Childhood Education from North Texas State University in Denton, Texas. Mary Ann has worked as editor in chief in the Childhood Publishing Department at LifeWay Christian Resources and served as a Preschool and Children’s Minister at churches in Texas and Oklahoma. She has also been an adjunct professor at Dallas Baptist University.
Mary Ann lives in Austin, Texas where she attends Real Life Church.
- Trainer Criteria (a.5) of Minimum Standard 746.1317
- What’s Next? Protecting the Minds and Hearts of Young Learners (Panel Discussion)
Dr. Melissa Ewing, LPC
Minister of Marriage and Family, First Baptist Church McKinney
Dr. Melissa Ewing is the Minister of Marriage and Family at First Baptist Church McKinney as well as a licensed clinical psychologist. Prior to this position, she served for thirteen years as the Children’s Minister over birth through fifth grade. She has a Masters of Science and Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical Psychology from the University of North Texas. She specialized in children and families studies, and throughout her career has also provided counseling and pastoral care to hurting children and families.
Dr. Ewing and her husband of 29 years have three adult children.
- Trainer Criteria (a.4,5) of Minimum Standard 746.1317
- How Do I Deal with My Stress/Anxiety?
- Can I Ask for Help? (Panel Discussion)
Jenice Dames
Northside Independent School District
Jenice oversees the Special Education programing for elementary schools in the Northside Independent School District in San Antonio. Prior to her current position, she served as a Pre-School Educational Specialist at the Education Service Center, Region 20. Jenice also has been a professor at the University of Texas at San Antonio where she taught Special Education and Early Childhood courses. She holds a Bachelors degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from Southwest Texas State University and a Masters in Educational Leadership from the University of Texas at San Antonio.
- Trainer Criteria (a.5) of Minimum Standard 746.1317
- You See a Conflict; I See An Opportunity
- Teaching with a Renewed Mindset
Beth Edwards
Educational Consultant
Beth Edwards has worked in the field of Early Childhood Education for over 30 years. She began as a classroom teacher in 1987 and for the next 10 years worked with children ages 18mos-6yrs. She moved into administration leading early childhood programs, mentoring early childhood professionals, and creating interesting, developmentally appropriate classroom and outdoor environments. During her time in management, she was presented with several amazing opportunities to build, launch, and oversee preschool programs for Churches in North Texas and Mason, Ohio. In 2017, Beth joined Green Space Learning as a trainer/ Consultant where she manages the operations of Play Studio in Fort Worth, provides professional development for early childhood professionals and collaborates on a variety of playground and interior design projects for various centers around the state. Beth believes that play is the work of a young child and that childhood is a time for simplicity, discovery, and wonderment in the world around.
- Trainer Criteria ( a.1,5,7) of Minimum Standard 746.1317
- Play IS Learning: Encouraging Nature Play for Young Children
- Be Careful! Danger in Avoiding Risky Play
- Getting Kids Outdoors and into Nature: More Critical Than Ever! (Panel Discussion)
Diane Goyette, MA, CCHC
Child Development Specialist
Diane T. Goyette, M.A., CCHC, is a Child Development Specialist with over 30 years of early education experience, teaching children in public school, university laboratories, faith-based preschools and child care programs. She has taught adults as an adjunct professor and as owner of Early Childhood Specialties, she develops and presents training and provides consulting for early childhood professionals. She holds a master’s degree in Child Development and a Lifetime Texas Educator Certificate for Pre-K and Kindergarten. Diane presents sessions at national and international conferences and keynotes at local and regional conferences. She is especially passionate about the important role of relationships, fostering children’s social and emotional development, and helping teachers work with children who exhibit challenging behavior.
- Trainer Criteria (a.1,2,5) of Minimum Standard 746.1317
- Honoring Diversity: A Framework for Understanding Differences
Dr. Sam Holm
Senior Pastor, First McKinney Baptist Church
Dr. Sam Holm currently serves as the Senior Pastor at First Baptist Church in McKinney, Texas. He earned his undergraduate degree from Baylor University, a Master of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and a Ph.D. in Exegetical Preaching from Dallas Theological Seminary. He has served as a Teaching Pastor at Park Cities Baptist Church and Camp Director at Pine Cove Christian Camps. His heart is to teach the Truth of God’s word, lead in service by example and train disciples who train disciples.
- Trainer Criteria (a.5) of Minimum Standard 746.1317
- How Do I Fix My Eyes on God?
Justin & Hollye Hornsby
Worship Pastor, First McKinney Baptist Church
Justin and Hollye Hornsby are gifted worship leaders who desire to point people to Jesus through their ministry. Justin currently serves as the Worship Pastor at First Baptist Church in McKinney, Texas. Hollye is a sought-after piano accompanist in several local school districts where she participates in many concerts and competitions for choir and band students throughout the year. She was recently honored as a featured vocalist with the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir in New York City. Justin and Hollye both have undergraduate degrees from Western Kentucky University and Justin has a Masters in Worship Studies from Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary. When they are not making music, they enjoy hanging out with their three kids.
- Trainer Criteria (a.5) of Minimum Standard 746.1317
- How Do I Fix My Eyes on God? (with Sam Holm)
- God Through the Eyes of a Child (with Shelly Melia)
Allison Jessee
Art Teacher, Curriculum Advisor, First Baptist Church Learning Center, McKinney
Allison is an experienced educator who serves as the art teacher and curriculum advisor the weekday Learning Center at First Baptist Church, McKinney, Texas. As a result of her pursuit of learning about emergent curriculum and educational philosophy of Reggio Emilia, she opened an art studio in the Learning Center. Allison also provides training on process-based learning and works with teachers to implement the ideas into the classroom. Before becoming the art teacher, Allison was a teacher of 3s and Pre-Kindergartners in the program at FBC McKinney. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Presbyterian College in Clinton, South Carolina and is pursuing a Masters in Early Childhood Development from the University of North Texas.
- Trainer Criteria (a.5) of Minimum Standard 746.1317
- Looking at Teacher-Child Engagement (Panel Discussion)
- Getting Kids Outdoors and into Nature: More Critical Than Ever! (Panel Discussion)
- Emergent Curriculum Versus Theme-related Curriculum: Can I Do Both? (Panel Discussion)
- Mirrors, Windows, and Sliding Glass Doors: Building Resilience, Empathy and Healthy Identity Through our Choice of Picture Books
Kristin Mathis
Pediatric Occupational Therapist
Kristin is a Pediatric Occupational Therapist who focuses on sensory, learning, behavior, and attachment issues in children. Kristin is an experienced weekday teacher and currently serves as the Weekday Director at FBC Carrollton, TX. She holds a degree in Family and Child Development from Oklahoma Baptist University and a Master of Occupational Therapy from Texas Woman’s University.
- Trainer Criteria (a.5,7) of Minimum Standard 746.1317
- How to Connect in a Disconnected World and Why We Have To
- Keys to Self Regulation
Melissa McKenzie
Early Childhood Professional
Melissa is an Early Childhood Professional who is committed to making learning a joyful journey. She is the FCS Childhood Guidance/Human Resource Practicum Teacher and Preschool Director for Cypress Ranch Preschool in Cypress, Texas. Melissa holds a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Stephen F. Austin University. She also is a member of the Texas Trainer Registry and currently is responsible for writing the faith-based curriculum for Nabor House Centers.
- Trainer Criteria (a.1,5) of Minimum Standard 746.1317
- All Day, Every Day – Incorporating the Bible Into Classroom Routines (Panel Discussion)
- Music and Movement for Calming Anxious Kids
Dr. Shelly Melia
Associate Dean of the Graduate School of Ministry and Program Director for Children and Family, Dallas Baptist University
Shelly is Associate Dean of the Graduate School of Ministry and Program Director for Children and Family at Dallas Baptist University. She is a graduate of Oklahoma Baptist University and holds a Master of Arts in Religious Education and Marriage and Family Counseling from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas and a PhD in Childhood Education from B.H. Carroll Theological Institute. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor with a special interest in parental bereavement and resilience in children.
- Trainer Criteria (a.2,4) of Minimum Standard 746.1317
- Can I Ask for Help? (Panel Discussion)
- God Through the Eyes of a Child
- What Does Grief Look Like for a Child and How Does It Affect Behavior?
- What’s Next? Protecting the Minds and Hearts of Young Learners (Panel Discussion)
- Honoring a Legacy
Jerri Thompson, M.Ed. ECE
Early Education Consultant
Jerri has over 35 years of experience as an early childhood educator, administrator, trainer, and consultant. She is currently an administrator at a NAEYC accredited early childhood program in Austin, and serves as President for the Austin Chapter of the Texas Association for the Education of Young Children. Jerri has developed a passion for teaching adults, consulting, advocacy, and developing curriculum and assessment tools for young children. Jerri is also a Master Registered Trainer through the Texas Early Childhood Development System, a Child Care Health Consultant, and began her own training and consulting business, ECEToday.com.
- Trainer Criteria (a.1,5,7) of Minimum Standard 746.1317
- Looking at Teacher-Child Engagement (Panel Discussion)
- Getting Kids Outdoors and into Nature: More Critical Than Ever! (Panel Discussion)
- Emergent Curriculum Versus Theme-related Curriculum: Can I Do Both? (Panel Discussion)