Emerging Scholars & Emerging Professionals Conference Strand
Monday, October 10
7:30 am-9:00 am
Poster Set-Up
Conference Center Foyer
Emerging Scholars & Emerging Professionals set up posters
9:00-10:00 am
Conference General Session
Veramendi Salons E & F
BelieVe- How Far Are You Willing to Go?
Conference Keynote Speaker: Mr. Israel Velazquez
McKinney Independent School District
Mr. Israel Velasquez is a proud English learner from Venezuela. He successfully graduated, Summa Cum Laude, from Texas A&M University-Commerce with a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Interdisciplinary Studies and a concentration in Bilingual Education. Mr. Velasquez's dedication to teaching is demonstrated both inside and outside the classroom. He serves as a bilingual teacher in a self-contained classroom, and he works with newcomer students districtwide to assist and support students transitioning into bilingual classrooms. Additionally, his dedication to the teaching profession is demonstrated by his work as a liaison for the newcomer academy, and as a mentor for adults teaching ESL classes. Currently, Mr. Velasquez serves as a LOTE teacher in McKinney ISD and ESL instructor at Grayson College.
10:15-11:15 am
Emerging Scholars & Emerging Professionals Poster Presentation
Conference Center Foyer
11:30 am-12:15 pm
Professional Development Session I
San Marcos River Salon B
My Golden Shoes
Presenter: Dr. Ty Cauthen
Lufkin Early College High School Director
Dr. Cauthen completed his B.S. in Agriculture Production and Development in 2011 at Stephen F. Austin State University. He earned his Master’s in Educational Leadership at Stephen F. Austin State University in 2015, his superintendent certification from the University of Texas in 2017, and his Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Texas A&M University-Texarkana in 2021. His dissertation focused on telling the stories of students at-risk of not graduating. He has been a teacher, assistant principal, junior high principal, and is now the director of the Lufkin Early College High School.
1:15 pm-2:15 pm
Professional Development Session II
San Marcos River Salon B
Best Practices for the Beginning Teacher
Presenter: Dr. Susan Reily
Stephen F. Austin State University
While working with teacher candidates in the elementary and middle-level certification programs, Dr. Susan Reily has published various articles and presented on several topics focused on innovative practices to prepare teacher candidates for the constant changes in best practices. Along with degrees in curriculum and instruction and educational leadership, Dr. Reily’s practical experiences as a classroom teacher, instructional coach and administrator have instilled the importance of understanding different perspectives for her students and for her research.