Paraprofessionals play a vital and often under-recognized role in schools, providing essential support to students and teachers alike. Their work is dynamic—shaped by the unique needs of each classroom and the individual students they serve. Because no two situations are exactly the same, having a flexible set of strategies is key to effectively supporting students academically, socially, emotionally, and behaviorally. This series is designed to equip paraprofessionals with a range of practical tools, while also addressing common questions and challenges specific to the needs you encounter in your role.
This webinar series will not be recorded. Participants must attend each session “live.” PDPs and CEUs will not be awarded. Participants may request a certificate of attendance by emailing Wendy Leone at wendy@mpyinc.org.
This session will examine the autistic spectrum. We will share the criteria to be met and the major components of autism. We will also look at social, communication and academic strategies, modifications, accommodations and reinforcements used to support students on the spectrum.
This session provides an overview of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), including its characteristics and impact on learning and behavior. Participants will explore common signs of inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity, as well as how ADHD presents differently across age groups and genders. The session emphasizes practical classroom strategies, accommodations, and collaboration with teachers and support staff to help students with ADHD succeed academically, socially, and emotionally.
Speakers
- Penny Copplestone, M.Ed., Athena K12 Speaker
- Kathleen Larche, Ed.D., Athena K12 Speaker
About the Speakers
Penny Copplestone, M.Ed.
Penny Copplestone, M.Ed. (she/her). Penny’s career in elementary education was founded on the belief that building relationships with students and championing their individuality is fundamental to their capacity to engage with learning, and to become responsible, kind human beings as well as critical thinkers. Core to her efforts is the desire to close the achievement gap between students who excel and students who fall behind because of race, economics or ethnicity. Penny holds a Masters Degree in Guidance and Counseling from Framingham State University, a BA in Elementary Education from UMass Amherst, and is certified as a K-8 teacher in Massachusetts with additional training in teaching the whole child and teaching in an inclusion classroom.
Kathleen Larche, Ed.D.
Kathleen Larche, Ed.D., (she/her) has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Speech and Hearing Science, a Master’s degree in Speech Pathology and a doctorate degree in Child and Youth Studies. She has worked as a professor at Eastern Nazarene College, Newbury College, Salem State University and, is presently, an assistant professor and program supervisor at Framingham State University. She teaches Language Development and Communication, Assessment Procedures, and Learning and Human Development. Other responsibilities include supervising student teachers during the Practicum experience. Her teaching experience also includes the roles and responsibilities of a speech/language pathologist including the assessment, diagnosis, selection and dispensing of augmentative and alternative communication devices and direct intervention of various communication disorders in public schools. Dr. Larche has led workshops for teachers, paraprofessionals and support staff (OT, PT, SLP, school nurses) for various school districts addressing, Effective Teaching Strategies, Differentiation in the Classroom, Effective Modifications and Adaptations in the Classroom and Classroom Management.
Membership Information
Most MPY webinars are available ONLY to current staff from member districts and organizations. Public school memberships include police and fire personnel. Former and retired employees and members of committees, including but not limited to, PTO/PTA, PAC, School Improvement Councils, Health Councils, Drug/Alcohol Councils, and school volunteers, are not considered MPY members.
PDPs and CEUs
MPY is an approved Professional Development Provider through the Massachusetts Department of Elementary & Secondary Education (Provider No. F20180079). Professional Development Points (PDPs) are offered for most MPY professional development webinars. PDPs are issued in 10 hour increments, per DESE requirements.
Continuing Education Units (CEUs) are available for clinical staff through the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) and the Massachusetts Mental Health Counselors Association, Inc. (MaMHCA). The NASW and the MaMHCA approve each event individually. CEUs may be given in hourly increments.
To receive PDPs and CEUs, participants must pass the quiz.
Event Cancellation Policy
If you are unable to attend a MPY webinar you must cancel, through Bonnie Mullen at bonnie@mpyinc.org, one business day before the webinar.
For MPY hybrid conferences, the date in-person registration closes will be posted on MPY’s website. Virtual conference registration will close one business day before the hybrid conference. You cannot cancel or switch your registration from in-person to virtual after in-person registration closes. Please email Bonnie Mullen with any questions regarding registration.