Educational Leadership

Freshmen in the Pride Walk year opening ceremony

Meadows Principal Improvement Program

The Meadows Principal Improvement Program offers a series of professional development opportunities for professional educators in Northeast Texas. The Meadows Program believes the selected topics will provide school administrators and policymakers with opportunities to improve their campuses through informative and effective conferences.

2011-2012 Conference Series

“Students, Teachers, Parents and the Law: What Are the Latest Developments?” by Mr. Jim Walsh Thursday, October 6^th 2011, Registration: 8:30 am, Conference: 9:00am-1:00pm. in the Leadership Room at the Texas A&M Metroplex Center, 2600 Motley Drive in Mesquite

Mr. Jim Walsh is a highly sought-after speaker throughout the nation. He is the co-author of The Educator's Guide to Texas School Law and the author of The Common Sense Guide to Special Education Law. Mr. Walsh has taught school law at the graduate level. He has conducted in-service training sessions at every Education Service Center in the state and at hundreds of school districts. He was selected by his peers for inclusion in the 2010 edition of The Best Lawyers in America ® in the specialty of Education Law. His presentation will include topics such as public school law and best practices in special education.
“Critical Points of Special Education” by Dr. Ada M. Besinaiz Thursday, November 3^rd 2011, Registration: 8:30 am, Conference: 9:00am-1:00pm. in the Leadership Room at the Texas A&M Metroplex Center, 2600 Motley Drive in Mesquite

Dr. Ada M. Besinaiz has spent over 27 years in South Texas schools. Her vast experience includes: teacher, diagnostician, counselor, principal, and Director of Special Programs. Dr. Besinaiz completed her Bachelor and Master of Science degrees at Corpus Christi State University. She also earned her Ed. D.in Educational Leadership and Counseling in 2009 at Texas A&M Kingsville. Her primary area of research is Special Education Due Process Hearings/Litigations and Teaching Exceptional Children. Her presentation will introduce “Critical Points of Special Education” to North East Texas leaders. Participants will learn applicable tools essential for staying in compliance, preparing for STARR testing, and developing and implementing researched-based practices for students with disabilities.
“Keeping Students in School: What is Needed Now” by Dr. Maria Robledo Montecel and Mr. Aurelio Montemayor Tuesday, February 21^st, 2012, Registration: 8:30 am, Conference: 9:00am-1:00pm. in the Leadership Room at the Texas A&M Metroplex Center, 2600 Motley Drive in Mesquite

Dr. Maria “Cuca” Robledo Montecel is CEO and president of IDRA (Intercultural Development Research Association) in San Antonio, Texas. In addition, she is a nationally-recognized expert on the prevention and recovery of dropouts. She holds a bachelor of social work degree from Our Lady of the Lake University and a master’s degree in educational evaluation from Antioch College. She earned a doctorate in research and evaluation from the Urban Education program at the University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee. Dr. Maria Montecel’s presentation will include topics such as LEP/ESL student success, the importance of parental involvement programs, dropout prevention, and creating a PK-16 pipeline for poor and minority students. Dr. Montecel will be joined by Mr. Aurelio Montemayor, Senior Education Associate, Intercultural Development Research Association. Currently serving as the professional development team leader for IDRA, he brings extensive experience in working with school personnel, parents and students. His career in education spans four decades and has included teaching at the high school, middle school and elementary school levels.