As Bay District Schools prepares to welcome students back for the 2026-2027 school year, Exceptional Student Education (ESE) teachers from across the district gathered Tuesday for the inaugural ESE Success Summit, a day dedicated to professional learning, collaboration, and strengthening instructional practices.
Hosted at A. Gary Walsingham Academy, the summit brought together ESE educators from across Bay County for training focused on IDEA compliance, high-quality Individualized Education Program (IEP) development, effective case management, and the legal foundations that ensure students with disabilities receive the services and supports they need to succeed.
While compliance was an important component of the training, the day's focus extended far beyond regulations. Sessions were designed to build teacher confidence, promote consistency across schools, strengthen collaboration, and equip educators with practical strategies they can immediately implement in their classrooms.
"Our students deserve educators who are equipped, confident, and ready to meet their individual needs," said Erica Johnson, Director of Exceptional Student Education for Bay District Schools. "This summit gave our teachers the opportunity to collaborate and strengthen their practice before students return to the classroom. Investing in our educators is one of the best ways we can invest in student success, and we're excited to see the impact this work will have throughout the school year."
The ESE Success Summit also provided teachers with valuable opportunities to collaborate with colleagues from across the district, exchange ideas, and build professional connections that will continue throughout the school year.
Bay District Schools extends its appreciation to the district's ESE Department for planning and facilitating the first ESE Success Summit and to every educator who dedicated time before the start of the school year to enhance their professional practice.
As the new school year approaches, Bay District Schools remains committed to providing meaningful professional learning opportunities that empower educators and strengthen outcomes for every learner.
