Spring Development Day Workshop Schedule
Welcome to the Spring Development Day 2026 workshops schedule page. Please review the workshops in full below and click on the “Register” button to submit your registration.
For any questions, please email facdev@austincc.edu.
Workshops
Opening Session
8:30-9 a.m.
Session 1 Workshops: 9-10 a.m.
Presented by Manual Duran
The Blackboard Analytics for Student Success professional development empowers educators to harness data effectively for student success. Participants will learn and explore Blackboard Ultra analytics professional development and how it could be used to enhance teaching and learning. The participants will delve into analytics tools designed to identify student trends, improve assessments, and monitor engagement available in Blackboard.
Presented by Marla Kincaid
Process for implementation of Affinity group projects from 16-week EDUC 1300-Learning Framework classes Goals: Enhance students’ academic, emotional and social well-being and create a greater sense of belonging at ACC. Encourage students to navigate challenges and meet people by connecting them with ACC allies, advocates, services and student organizations. Encourage students to exchange thoughts, ideas and feelings with like-minded individuals.
Presented by Bethany Swoveland
Rediscover focus, energy, and meaning in your work through creativity and mindfulness. This interactive session blends evidence-based insights on creativity’s impact with reflective art and playful grounding exercises. You’ll leave with a personal “Joy Toolkit” of creative practices to reduce stress, boost innovation, and bring calm to your day — no artistic experience required.
Presented by Amber Huffman, Christie Curtis, LMSW, Kai Ferguson/ACCTV, and Michelle De La Garza
Go to class. Study. Raise your kids. Repeat. At Austin Community College, 28% of students are parenting students. In this workshop, participants will watch ACCTV’s latest docuseries episode, Day In the Life: Parenting Students (28 minutes), which follows three current parenting students as they juggle parenting, classes, and life on their journey toward getting their degrees. Afterwards, engage in a conversation with the Basic Needs team to learn about resources and programs available to these students to better serve them in the upcoming year.
Presented by Stephanie Long
Tired of mundane tasks stealing your precious time? Ready to discover groundbreaking tools that can revolutionize your daily workflow, ignite student engagement, and elevate your professional impact? Let’s SPARK Creativity with AI for Everyone: Getting Started with ACC’s Newly Approved and Licensed Generative AI Tools – the one session this year that promises to put a powerful, intelligent assistance right at your fingertips! Forget the hype and embrace the practical. In this dynamic hands-on session, we’re not just talking about AI; we’re handing you the keys to two game-changing Google tools: Gemini, your new creativity partner, brainstorming, and summarizing with unprecedented efficiency, and NotebookLM, your personalized research powerhouse that transforms dense documents into digestible insights – and even into podcasts and videos for diverse learners! Discover the simple “SPARK” framework to command AI like a pro. Learn how these secure, ACC-licensed tools will empower you, safeguard your data, and unlock hours in your week. This isn’t just a presentation; it’s your launchpad into a more productive, creative, and innovative future at ACC. Don’t miss out on equipping yourself with the essential skills for tomorrow, today!
Presented by Jana McCarthy
What if the very things that make you “weird” at work are actually what make you powerful? Grounded in CliftonStrengths, this hands-on workshop helps participants move from self-doubt to self-acceptance by embracing the weird—or the unique wiring—that fuels their success. Through storytelling, guided reflection, and experiential activities, participants will explore how to reframe “too much” or “not enough” into the strengths that drive collaboration, confidence, and belonging. We’ll begin with intentional self-reflection to identify patterns, preferences, and personal “superpowers,” whether or not you’ve completed the CliftonStrengths assessment. From there, we’ll move into interactive experiences that highlight the power of diverse wiring—learning how to name and celebrate our own strengths while recognizing and appreciating them in others. Small-group discussions, creative challenges, and collective reframing activities will help participants see how “weird” shows up as value across different roles and styles. This session is designed to be both energizing and affirming—a chance to pause, reflect, connect, and give yourself permission to stop apologizing for how you’re wired. Whether you’re a Strengths pro or brand new to the framework, you’ll leave with a new language for understanding your impact, the knowledge to make stronger connections with colleagues, and will have your own personal “permission slip” to show up fully and thrive.
Presented by Kelly Torrico
ACC faculty are both educators and employees — balancing teaching excellence, shared governance, and workplace accountability. This session explores what faculty can expect and what’s expected of them under ACC’s employment framework, including how to navigate conflict, feedback, and professional boundaries with confidence and integrity. Participants will learn practical tools for addressing concerns, understanding supervisor roles (including department chairs), and fostering a respectful, values-aligned work environment.
Presented by Karina Hernandez and Tina Carver
What if we could view our institution as a living system, one where people, processes, and outcomes are deeply connected? This interactive session introduces systems thinking, enhanced by AI-supported reflection, as a practical framework for understanding complexity across departments and initiatives. Using the Higher Ed Ecosystem Notebook, built in NotebookLM, participants will explore how AI can help synthesize institutional reports, student experiences, and data to uncover patterns, feedback loops, and opportunities for improvement. Rather than replacing human expertise, AI will be positioned as a reflective partner that supports collaboration, insight, and system-level growth. Through live demonstration and discussion, faculty and staff will gain strategies to apply systems thinking and AI tools to improve coordination, decision-making, and innovation within their teams and across the college.
Presented by Alex Watkins
A clear understanding of the “why” behind UDL, grounded in the brain science of learner variability. A practical framework for connecting isolated UDL practices (their “one small change”) into a cohesive, intentional course design. Actionable strategies to “level up” their implementation from a simple checklist to a sustainable and flexible mindset. The ability to articulate the compounding benefits of a comprehensive UDL overhaul for both student engagement and their own teaching practice. Concrete next steps for mapping out their own UDL overhaul.
Session 2 Workshops: 10:15-11:15 a.m.
Presented by Andrea DeLeon
Discover how Austin Community College’s Apprenticeship Program helps students find purpose, belonging, and connection through real-world, earn-and-learn experiences. This interactive session introduces the benefits of apprenticeships for students and faculty, highlights how they align with HB 8 and ACC’s goals for “credentials of value,” and offers simple ways faculty can integrate apprenticeship into their Academic or Continuing Education Program.
Presented by Bryan Port, Marisela Perezmaita, and Catherine Thomson
This workshop will cover the CGCS’s Civic Leadership Simulations explaining how simulation are conceptualized, built and executed to teach specific leadership skills and attributes.
Presented by April Seabourn
Every interaction matters. In this engaging session, faculty and staff will explore how to create meaningful, student-centered experiences that reflect Austin Community College’s core values of Courage, Compassion, Joy, and Yes. Participants will learn practical strategies to enhance communication, build belonging, and strengthen the student experience through equity-minded and emotionally intelligent service. Together, we’ll discover how small moments of positivity and care can have a lasting impact on student success and retention.
Presented by Tim Self
Discover a groundbreaking prompting technique designed to elevate leadership, management, and supervisory development through the power of generative AI. This interactive session introduces Generative AI Self-Conversations (GAISC)—a technique where users guide AI tools like ChatGPT to simulate insightful, expert-level dialogues between multiple personas on virtually any topic. Participants will gain a foundational understanding of how GAISC works, explore its practical applications, and experience its educational value firsthand. The session blends lecture, live demonstration, and collaborative activities to showcase real-world uses specific to leadership & organizational effectiveness skills development. Whether participants are new to generative AI or looking to deepen their practice, this session offers a powerful way to rethink how AI can support professional growth.
Presented by Ted Kulawiak
Regardless of your role at ACC, being “student first” focused is a characteristic that our students recognize, appreciate, and admire. This workshop will provide you with practical examples of leadership in action that clearly define the “student first” approach to daily interactions. Ideal for ACC employees who are forward facing with students, or for those entering into a leadership role, the workshop will provide critical best practices that ensure student satisfaction as a consistent theme in the workplace.
Presented by Stephanie Long
Tired of mundane tasks stealing your precious time? Ready to discover groundbreaking tools that can revolutionize your daily workflow, ignite student engagement, and elevate your professional impact? Let’s SPARK Creativity with AI for Everyone: Getting Started with ACC’s Newly Approved and Licensed Generative AI Tools – the one session this year that promises to put a powerful, intelligent assistance right at your fingertips! Forget the hype and embrace the practical. In this dynamic hands-on session, we’re not just talking about AI; we’re handing you the keys to two game-changing Google tools: Gemini, your new creativity partner, brainstorming, and summarizing with unprecedented efficiency, and NotebookLM, your personalized research powerhouse that transforms dense documents into digestible insights – and even into podcasts and videos for diverse learners! Discover the simple “SPARK” framework to command AI like a pro. Learn how these secure, ACC-licensed tools will empower you, safeguard your data, and unlock hours in your week. This isn’t just a presentation; it’s your launchpad into a more productive, creative, and innovative future at ACC. Don’t miss out on equipping yourself with the essential skills for tomorrow, today!
Presented by Jana McCarthy
What if the very things that make you “weird” at work are actually what make you powerful? Grounded in CliftonStrengths, this hands-on workshop helps participants move from self-doubt to self-acceptance by embracing the weird—or the unique wiring—that fuels their success. Through storytelling, guided reflection, and experiential activities, participants will explore how to reframe “too much” or “not enough” into the strengths that drive collaboration, confidence, and belonging. We’ll begin with intentional self-reflection to identify patterns, preferences, and personal “superpowers,” whether or not you’ve completed the CliftonStrengths assessment. From there, we’ll move into interactive experiences that highlight the power of diverse wiring—learning how to name and celebrate our own strengths while recognizing and appreciating them in others. Small-group discussions, creative challenges, and collective reframing activities will help participants see how “weird” shows up as value across different roles and styles. This session is designed to be both energizing and affirming—a chance to pause, reflect, connect, and give yourself permission to stop apologizing for how you’re wired. Whether you’re a Strengths pro or brand new to the framework, you’ll leave with a new language for understanding your impact, the knowledge to make stronger connections with colleagues, and will have your own personal “permission slip” to show up fully and thrive.
Presented by BethAnn Warwick
The Do’s and Don’ts when it comes to Military Connected Students, how certain things affect their benefits, new updated VA requirements and anything else you would like to ask!
Presented by Caroline Gregory (Hoang)
Vulnerability isn’t weakness, it’s courage in action. Being willing to show your “human” side. When faculty and staff show up with honesty, empathy, and openness, we build the kind of trust that helps students feel seen, supported, and willing to take risks. As we continue fostering an environment at ACC where students feel safe asking for help, vulnerability becomes a powerful tool for connection. This session invites faculty and staff to explore what vulnerability looks like in professional practice and how it strengthens relationships with students and colleagues. Together, we’ll discuss how to model imperfection and resilience, and how to use moments of honesty to foster belonging and connection. With the growing number of Gen Z learners at ACC, it’s more important than ever that students see our human side.
Faculty Panel Keynote Presentation: 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Strand Leaders: Kisha Barrett, Stephanie Long, and Alex Watkins
Panelists: Nagham Awadallah, Jaime Cantu, Jennifer “Houli” Houlihan, John Nation, and Maria Ruelas, Moderated by Theresa Glenn
The keynote panel will be online via Zoom.
Session 3 Workshops: 1-2 p.m.
Presented by Sean Lorass
April of 2026 is the deadline set by the DoJ’s ADA Title II Final Ruling when all digital content and mobile apps, including digital course materials, websites and communications, must meet a specific standard: The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines version 2.1 level AA. We will unpack this standard and how it applies to ACC Faculty and Staff and what you need to know to apply the principles to whatever work you do at ACC.
Presented by Marcus McGuff
The college began using new Student Course Evaluation surveys last Fall. We will discuss the thinking behind the new surveys, how they were developed, new features, changes to the ratings, and interpreting your results.
Presented by Neteka Haywood
Level up your tech skills and slash wasted time with powerful keyboard shortcuts and smart tools that turn you into a true Computer Ninja.
Presented by Lora Delgado
Let’s face it. Giving and receiving even the simplest feedback doesn’t feel great- what’s the deal? Despite an entire cottage industry dedicated to the topic and endless books and trainings to help us get better, we seem stuck. Leading projects, processes and people requires conversations about performance, so something has to give. In this workshop we’ll discuss some of the underlying neurobiology at play- and learn effective techniques to deliver feedback without tears.
Presented by Monique Lovato
Learn about the benefit of free access to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) if you are in need of confidential counseling or consultation about an issue of concern. Major life changes, from the birth of a child to divorce or elder care, impact how we function at work. This seminar will provide you with an overview of when to seek help from your EAP, who is eligible in your family, and the wide range of services and consultations that are available.
Presented by Teaching & Learning Academy Panel
This fun and interactive workshop will feature an introduction to the Teaching and Learning Academy, as well as collaboration with current cohort participants to focus deeper on some of the elements they have found most relevant. They have identified these as: 1. the importance of building a community learning space where all students feel valued; 2. the power of embracing mistakes as a part of the learning process (growth mindset), and 3. implementing the principles of Universal Design for Learning to promote success for all learners.
Presented by LaKisha Barrett
Participants will: Learn practical BPC strategies they can use immediately in classrooms, meetings, and student interactions. Strengthen communication and trust through micro-actions and clear, human-centered practices. Gain tools to reduce stress, prevent conflict, and build psychological safety in both teaching and office environments. Create a personal BPC action plan tailored to their role and daily workflow. Experience increased clarity, confidence, and connection with students, colleagues, and teams.
Presented by Miros Zuniga, Ana Rummer, Dr. Dorado Kinney, Dr. Monique Johnson-Jones, and Dr. Guillermo Martinez III
This session will offer a transparent, student-centered overview of why Student Affairs has realigned and how our new structure is designed to strengthen the student experience at every point in their journey. Associate Vice Chancellor Ana Rummer will share the guiding purpose behind the realignment, highlight the feedback and challenges we heard from students, and outline how the new Student Affairs Structure will improve the student experience, removing barriers, improve the student journey, and increase belonging.
Presented by Katie McClendon
This fast-paced, one-hour session provides faculty with immediate, actionable strategies for elevating the quality and engagement of their online courses. We will move beyond basic technology to explore practical, evidence-based techniques for optimizing student presence, interaction, and learning outcomes in both asynchronous (pre-recorded lectures, discussion boards) and synchronous (live meetings, virtual office hours) environments. Leave with a concrete toolkit of practical strategies you can implement in your class tomorrow.
Session 4 Workshops: 2:15-3:15 p.m.
Presented by Sean Lorass
April of 2026 is the deadline set by the DoJ’s ADA Title II Final Ruling when all digital content and mobile apps, including digital course materials, websites and communications, must meet a specific standard: The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines version 2.1 level AA. We will unpack this standard and how it applies to ACC Faculty and Staff and what you need to know to apply the principles to whatever work you do at ACC.
Presented by Stephanie Bogdanich
Join us for a hands-on, fast-paced session where we will explore three powerful tools that support neurodiverse learners through the principles of Universal Design for Learning. You’ll get to try Goblin Tools, a free app that helps with executive function; Blackboard Ally, which allows students to download accessible file formats with no extra work from you; and Adobe Express, a creative platform students can use to demonstrate understanding in a variety of formats. Come ready to explore with a Blackboard course open and a willingness to click around. You’ll leave with practical strategies, downloadable resources, and new ideas to help all students thrive.
Presented by Lauren Montagnino
A strong sense of community is one of the most powerful predictors of online student persistence and success. Yet many distance learners report feeling disconnected from peers, faculty, and the institution. This session explores equity-focused strategies for intentionally designing courses that build belonging, with an emphasis on practices rather than specific tools. Participants will learn community-building approaches grounded in Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and inclusive pedagogy, such as: setting a welcoming course tone through personalized instructor presence, fostering peer-to-peer connection with structured introductions and group norms, embedding reflection and “low-stakes” sharing opportunities across the term, designing discussion prompts that value diverse perspectives, and using BB Ultra features (announcements, discussion boards, journals, video feedback) to maintain ongoing instructor and student presence.
Presented by Amber Orr, Andy Kim, and Susan Engelking
Discover the “Campus as a Living Lab” framework and learn how to integrate hands-on sustainability projects into your course curriculum that supports teamwork, student-belonging, and global thinking with a local impact. Participants will learn about resources at ACC and how the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) relate to any and all curriculum topics.
Presented by Herb Coleman
Participants will understand how to Notebook LM, files are shared. Participants will get a detailed walk through of the steps needed to able to share their Notebooks with students and the world. Participants will participate in discussion on some of the current limitations of Notebook Lm.Participants will discuss other tips and tricks to make Notebook Lm work better for them.
Presented by LaKisha Barrett
Participants will: Learn practical BPC strategies they can use immediately in classrooms, meetings, and student interactions. Strengthen communication and trust through micro-actions and clear, human-centered practices. Gain tools to reduce stress, prevent conflict, and build psychological safety in both teaching and office environments. Create a personal BPC action plan tailored to their role and daily workflow. Experience increased clarity, confidence, and connection with students, colleagues, and teams.
Presented by Abinaya Rajasekaran
This interactive workshop explores how mindfulness, the practice of focused, nonjudgmental awareness, can strengthen students’ sense of belonging, purpose, and presence in learning environments. Grounded in neuroscience and educational psychology, mindfulness has been shown to reduce stress, regulate emotions, and enhance attention—key factors that support engagement and connection in the classroom.Participants will learn simple, research-based mindfulness techniques that can be woven into instructional or advising settings to help students shift their focus from personal struggles to learning goals. These practices cultivate self-awareness, compassion, and resilience, enabling students to see themselves as valued members of a learning community. By integrating mindful reflection and breathing exercises into class routines, educators can create inclusive spaces where students feel calm, seen, and ready to engage—helping them reconnect with their purpose and fully participate in their educational journey.
Presented by Alexandra Bryant and Jessica Vess
Every Riverbat has a role in telling the Austin Community College story. In this interactive session, we’ll explore the tools, resources, and strategies that help us communicate as one powerful, unified voice. Together, we’ll: Understand the College’s Brand Identity: Dive into our mission, vision, and core values — and see how they come to life through our words, visuals, and actions. Enhance Marketing Alignment: Discover ways to connect and coordinate efforts across departments to create a seamless and engaging experience for both internal and external audiences. Ensure Consistent Messaging and Visuals: Learn how to use templates, toolkits, and guidelines to maintain a consistent look, tone, and feel — plus when and how to incorporate AI thoughtfully into your work. Plan Collaboratively: Explore tools and practices for effective cross-departmental planning that strengthen and amplify the College’s brand.You’ll leave with practical tips and ready-to-use resources to help you create engaging video content, promotional materials, and social media — all aligned with ACC’s brand identity and purpose.
Presented by Sandy Kendell
Ally is a great tool for making our courses more accessible. In this session, we will cover how to use Blackboard Ally, discuss how to interpret Ally reports, and what items we can fix quickly to bring up our accessibility scores. We will also explain how Distance Education staff can help you make your course more accessible whether you teach face-to -face, online, or hybrid.