563-482 Paraprofessional Network

About: This network series provides experienced Paraprofessionals/SEA/EA/IA an opportunity to build mentoring capacity in service of supporting newer colleagues entering the field. Participants will develop foundational coaching and mentoring skills grounded in relationship-building, reflective practice, and collaborative problem-solving. Influenced by mentoring frameworks from the New Teacher Center, participants will explore coaching stances, active listening techniques, paraphrasing skills, and reflective questioning strategies while building a supportive professional network with peers across systems.

Schedule:

• September 25, 2026: 8:30 am - 11:30 am
• December 18, 2026: 8:30 am - 11:30 am
• February 19, 2027: 8:30 am - 11:30 am
• April 30, 2027: 8:30 am - 11:30 am

Location:  Sun Prairie Professional Development Center

220 Kroncke Dr., Sun Prairie, WI Enter through Door 28

Price: $300

Content Questions: Jen Townsend (jen.townsend@cesa2.org)

Registration Questions: events@cesa2.org

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Our Presenter: 

Jen Townsend joins CESA 2 as an Implementation Specialist. Jen has deep expertise in Social Emotional Learning Differences including Autism Spectrum Disorders. She works in collaboration with school districts to build capacity for educating all learners through professional development, coaching, systems change and personal reflections to support this success. Jen has a Master’s in Education from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland and received a postgraduate certification in Autism Spectrum Disorder from Johns Hopkins University. She holds a special educator license in Wisconsin and has completed coursework for her Director of Special Education and Pupil Services license and has extensive certifications in methodologies used to promote success for individuals with social learning differences.

Jaren Bailey’s journey began in 2001 as a middle school Literacy (ELA) teacher in Bronx, New York. Over the next 16 years, she taught both middle and high school in Milwaukee and Verona, WI.  Following her teaching career, she ventured into Instructional Coaching where she enjoyed connecting with teachers about their instructional practices, and leading her school’s transition to proficiency-based grading, and curriculum renewal work. She also had the privilege of  leading professional learning for Instructional Coaches, AVID Coordinators and teachers, and district leaders in the Madison Metropolitan School District.  Most recently, Jaren was the Director of the Dane County New Teacher Project where she led professional learning for  Instructional Coaches, Mentors, new educators, and school leaders across a 14 district consortium of schools. Regardless of location and job title, Jaren has remained committed to working toward more equitable outcomes for students and to reaching the students who often feel out of place in schools.  Jaren continues to find joy in engaging with adult learners, partnering to explore thinking, try new ideas, and reflect on professional practice that will ultimately pave the way for better student outcomes for all.

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