Dr. Ben Springer

ASPEN on the School Bus: Managing Aggressive Behaviors

Thursday, Nov. 16 l 8 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Unless you’ve spent some time on the “Yellow Submarine,” you just don’t understand. Disruptive and dangerous student behaviors take on a whole new dynamic on the bus. It is critical that school systems align the training of managing aggressive student behavior across both school and bus environments. Dr. Ben Springer, a national certified and award-winning school psychologist as well as author and a former director of special education, presents a half-day overview of his “Aspen on the Bus” curriculum that addresses safety on the school bus, especially managing students who are disabled or have special needs with dangerous or aggressive behaviors.

Students who are struggling in school are spending a lot of the time on the school bus as well and need support. So do the drivers, attendants and other transportation staff who are providing these children services. All TSD attendees will receive a free individual subscription to Dr. Ben’s training courses, a $595 value. District packages with an unlimited subscription will also be available for purchase.

Biography:

Ben Springer is the director of the Family Education Center at Wasatch County School District in Utah as well as an award-winning and nationally certified school psychologist and the founder of Totem PD. He is also a former director of special education for the school district and before that a school bus attendant for students with special needs. Ben received his master’s and doctoral degrees in educational psychology at the University of Utah and has studied psychological assessment, counseling, school-wide positive behavior supports, bullying prevention programs, parental involvement, evidence-based practice, autism, and social skills instruction. Ben has become a popular speaker and presenter in the State of Utah for his keynote addresses on Autism (“Autism is a Burrito”) and ADHD (“ADHD: The Goods”) presenting at the University of Utah, St. Marks Hospital Rounds, Heber Valley Pediatrics, Summit Pediatrics, Utah Valley University and the Southwest Educational Development Center. In March 2021, his book “GPS: Good Parenting Strategies: The No-Guilt Survival Guide for Parenting During the Pandemic and Beyond” was published. He is also the author of the 2018 book “Happy Kids Don’t Punch You in the Face: A Guide to Eliminating Aggressive Behavior in School.”

Betsey Helfrich

Transportation of Special Education Students: Avoiding the Bumps and Legal Hazards

Friday, Nov. 17 l 9:30 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.

In this fast-paced presentation, special education attorney Betsey Helfrich, will examine school transportation from a legal perspective.  From a review of recent case law to current hot-topics, this presentation will dive into the legalities of the transportation of students with disabilities.  From aides on buses to sharing information with the transportation department, this presentation will include practical tips that you need to know to minimize liability and keep students safe.

Shelley Rutledge, Ed.S, LCSW

Problematic Sexual Behaviors on Special Needs Routes

Saturday, Nov 19 l 10:30 a.m. – Noon