WCASS Learning Events and Opportunities
2026-2026 Professional Learning Brochure
WCASS offers several professional learning events and opportunities throughout the year. Topics include cutting edge information and best practices for student services and educating students with disabilities.
Special Education Budgeting Academy
WASBO & WCASS have partnered to bring you the NEW Special Education Budgeting Academy! Join us at strategic points throughout the year to make sure you are making the most of your Special Education budget. Strengthen the collaboration between your Special Education Director and School Business Official through this year-long academy designed to build effective, sustainable budgeting and staffing models. The academy includes two in-person, hands-on training days and two virtual follow-up sessions spaced throughout the school year.
Two In Person Training Days at the Holiday Inn in Stevens Point, WI from 8:30am to 3:30pm on November 18th, 2025 and February 10th, 2026. Two Virtual Check Ins from 12 to 1:30 pm on January 12th, 2026 and April 14th, 2026.
Registration: Full
2025-2026 Virtual Events: Registrations Open
Curious about upcoming WCASS Virtual Learning opportunities? Check out the 25-26 WCASS Professional Learning Brochure HERE or read more about these upcoming offerings below:
Legal Learning Series
Legal Expertise on Hot Topics in Special Education and Pupil Services! Join us for monthly legal series led by our WCASS Legal Partners. During these sessions, you will hear about critical topics from the attorneys who are supporting Wisconsin Schools.
3rd Monday of the month at Noon, October through May (2025-2026)
*January Session will take place on Monday, January 26th on account of the 3rd Monday of the month being MLK Day.
Register Here
Elevate! Leadership Learning Series
Free to WCASS Members! This monthly learning series will focus on timely topics, with member input. The focus of each meeting will be determined a month or two in advance by series participants. Register for the series and attend any time the topic is of interest!
2nd Monday of the month at Noon, November through May (2025-2026)
Register Here
Leadership Lab: Transformative Practices Network
Free to WCASS Members! This network is intended for experienced directors looking for ways to improve student outcomes.
1st Monday of the month at Noon, November through May (2025 - 2026)
Register Here
Early Career Director Coaching
Directors in their first 5 years deserve to be supported in a personalized manner that addresses their specific context, challenges, and goals. WCASS is invested in your success and believes that a formalized coach/mentor relationship is the best pathway to get there.
Reach out to [email protected] for more information and to schedule your sessions.
Register Here
The Peer Connection: Early Career Leadership Network
This Network is for directors in their first 5 years who are looking to connect with other professionals and get support on relevant and timely topics.
1st Monday of the month at 11:00 am, December through May (2025-2026)
Legislative Updates Session
Join Dee Pettack for a timely and important update prepared especially for our WCASS members. During this session, Dee will provide updates on legislation and budget related items that impact the work we do in special education and pupil services.
Session Date:
January 9th 12pm-1pm
March 13th 12pm-1pm
Register Here
2nd Annual Midwest Leadership Meeting - From D.C. to Your District: Special Ed Policy Updates
Join your Midwest special education colleagues for a federal legislative update from Myrna R. Mandlawitz, policy and legislative consultant to the Council of Administrators of Special Education & Kuna Tavalin, CEC Senior Advisor, Policy and Advocacy. This session is presented in collaboration with the Midwest Executive Directors from Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, and Wisconsin. Immediately following Myrna’s and Kuna’s updates, WCASS will host a brief debrief for WCASS members.
Session Date:
February 19th, 2026
12:00-1:00 Central (Session with Myrna and Kuna)
1:00 - 1:30 Central (WCASS Debrief)
Register Now
2024-25 Special Education & Pupil Services Leadership Academy
WCASS is proud to partner with WDPI and the RSN Network for this ongoing virtual learning opportunity. The Special Education/Pupil Services Leadership Academy for 2024-25 will consist of a series of virtual sessions specifically designed for Special Education Directors and Pupil Services Leaders in their first three years of leading, but anyone is welcome to attend. The purpose of these sessions is to build awareness and understanding on technical topics related to Special Education/Pupil Services. Most sessions will run approximately two hours in length from 10 AM - 12:00 PM. Three of the offerings will be three hours in length to allow for additional learning from 9 AM- 12PM. Registration is free and is required for each individual event. To register, scroll down to the registration information on this webpage.
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