Texas Rising Star Early Educator Conference
Conferences
Event Details
Hilton Americas
1600 Lamar
Houston, TX 77010
United States
TWC hosts the annual Texas Rising Star Early Educator Conference. This in-person, two-day conference provides Texas Rising Star–certified early learning programs with professional development covering a variety of topics specific to early childhood educators or administrators.
We hope to see you at one of our 2025 Conferences:
- April 7 – April 9 at Sheraton Dallas Hotel in Dallas
- June 30 – July 2 at Hilton Americas in Houston
- July 30 – August 1 at Sheraton Dallas Hotel in Dallas
Registration is by invitation only and details will be provided for eligible Texas Rising Star-certified early learning programs via an email invitation. Note: June registration invitations have been sent to eligible programs. July – Dallas registration invitations will be sent as those dates approach. An eligible program may only attend one of the three conferences in 2025.
Each conference will also provide the opportunity to join us via live stream for select sessions. To access any of the selected sessions, please join here: Livestream Sessions
The following sessions will be livestreamed:
| Date and Time | Title and Presenter | Session Description |
|---|---|---|
| 07/01/25 at 8:00 – 9:15 AM | Welcome and Keynote Session -- Fired Up to Show Up - Why Your Love Matters by Aric Bostick | Being a happy and healthy educator requires continuous personal and professional development. We can’t give what we don’t have. Today, my commitment to my inner work and study of the science of relationships (known as attachment) has helped me heal from the past and inspire the educators and parents I speak to about the power of showing up for themselves and for others. “Research shows that one of the very best predictors for how a child turns out is whether they developed ’security’ from having at least one person in their life who showed up for them.” (Siegel et.al, 2020) We can be that ONE! |
| 07/01/25 at 9:45 – 11:00 AM | Preventative Classroom Strategies for Challenging Behaviors by Molly Dye | In this session, we will explore preventative measures to support educators in managing challenging behaviors using two research-based guidance models, the Center on the Social and Emotional Foundations for Early Learning (CSEFL) Pyramid Model and Conscious Discipline Principles. We will also discuss the various uses of data to guide observations and inform interventions to support all the children in the classroom. |
| 07/01/25 at 12:15 – 1:30 PM | It's All in the Transitions - Moving Around the Busy Classroom by Danielle Whetstone-Harris | Children in child care settings spend a lot of time transitioning between activities during their school day. Transitions can be stressful times for children and provoke challenging behaviors, especially whole-group transitions that often include periods of waiting with nothing to do. Employing supports like songs, rhymes, and games can produce calm among the chaos with predictable transitional routines. In this session, participants will explore why transitions are important and learn practical strategies to implement smooth transitions throughout the school day. |
| 07/01/25 at 2:00 – 3:15 PM | The Great Outdoors--Where Fun and Learning Collide by Kathy Haule | The natural world may be the best place to help children explore math, science, language, and social skills. We will share ideas about making the outdoor environment engaging and connected to indoor learning. Participants will learn to set the stage for discovery and investigation outside. |
| 07/01/25 at 3:45 – 5:00 PM | Brains and Boxes: A Classroom Management Approach to Guide Behaviors by Kristin Miller | This session will teach participants about a behavior management approach for early childhood preschool classrooms to create high-quality learning environments, guide behaviors, foster brain growth, and teach social and emotional skills for young children. Integrating many educational theories into this modern-day approach is proven through research to help support educators and children in the preschool classroom while also partnering with parents at home. Participants will learn how to set classroom expectations, build social-emotional learning for their children, and discuss how behavior is a form of communication. Using the Brains and Boxes Model and the Six Sides Method to guide behaviors, teachers will be equipped with behavior management solutions, classroom strategies, and helpful resources to successfully implement this approach into their teaching practices. |
| 07/01/25 at 8:30 – 9:45 AM | Cultivating Positive Mindset: Thriving in Your Professional and Personal Life by Laura Clary | Are you ready to unlock the power of positivity and transform your professional and personal life? Throughout our time together, we will delve into the latest research and insights to explore the profound impact of maintaining a positive mindset. We will discover the science behind positivity, understanding how it rewires our brains for success and well-being. This session is not about information, it is about connection and collaboration. By the end, you will walk away with a deeper understanding of how positivity shapes our lives and the practical tools to cultivate it every day. |
| 07/01/25 at 10:15 – 11:30 AM | Creating the Calm: Building a Calm Space Within the Classroom by D.D. Hutson and Cody Patterson | Having a calm space within your classroom is essential for helping a child develop core coping mechanisms when having challenging behavior. We will discuss why a calm space is important and how to use it when facing challenging behaviors. After this training, participants will be able to construct a calm space within their classroom. |
Agenda includes the following:
- Day 1
- Conference Check in begins at 4:00 PM
- Networking Event with Exhibiting Partners 4:00 – 6:00 PM
- Day 2
- Opening Session and Keynote 8:00 – 9:30 AM
- Keynote presented by Aric Bostick
- Break-out Sessions 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Day 3
- Break-out Sessions 8:30 – 11:30 AM
- Closing Session (Prizes) 11:45 AM – 12:00 PM
For questions regarding the conference, registration, or previous conferences, please email us at TRSEEConference@twc.texas.gov