Dana Rosen will be the featured conference speaker on Thursday, June 5th.
Rosen is the Assistant Director of Transportation specializing in Student Safety and Campus Support at Cypress-Fairbanks ISD. Pulling knowledge from her diverse experiences as a high school teacher and coach, bus driver, special education teacher, behavior specialist, and classroom management consultant, Dana advocates for cutting through the noise to identify practical, common-sense solutions that address the root causes of issues.  Using humorous, true grit storytelling based on years of
experience in education she engages audiences with advice grounded in empathy and understanding.  Her presentations aim to be transparent, hones, and relatable for an entertaining and impactful experience.  Here is a sample of what Dana's topics may include:

• Unlocking Solutions: The power of Crucial Conversations In Conflict Resolution
  Successfully navigating crucial conversations requires skills in emotional intelligence, clear communication, and understanding the narratives we tell ourselves that influence
  our emotional responses. Recognizing emotional triggers, understanding the stories we construct about situations, and managing our thoughts to create constructive emotional responses are all essential aspects of effectively managing conflict and maintaining positive relationships within organization
  
  
• Which Came First, The Chicken or the Egg?
  Understanding the Connection Between Adult and Student Behaviors
  The quality of relationships between adults and students significantly impacts student behavior. Positive, supportive relationships characterized by trust, empathy, and mutual
  respect promote a sense of belonging and motivation to adhere to rules and expectations. The adult’s tone, approach and behavior provides feedback and reinforcement that shape student behavior. This session focuses on teaching the basics of providing constructive feedback and correction, praise for effort and achievement, and reinforcement of desired behaviors to encourage positive student engagement and motivation.
  
  
• Trustworthy Leadership
  Without trust, it's impossible for leaders to inspire and influence their teams positively.  This session will highlight the importance of recognizing the subtle decisions and actions that can undermine trust over time.  Truthfulness, reliability, understanding, sincerity, and investing time in relationships are all crucial elements in building and maintaining trust.

Matt Upton will be the featured conference speaker on Friday, June 6th.
Upton is an accomplished keynote speaker, workshop facilitator, coach, expert in communication, customer allegiance, and conflict transformation.
His topics on Friday are scheduled to include:

• Mental Health and Well-Being of School Transportation Personnel
  Supporting the mental health of bus drivers is crucial. When drivers feel valued, respected, and mentally well, they are more focused, patient, and prepared to manage the demands of transporting students safely.
  
  
• Managing Challenges and Course Corrections
  School transportation personnel face dynamic challenges, from navigating traffic to handling unexpected student behaviors. Equipped with support and training, staff can handle disruptions calmly and make decisions that keep students safe and the journey smooth.
  
  
• Building Connections with Students
  Positive relationships between school transportation staff and students foster a sense of security and community. Staff who know their students can spot issues quickly and create a friendly environment that reduces misbehavior and promotes respect.
  
  

Conference Breakout sessions

Thursday, June 5
Wheelchair Securement Basics
​Successfully Implementing ELDT
Role of Transportation Staff as Mandated Reporters
​Implementing Emergency Safety Interventions
Name That Noise - Troubleshooting Bus Mechanical Issues
Tips for Flawless Special Needs Transportation
​

Friday, June 6
Transportation Q&A
Child Securement Basics
Buying School Vehicles Using the RFP Process
​Preparing for a Successful CDL Exam
​Using Camera Systems for Driver & Student Safety

Vendor Showcase
Thursday, June 5
Meet one-on-one with:
BESI, Inc  -   Bus & Vehicle Safety Securements
Kansas Traffic Safety Resource Office - Traffic Safety Education
Kansas Truck Equipment Co. - Bluebird Buses
Midwest Transit Equipment - Your International Bus Dealer
REI - Surveilance, onitors and ARMOR software
Rosco Vision - Safety Camera Systems
Transportant - Student Tracking/Tracing and camera systems