Family and student voices need to be heard and used for optimal educational outcomes. The ability to use one's voice can be encouraged by learning self-advocacy skills through instruction and through the power of relationships with students and family members. In this workshop, educators and family members will learn to share their own mistakes, needs, and likes/dislikes with their students, thereby encouraging students to interact with peers and adults differently, building positive peer and adult relationships from learning self-determination and self-advocacy.

Monica Cortez, Coordinator of Family and Community Engagement & Family Center Phoenix Elementary School District #1

Monica has a M.S. degree in Deaf Education and a B.S. degree in Special Education and Rehabilitation with an emphasis in Deaf Studies and Psychology. She has served for 12 years as a Teacher of the Deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) and 19 years in the behavioral health field with 8 years in a leadership role.