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«Back to all edWebinarsA Strong Start in Early Childhood: Curriculum, Data, and Individualization Within a Multi-Tiered System of Support
Thursday, November 12, 2026 @ 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm EST
A Strong Start in Early Childhood: Curriculum, Data, and Individualization Within a Multi-Tiered System of Support
Presented by Dr. Heather Hennesey, Experienced Educator, Regional Lead Educational Consultant, Education and Implementation, Teaching Strategies; Jennifer Walker, Experienced Educator, Director of Head Start and VPK, Monroe County School District (FL); and Suzana Spina, Experienced Educator, International Director of Partner Success, Teaching Strategies
Sponsored by Teaching Strategies
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Every child enters the classroom with unique strengths, needs, and ways of learning. A strong Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) can help educators recognize and respond to those differences, but effective support begins with a strong foundation: high-quality, developmentally appropriate Tier 1 instruction.
Join this edWebinar for a conversation about the role of developmentally appropriate curricula within an effective MTSS and how strong Tier 1 instruction in an early learning classroom/setting can create an inclusive foundation for all children, including children with disabilities.
You’ll walk away with:
- A better understanding of the role developmentally appropriate curricula and strong Tier 1 instruction play within an effective Multi-Tiered System of Supports
- Strategies for using ongoing data collection to understand children’s strengths, growth, and areas where they may need additional support
- Approaches for individualizing instruction while maintaining an inclusive learning environment for all children
This edWebinar will be of interest to PreK teachers, school leaders, district leaders, and education technology leaders.
About the Presenters
Dr. Heather Hennesey is a Leadership Coach and Early Childhood Education Consultant who currently serves as a Subject Matter Expert at Teaching Strategies, supporting districts and programs with data-driven solutions that promote high-quality implementation and positive student outcomes. She previously served as Director of Early Learning in Fort Worth ISD and as a campus administrator for a Title I, dual language elementary school in Plano, Texas. Dr. Hennesey began her career as an early childhood special education teacher and later served as an instructional coach and teacher leader. She holds a master’s in education leadership from Arizona State University and a doctorate in education policy and leadership from Southern Methodist University. A national speaker on developmentally appropriate practices, family engagement, and change management, she also holds leadership roles with TAASPYC and TXAEYC. She believes joy is an essential part of every classroom.
Jennifer Walker is an experienced educational leader with more than 25 years in education, including over a decade in Head Start leadership. As Director of Head Start and Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) Programs for Monroe County School District, she oversees operations, grant management, compliance, staff development, family engagement, and community partnerships to promote school readiness and positive outcomes. Jennifer began her career in 2000 as an Inclusion Coordinator with Wesley House Family Services before joining Monroe County School District in 2002 as a classroom teacher, where she held various leadership roles.
In 2014, she joined the Head Start management team as Education and Professional Development Manager and was appointed Director in 2025. Through collaboration with the Office of Head Start, the Early Learning Coalition of Miami-Dade/Monroe, and community partners, Jennifer advocates for high-quality early childhood education and services that strengthen families. Her leadership supports meaningful partnerships, continuous improvement, and lifelong success for children and families throughout Monroe County.
Suzana Spina is the Director of International Partner Success at Teaching Strategies, where she partners with schools, educational organizations, and ministries of education across more than 50 countries to strengthen early childhood teaching and learning. With more than 20 years of experience, her expertise spans special education, school leadership, curriculum implementation, authentic assessment, multilingual learning, and inclusive early childhood education. Suzana began her career as a bilingual special education teacher before serving as an assistant principal and director of early childhood for one of North Texas’s largest and most diverse school districts. Today, she provides professional learning, instructional coaching, and strategic consultation to educators worldwide, helping translate research into practice and create joyful, play-based learning environments where every child can thrive. Suzana is currently pursuing her Doctor of Education (Ed.D.).
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Teaching Strategies is the leading provider of early childhood curriculum, assessment, professional development, and family engagement solutions. Its products, including the most widely used curriculum and assessment solutions, The Creative Curriculum® and GOLD®, are found in over 270,000 classrooms and more than 80 countries around the world and reach over 4 million children each year. A trusted partner and advocate for the early education community for 45 years, today Teaching Strategies connects teachers, children, and families to inspired teaching and learning experiences, insightful data, stronger family partnerships, and professional learning through the leading early learning platform and resources.