Behavior consultant Jo Mascorro is returning to the Transporting Students with Disabilities and Special Needs (TSD) Conference stage to share insights on how student transporters can use empathy better serve students with behavior issues on the school bus.

Mascorro last spoke at the 2018 TSD conference, where she discussed the importance of protecting students’ ‘emotional health and approaching behavioral challenges from a place of understanding. This year, she will be addressing attendees in Frisco, Texas during a four-hour keynote and workshop on the do’s and don’ts of de-escalation with students who have special needs. Mascorro will use real-life scenarios from her extensive career to demonstrate how the student transportation industry can restructure the way it approaches behavioral challenges and the care of students with special needs.

Her 46-year background in education began at Texas Tech University. Early on in her career, she was recruited to work in a program for students who were deaf and blind. Her role expanded to students with behavioral disorders where she learned how to navigate the often emotionally difficult world of working with students with disabilities and providing the best care possible that also protects the emotional health and dignity of the children.

Since then, she has been closely monitoring the increase of behavioral challenges that educators face and her keynote will problem-solve, open dialogue and equip attendees to leave with tools they can implement at their operations. Mascorro will highlight factors such as parental involvement, technology and communication between schools and transportation departments, all which affect the role of student transporters.

Mascorro’s keynote “De-escalation with Dignity” will be held on Friday, Nov. 8 from 8 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

Save $100 on conference registration with the Early Bird Discount, valid through Oct. 4. Visit tsdconference.com to register and view the conference agenda. The TSD Conference will be held Nov. 9 through Nov. 12.

Related: Mulick Returns to TSD Conference to Help Student Transporters Better Understand Autism
Related: TSD Foundation Class Provides Basics to Transporting Students with Special Needs
Related: TSD Speakers Share Positive Student Engagement Tips

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The Transporting Students with Disabilities and Special Needs (TSD) Conference returns this fall to Frisco, Texas, where industry professionals will gain insight on the unique aspects of transporting students with special needs.

Behavioral analyst and educational consultant Patrick Mulick has been a fan-favorite at the School Transportation News conferences, most recently presenting at the STN EXPO East Conference in 2023 and the 2021 TSD Conference.

Mulick’s keynote address at the TSD Conference this year will focus on students with autism and how to best support them onboard the school bus and equip student transportation professionals to provide that support. With the rising number of autism diagnoses among students, this session will contain timely information for all school districts. Mulick, whose day job is the director of student engagement for the Auburn School District in Washington State, will address common triggers and challenging areas such as transitions, environmental stimulation, creating routines and substitutions.

During a recent episode of the School Transportation Nation podcast, he said he is looking to unlock autism for student transporters. He will also be addressing communication discrepancies between transportation and school administration, linking the school bus to the classroom as a key part of the student’s educational day.

Mulick’s educational background is in special education and behavior analysis, leading to his time as a teacher for a variety of ages, from pre-K to high school. He has continued to be an advocate for students with disabilities and special needs through his nationwide speaking engagements and trainings.

Save $100 on conference registration with the Early Bird Discount, valid through Oct. 4. Visit tsdconference.com to register and view the conference agenda. The TSD Conference will be held Nov. 9 through Nov. 12.

Related: Fan Favorite Mulick Provides Student Transporters Tips for De-Escalation
Related: TSD Conference Opening Keynote Prompts Attendees to Cheer for Themselves, Students
Related: TSD2023: Recap in Video

The post Mulick Returns to TSD Conference to Help Student Transporters Better Understand Autism appeared first on School Transportation News.