GENERAL ADMISSION REGISTRATION ADMISSION: $50 PER PERSON

AUDIENCE:

Teachers of the Deaf, Paraprofessionals, Parents, Educational Interpreters,

and other Deaf Related Professions.


CLICK HERE FOR REGISTRATION
UNIVERSITY PLAZA HOTEL

333 S. JOHN Q HAMMONS PKWY

SPRINGFIELD, MO 65806

At discount rate of $110 per night. 
CUT OFF DATE: July 10th, 2026

CLICK HERE FOR HOTEL REGISTRATION

MEET OUR PRESENTERS

PETRA M. HORN-MARSH AARON DELBRUEGGE ASHLEY JERALDS

PETRA M. HORN-MARSH

Petra M. Horn-Marsh, PhD graduated from Gallaudet University with a BA in Secondary Education and History, a MA in History from Utah State University,a MA in Education Leadership from University of Missouri Kansas City, a PhD in Sociology from Utah State University, and a Deaf Education certificate from the University of Kansas. She is currently a professor of practice of the ASL and Deaf Studies program, at University of Kansas Edwards Campus (KUEC).

On the community level, she is a Coordinator of ASL Curriculum Instruction and Assessment (ASL CIA), of National American Sign Language Education of Heritage Language Learners (NASLEHL).

Also, Petra has served on the SB 323 Advisory Committee to develop a statewide Language Assessment Program for deaf and hard-of-hearing children ages 0-8. Petra and Kester co-wrote a chapter “ASL Immersion I and II” in the recent publication “58-In-Mind”.


AARON DELBRUEGGE

Aaron Delbruegge is in his third year as an Effective Practice Specialist for the Deaf/Hard of Hearing Program with Special School District of St. Louis County. As EPS, Aaron works closely with educational interpreters offering support with ASL linguistic mentorship and classroom role dynamics. With 15 years of dedicated service to SSD, including 12 years of direct classroom experience, Aaron possesses a unique expertise in utilizing American Sign Language to deliver complex science and math concepts. His extensive career has allowed him to engage deeply with stakeholders across the St. Louis region’s Deaf Education community, earning him several accolades, such as the SSD Building Block Award.

Beyond his work in K-12 education, Aaron has served as an adjunct professor for Southwestern Illinois College’s ITP in the past, where he taught courses in ASL, Fingerspelling & Numbers, and Non-Verbal Communication. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Rochester Institute of Technology. In his spare time, Aaron is an avid beekeeper who enjoys selling local raw honey.


ASHLEY JERALDS

Ashley Jeralds graduated from William Woods University with a Bachelor of Science in Interpreting. She has worked as an Educational Interpreter for Special School District for 19 years. She has worked as an Itinerant all over St Louis County, and she has been permanently placed in a classroom for a year or more. Her placement experiences include: Elementary, Middle, and High School; Resource Room and General Education; Five Partner Districts and an SSD Phase 3 School in Behavioral/Emotional Classroom.

In 2023, Ashley transitioned into the role of Effective Practice Specialist for Interpreters and is now responsible for mentoring, coaching, and observing over 60 interpreters.

She also coordinates new hire training for Interpreters at SSD and is responsible for creating professional development content for Interpreters.

Ashley holds a MICS Advanced and also worked as a Video Relay Interpreter at Sorenson for 14 years. She considers herself a lifelong learner and is committed to continuous growth both personally and professionally.


WORKSHOPS

CEUs offer for Educational Interpreters track ONLY.

“Bilingual/Multilingual Deaf Education: An Action Palette for Language and Cognition Spectrum” “K-12 Science Vocabulary Skill Development” “Beyond the Signs: Practicing Fluent and Faithful Voicing”

DEAF EDUCATION
WORKSHOP

“Bilingual/Multilingual Deaf Education: An Action Palette for Language and Cognition Spectrum”

Presented by PETRA HORN-MARSH

The State of Kansas Language Assessment Program (LAP), and the state of California’s Parent Feedback forms (from LEAD-K) show that at least 70% of DHH children, ages 0 and 8 years, face language deprivation and delays. Statistics also show that 70-80% Deaf students are mainstreamed in public schools with interpreters and other support services, and the students meet with the Teachers of the Deaf (TODs) at least once or twice a week (Digest of Education Statistics, 2024). Thus, language delays are perpetuated in addition to other aspects like identity, belonging, and community. Key considerations for success include language-rich environment, parental/family involvement, socialization with peers, and support for teachers.

With experience providing bilingual Deaf education in regular classrooms and utilizing elementary and secondary ASL Immersion classes, the workshop offers cost-effective approaches to develop students’ language proficiencies in ASL and English. Identifying student areas of need in ASL and English development with various language assessments, teachers can meet the student needs of ASL and English acquisition and development with daily lessons over specific academic knowledge and skills. Hands-on and real-world activities allow students to develop both ASL and English skills and learn content information simultaneously. Bilingual methodology will be introduced, demonstrated, and practiced. Sample assessments, lessons, individual and group activities, and videos will be shared.


EDUCATIONAL INTERPRETER WORKSHOP

“K-12 Science Vocabulary Skill Development” – (0.3 CEUs)

Presented by Aaron Delbruegge

This 3-hour intensive workshop provides an in-depth exploration of elementary and secondary science content through the lens of American Sign Language. Participants will examine diverse fields including chemistry, astronomy, earth science, and biology to ensure ASL accuracy in the classroom. The session introduces contemporary, concept-based signs derived from authoritative sources like Atomic Hands and ASLCORE.

Attendees will practice producing precise scientific signs while comparing traditional vocabulary against modern, conceptually accurate alternatives. Furthermore, the workshop emphasizes the use of visual vernacular and classifiers to enhance pedagogical instruction of complex scientific theories. In conclusion, educational interpreters will be better equipped with the tools to facilitate clearer, more effective communication of science concepts for their students.


EDUCATIONAL INTERPRETER WORKSHOP

“Beyond the Signs: Practicing Fluent and Faithful Voicing” – (0.3 CEUs)

Presented by Ashley Jeralds

This workshop is designed to help interpreters balance technical accuracy with the fluency necessary for high-quality communicative effectiveness. Attendees will examine common voicing struggles, such as information overload and the counterproductive habit of literally describing classifiers instead of assigning them meaning. Through a series of practical activities—including video narration and peer feedback—participants will develop strategies to produce cohesive, native English messages that reduce listener cognitive load and build professional trust. Ultimately, this training provides essential self-analysis tools to help interpreters move past source language intrusions and deliver a message with clear intent for hearing listeners.


sponsorship information & registration

NETWORKING, RESOURCES, CAREER OPPORUNITIES, DEAF-RELATED VENDORS ARE ENCOURAGED TO SIGNUP.

COMMUNITY FAIR EXHIBIT BOOTH $50

CLICK HERE FOR REGISTRATION