Maine Access to Inclusive Education Resources

2020-21 Professional Development Webinars

Helping Your Teen Work Towards Independence as an Adult: A Mother and Son Perspective

Speakers: Connor Archer and Jessica Archer, M.S.

Session Description

This topic explores different techniques and approaches of how parents can help your teen work towards becoming independent when he/she enters adulthood. Presenters Connor and Jessica Archer will guide parents and caregivers through what is like in the early teenage years for children, the years where your teen graduates’ high school, and then the transition where your teen becomes a young adult. The presentation will focus on the early teen years, graduation from High School, and the transition to adulthood with examples from their own personal experience as an individual on the autism spectrum and his mother, an educator with an advanced degree in Special Education. [Earn 2 Contact Hours upon completion.]

Speaker Bios

Connor Archer is a 5th year student at Husson University, finishing his work towards a Bachelors of Science in Integrated Technology, two certificates in Marketing Communications and Digital/Social Media Marketing, and a Masters in Business Administration, with an expected graduation date of May 2021. Connor is also the founder & Chairman/CEO of The Courageous Steps Project, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that strives to help children and young adults with developmental challenges such as Autism. Connor is a National Award Winner from the 2016 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards, focused on recognizing youth volunteers for their outstanding contributions in the community. Most importantly, Connor is diagnosed with the challenges of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and has overcome many obstacles in his development, which leads to his successful accomplishments thus far.

Jessica Archer M.S., B.S. (Connor’s mom) holds a Bachelors of Science in Elementary Education with a concentration in Science, Masters Degree in Special Education, and a Certificate of Advanced Study in Literacy and Special Education all from the University of Maine. Currently, Jessica is a middle school teacher, and an adult education English teacher and math tutor in the RSU #26 (Orono) school system. Jessica has worked in education for 28 years. Jessica went back to get her Master’s Degree in Special Education to learn how to teach Connor at a young age, as he was learning skills that were necessary for his development, leading to his successful accomplishments today.

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