Comprehensive Courses on T.H.E. P.A.C.T.
– Both In-Person and Online Options

In-depth courses that will take "good ideas" and put them into a "Can-Do" action plan
Gain detailed insight into foundational principles, the important connection between language tasks, and learner case examples

All In-Person Full-Day Trainings are available through a series of Online classes – with the exception of the hands-on Make & Takes.

T.H.E. P.A.C.T. Webinar
Library Class Listings

Keynote Speaker: Phyl T. Macomber

Author, Trainer, and Curriculum Strategist, Phyl T. Macomber is known for her empowering, practical, and "action-plan" oriented programs.


Phyl Delivers a Powerhouse Address as the Keynote
Speaker of the Tools for Schools Conference

Phyl provides dynamic keynote addresses and customized breakout sessions - that are combined with creative and research-based approaches - for people who want to move beyond the limitations of their work and day-to-day problems and on to realistic "solutions."

Roundtable Training Discussions

"On-the-Spot Problem-Solving"


Customized Problem-Solving Linked to the
Common Core Initiative

In this interactive series of conferences - offered online or in-person - a group of participants brings their questions "to the table" regarding systemizing instruction and communication.

Get your questions answered "on-the-spot" when differentiating instruction, tying to the Common Core Initiative, and learning new technology tools.

Leave with immediate solutions to your problems - in "real-time" - so that you can put them into a practical starting action plan for T.H.E. P.A.C.T.

A minimum of 4 Roundtables are scheduled in this training package.

NOTE: Completing the free introductory webinar on T.H.E. P.A.C.T. is a prerequisite to participating in the Roundtables.

Conference Appearances

Phyl's work has been nationally and internationally recognized at leading conferences in the field of education, special education, augmentative communication, speech and language, and assistive technology.

Her conference appearances have been in the form of teaching educational sessions, instructing pre-conference workshops, and giving keynote addresses.

Clinical Feedback

Marcia Zurich-Thompson, Speech-Language Pathologist from southern New Hampshire, comments:

"Phyl’s presentation style was beautifully organized, delivered with dynamic fervor, and of course, a great deal of heart gleaned from her extensive knowledge base and years of field and research experience."

Linda Murphy, Educational Assistant from Edmonton, Alberta, shares:

"Phyl was an amazing presenter! There was never a dull moment and I got a rainbow of ideas. Phyl is very positive and energetic and provides a lot of visual examples along with apps and multimedia tools to use within the framework."

Mary Asper, President of Codding Hollow & Associates in Vermont, remarks:

"Phyl, you did an OUTSTANDING training. The SLPs who attended were very pleased with all the information you shared. T.H.E. P.A.C.T. is perfect for what we do at 'any' grade level. It is such a wonderful tool to use - as well as to explain to teachers and staff that will then help carry-over activities SLPs implement."

Steve Bender, Special Educator, took a course in North Branch, New Jersey and shares:

"It was so helpful to see how many components of T.H.E. P.A.C.T. could be created on a shoe-string budget!"

Deirdre Pierce, parent of a child with a disability from New England, remarks:

"Phyl, YOU AMAZE ME! I am so happy to have shared the day with you.  Congratulations on an inspiring successful day!"

Meagan Moakley, consultant from Crick Software, shares:

"Phyl, you did a fantastic job, and everyone was completely in awe of your enthusiasm and dedication to your field - myself included!

Mary Sue Crowley, Learning Specialist, who attended a course in Central Vermont, states:
“Phyl's training sessions are extremely informative, exciting, and above all, everyone leaves with skills that can be immediately put to use. She always communicates her goals clearly and states her expectations in a way that leaves no questions."

Ann Bailey, Special Educator, took a course in Boston, Massachusetts and states:

"I am able to begin immediately implementing these ideas from the wealth of resources presented. And, I learned more about resources that I already utilize!"

Carrie Peterson, Classroom Teacher from the province of Alberta, says:

"Phyl is a strong presenter who explains information thoroughly for a variety of technology to apply in the classroom setting using T.H.E. P.A.C.T."

Jane Duffy, Occupational Therapist from Windsor Southeast Supervisory Union in Vermont, explains:

"Phyl, you have taken your many years of experience and put it into a comprehensive program that can be used from a very basic level to a high level. T.H.E. P.A.C.T. can be implemented from low tech to high tech and can be adapted to ALL levels of cognitive ability. The training was EXCELLENT and it makes sense!"

Debbie Sawyer, Classroom Teacher, who was at a training in Sherwood Park, Alberta feels:
“Phyl, you are personable and so full of knowledge! T.H.E. P.A.C.T. is a practical and sensible approach to instruction and I love that you are a practicing professional in the field."

Laura Houle, Special Educator from northern New England, comments:

"What an inspiring day it was! I am blessed to meet people like you in my life's journey who share tools to help me make a difference.

Connie Ryan, Speech-Language Pathologist from Massachusetts, explains:

"We've been asking the wrong question in Special Education! We have been asking 'How do I teach this thing?' Instead, we should have been asking is 'What activities and tools does this student need to learn anything?' T.H.E. P.A.C.T. is practical and user-friendly which may make it easier to get regular education teachers to buy in. Thank you for creating this approach and thank you for sharing it so effectively through this workshop."

Amy Shaw, Speech-Language Pathologist, who attended a workshop in Killington, Vermont, remarks:

"Phyl is a fantastic presenter and has a gift. She is so good at making each person 'on the train' feel valuable. Everyone got a compliment and recognition from her at some point in the training. We all left, parents and providers, with high self-esteem and confidence and renewed energy for the work that lay ahead."

The Power of T.H.E. P.A.C.T. 1-Day Intro Course - JUST REVISED & UPDATED!

The Research-Based "Cure for the Common Core"

In this introductory course, learn how to set up 4 essential language-based modules to systematically teach ANY content for learners with or without a disability tied to the Common Core Standards in the areas of language, reading related to literature and informational text, writing, and speaking and listening.


Participants Get Hands-On Examination of
Tools for Each of the 4 Modules

Learner profiles are reviewed with numerous examples using photo and video for teaching vocabulary and word knowledge, reading to learn activities, scaffolded writing lessons, active participation and speaking roles, and more!

Walk away with a tool chest of ideas of how to:

  1. Use apps for more than one language task

  2. Set up free Web tools to meet multiple learning objectives

  3. Create activities in minutes using integrated software templates

  4. Construct simple, reusable low tech solutions using inexpensive office supplies

Course Participant Feedback

Val Baker, Special Education Consultant, who attended a course at Buena Vista University in northwest Iowa, states:

"I came into today with no idea of what T.H.E. P.A.C.T. was, and leaving today, I feel that I not only have a good understanding of the framework, but could go home and implement many strategies. Yay!"

Amy Highstrom, Speech-Language Pathologist, attended a course in Claremont, New Hampshire and describes the day by saying:

"This course provided a great overview to this practical and comprehensive system of instruction. Phyl, you clearly have spent a tremendous amount of time on this. Thank you for your enthusiasm and the contribution to education you have truly made."

Jennifer Caldwell, Occupational Therapist, attended a course at the Tools for Schools Conference in Hartford, Connecticut and concludes:

"This was a very comprehensive workshop. It provided a structure to curriculum as well and high and low tech strategies that can be used with a variety of learners. I will definitely use the program to structure curriculum lessons and adapt materials for teachers!"

Betsy Hawkins-Chernof, Computer Access Facilitator & Occupational Therapist from a St. Louis, Missouri Course, says:

"I liked that Phyl brought numerous visual aids and examples to St. Louis for us to try and she customized her examples to our group. Phyl was SO responsive to our questions!"

Shawna Shappy, Autism Behavior Consultant in northern Vermont, feels:

"This course was not biased to one field and you are clearly knowledgeable, Phyl. You are a well-rounded presenter!"

Wanda Chaulk, Classroom Support Teacher, explains:

"The 1-Day Course on T.H.E. P.A.C.T. provided multiple tips on websites, apps, and educational resources! Phyl, you have authored a very practical framework to add to our current practice in teaching all children with diverse needs."

Anne Moore Odell, Classroom Teacher, attended a course in Sherwood Park, Alberta and shares:

"Thank you for your personal and moving examples of students and teams. The color-coding really helps. T.H.E. P.A.C.T. is useful for all learners – regular ed and special ed."

Pat Schnieders, Special Educator, who attended a Storm Lake, Iowa training says:

"I loved all the concrete examples of diverse learners and I have a good overall picture of T.H.E. P.A.C.T. after this first day of training!"

In-Person Training

The Power of T.H.E. P.A.C.T. 1-Day Course is offered for an unlimited number of registrants to get the most out of your training budget.

During this in-person event - available in a private or public venue - participants:

  • Get the chance to have direct, in-person access to the author

  • Can touch, feel, and interface with real-life learner examples of instructional lessons and tools

  • Have the opportunity to take photos and/or videos of the multiple tools demonstrated and displayed throughout this course

Online Training


Get Direct Access to Phyl
No Matter Where You Live

The Power of T.H.E. P.A.C.T. 1-Day Course is offered in an online format through a series of six 1-hour Web classes for an individual or group for cost-effective use of professional development funds.

The online format is scheduled in a live webinar series, with recorded Web courses to be offered in the future.

During the live online course, participants will:

  • Be shown examples of instructional lessons and tools of real-life learner cases

  • View photos and videos of instructional tools and methods for the modules of T.H.E. P.A.C.T.

  • Get the chance to have a live online dialogue with the author in a structured question and answer block for each class

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of the course, the participants will be able to:

  1. State four underlying principles of T.H.E. P.A.C.T. framework which are essential when teaching academic, life skills, or social language curriculum.

  2. Give two reasons why it is critical to use consistent teaching formats & predictable instructional materials when teaching any curriculum content tied to the Common Core Standards.

  3. Outline and describe the four modules of T.H.E. P.A.C.T. framework & link each module to the Common Core Initiative for a learner of any age or ability.

  4. When building comprehension, list three examples of teaching activities & corresponding instructional materials for the Learn About module when teaching vocabulary & for the Read About module when providing literacy-based materials.

  5. When improving expression, list three examples of teaching activities & corresponding instructional materials for the Write About module for scaffolded writing tasks & for the Talk About module to increase participation & expand speaking roles.