Insight Facilitators Institute:
Level I Certification
Overview
The Insight Facilitators Institute is the official training and certification program for educators, transition specialists, vocational rehabilitation professionals, employment service providers, and community organizations seeking to implement the Insight Career Training Program.
Participants will learn the complete Insight implementation framework, including both the Launch and Ascend curricula, each aligned to National CTE Standards, while developing the facilitation skills necessary to deliver the program with fidelity and impact in person or online.
Upon successful completion of the Institute and practicum, participants earn the designation: Insight Certified Facilitator Level I. This credential authorizes facilitators to implement Insight within approved schools, agencies, and organizations. This certification is also the first milestone in the advanced Insight Facilitator and Insight Master Trainer certification pathways.
What’s Included?
The Insight Facilitators Institute includes:
- 3.5 days of immersive professional learning
- Certification practicum and performance assessment
- Insight Certified Facilitator credential
- Launch and Ascend educator materials
- Facilitator implementation toolkit
- Lodging and meals
- 24 CEUs
- One-year access to the Insight Facilitator Network
- One-year access to the Insight digital platform
What Participants Can Expect
- Cohort Model: Registration is limited to 15 participants to ensure personal attention and support
- Classroom Supplies: Receive over $1,000 worth of program supplies to facilitate the sessions directly with your learners
- Meals & Lodging: Your hotel room (if traveling) and meals are all included
- Work Readiness Connections: Network with other Insight facilitators and professionals during a welcome reception and dinner on day 1
Why Become Certified?
The Insight Career Training Program helps transition-age youth with disabilities and neurodiversity develop the soft skills, self-advocacy skills, workplace readiness, and professional behaviors necessary for long-term employment success. Certification ensures facilitators can confidently implement the program while maintaining the research-based practices that make Insight effective.
Certified Facilitators gain:
- A recognized professional credential
- Complete implementation training
- Confidence facilitating sensitive and meaningful discussions
- Access to proven lesson plans and instructional resources
- Membership in a growing national network of practitioners
- Ongoing implementation support and professional learning opportunities
Participants will demonstrate proficiency through a mini-teaching practicum and receive individualized feedback from Insight master trainers on the Institute faculty.
What You’ll Learn
Each aspect of the Insight Facilitators Institute is purposefully and intentionally designed to help participants experience the Insight model. Through active learning, interactive discussion, and hands-on activities, you’ll engage with Insight content and the facilitation skills necessary to be successful in bringing Insight to your community.
Insight Ascend
Teach workplace soft skills and professional behaviors that help learners succeed and thrive on the job, including:
- Communication & Teamwork
- Emotional Regulation & Professionalism
- Self-Advocacy & Workplace Relationships
- Problem Solving & Time Management
Insight Launch
Support learners in preparing for employment, exploring career pathways, and building confidence for the transition to the workforce by engaging with:
- Career Exploration & Planning
- Employment Prep & Job Search Skills
- Interviewing & Workplace Readiness
- Self-Determination & Community Engagement
Insight Implementation Framework
Learn the research basis, pedagogy, and learning systems that support successful implementation, including:
- The Insight Model & Instructional Strategies
- Fidelity and Quality Standards
- Classroom and Agency Implementation
- Progress Monitoring
- Family and Employer Engagement
- Adaptations, Accommodations & Sustainability
Institute Agenda
Day 1 — Introducing Insight Career Training
- Welcome Dinner & Networking Skills
- Empowering Abilities & Building Confidence
- Creating Inclusive Community
Day 2 — Insight Ascend
- Program Foundations & Core Soft Skills
- Experiential Learning Strategies
- Facilitation Demonstrations & Practice
Day 3 — Insight Launch
- Employment Readiness Framework
- Community-Based Learning & Support Systems
- Lesson Facilitation Practice
Day 4 — Implementation & Certification
- Implementation Planning & Fidelity Expectations
- Family and Employer Partnerships & Data
- Facilitation Best Practices & Practicum
Who Should Attend?
The Institute is designed for professionals supporting transition-age youth with disabilities or neurodiversity, including:
- Special Education Teachers
- Transition Coordinators
- Vocational Rehabilitation Pros
- School Counselors
- Community Agency Staff
- Employment Specialists
- Job Coaches
- Disability Support Staff
- Workforce Professionals
Institute Faculty
Learn directly from our team of experienced educators and master trainers
Connie Sung, PhD
Master Trainer
Dr. Connie Sung, Ph.D., is co-author and lead researcher behind the evidence base for the Insight curriculum
Janice Abud, MAT
Master Trainer
Janice Abud was the lead developer behind the Insight Career Training system, translating the original research into the program’s current form
Gary Abud, Jr., MAT
Master Trainer
As a nationally recognized educator and former Michigan Teacher of the Year, Gary Abud, Jr. brings extensive expertise in corporate training, teacher coaching, and facilitation
Brad Wilson, MEd
Master Trainer
An experienced trainer and presenter of educational programs and teaching technologies, Brad brings a wealth of experience with learners of all ranges of skills and abilities
What People Are Saying
Feedback from our Insight Certified Facilitators
“Awesome training! One of the best ones I have ever been to!”
Rehabilitation Counselor
University of Missouri St. Louis
“I truly enjoyed the experience and I learned a lot about Insight and facilitating in general!”
Inclusive Post-Secondary Educator
University of Missouri St. Louis
“The Institute was highly engaging, utilizing effective teaching methods, maintaining clear communication, and bringing positive energy that was palpable for all of us.”
Program Coordinator
The St. Louis Arc
Certification Pathway
Advance your skills, scale your impact, and become a certified leader within the Insight network.
Level I
Certified Facilitator
Level II
Certified Facilitator
Level III
Institute Trainer
Level IV
Certified Trainer
Limited to 15 participants!
July 28-30, 2026, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM EDT
East Lansing, MI
