A PASSION FOR EDUCATION

Today, I have watched many friends return to a new school year with great excitement and expectation. I must admit, I was a little bothered by the fact that I was not one of them to tour the schools and see the kids all excited for a new year. It is the first time in 25 years that I haven't been there for the first day of school! Yet, I know I am right where I need to be.

After 25 years of education, I retired to finish my Educational Specialist degree and pursue a new passion - one for educational consultation and advocacy for special education. I fell in love with the special education classroom as a teenager when I would accompany my mom (a teacher of 40+ years) to her own classroom to help her. Across the hall was a resource and separate setting classroom that I would often volunteer in. I knew immediately that working with students with disabilities would be my calling.

I have worked in inclusive classrooms, intensive needs and resource settings. Over my career as a teacher, administrator and district director of special education, I have worked with all ages from 3 years old through 22 year old. I have advocated for students within the public education realm for 25 years. I know parents and guardians sometimes face challenging circumstances as they navigate the IEP table and team meetings. Now, I want to sit alongside those parents and help guide them through the confusing language, the overwhelming assessments and focus on helping them develop quality Individualized Education Program plans with their child's IEP team or 504 accommodation plan.

The majority of our public school system staff members also strive to create the best educational opportunities for students. Today more than ever, they face an overwhelming task to meet the needs of a variety of needs in their classrooms and schools. Many schools are understaffed and overworked, which opens up opportunities for student needs to be missed. As an advocate, my role will be to help the team focus on the specific needs of the child, to truly respond to educational data and performance observations, and create highly individualized plans that meet the unique needs of this student. As an advocate, it is my job to try and find ways to open clear lines of communication and foster good team relationships that will only serve to increase outcomes for students.

I am excited to take on this next adventure in my career working with special education advocacy. If you need assistance or have questions for your own student's IEP or 504, please feel free to reach out! I do offer a 30-minute consultation for free and will work with you to find the right advocacy plan to meet your needs! Best wishes for a great new school year!