Inclusion

Recently I packed up my car and started my journey from Kansas City to Washington, DC for the summer. This trip's purpose is to work for the Council for Exceptional Children this summer. The trip to...

Sheila Vander Tuig is a special education vocational/transition coordinator with the East Central Kansas Cooperative in Education. In her role supporting students from three Kansas high schools, Ms. Vander Tuig continually demonstrates her passion to enhance postsecondary outcomes using a strengths-based approach, like CEC’s founder Elizabeth Farrell. Ms. Vander Tuig seeks out partnerships with community-based organizations and universities above and beyond her responsibilities in the classroom to bring innovative programs and projects that promote the success of all students she supports.

Tim McCammon is a teacher that champions all students and whose leadership is renowned throughout his school district. As well as being a Special Education Resource Teacher in an Autism Spectrum Disorder classroom, he is a leader and developer of an after-school skills development program. He also offers a school-based training program, welcoming teachers, administrators, interdisciplinary teams and support staff into his classroom to observe and learn about educational opportunities for children with autism. Tim organizes and leads a musical group, the Inclusioneers , which performs at local events for students with disabilities, such as track and field days and award ceremonies. He is truly an inspired educator who makes a difference in the lives of students with ASD and their families.

Jennifer Ormerod is a special education teacher for students in Kindergarten through 3rd grades at Hiawatha Elementary School in Essex Junction, Vermont. Jennifer started her career 25 years ago as an Early Childhood Special Educator and taught 3-5 year olds in a variety of Vermont’s inclusive preschool settings for several years. During that time she had an incredible opportunity to receive advanced training in Autism through the Vermont Rural Autism Project.

Teaching exceptional education in middle school is an extremely rewarding service. Middle school is a pivotal time in the lives of all students, but especially those with exceptionalities. My main focus is to help students build confidence and be proud of their unique strengths. Through the daily incorporation of social-emotional activities, I strive to develop impactful relationships with my students. I hope you enjoy seeing some of the activities that we do in our class.

I am new to the role of special education consulting teacher this school year. Prior to this position, I taught a high school Life Skills program for students with intellectual disabilities. I have a dual certification in elementary education and special education, K-21, and am currently working towards a M.S. in Educational Psychology with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis. I have a passion for teaching and facilitating the development of independence.

Katie Billmeier is a special education teacher teacher at Woodcliff Preschool in Grand Rapids Michigan. She also taught kindergarten, third, fourth, and fifth grades in Illinois, Pennsylvania, Missouri. She believes that being a special education teacher is the most wonderful and rewarding job ever, and although you will work harder than you ever imagined, it is 100% worth it.

As a moderate-severe disabilities teacher for an independent school district in a suburb of Louisville for 5 years, I focused my instruction on increasing the functional ability and independence of my students while still seeing academic growth in my students.

Alysha DeCrescenzo has a dual certification in elementary and special education grades 1 through 6 and just completed her Master’s degree in Urban Multi-Cultural Special Education at Rhode Island College. And most recently completed her English as a Second Language certification. She is a critical shortage gem!

Carly Gedra-Kaloper is a preschool teacher in Grand Rapids, Michigan. In this video, she shares what she loves about being a special educator and offers advice for new teachers during their first few years of teaching.