It is often stated, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”; especially if the “cure” creates misunderstanding, division, and conflict. This is true for most events which have a high stakes impact on one’s life as well as our childrens’ lives. And this is where Education Advocacy enters the discussion.
Simply, during those moments when we feel over-whelmed, stressed, or out of our league, we often lean toward the expertise and guidance of a specialist. In matters related to educational planning, IEP development, 504 Plan accommodations, and behavior management systems, a well-informed, experienced, and insightful Education Advocate may serve your needs best.
I say this for a few reasons: Of course, I do this for a living. I would be trying to pull the wool over your eyes if I stated I don’t have an incentive in this game; I do. For one, it’s how I earn my income. That’s pretty basic. However, I truly believe in this work: It’s my calling. My purpose. And finally, I see the results of the parent – advocate partnership on a daily basis. There’s no doubt; if I won the lottery, I would still be doing this work. Except, I would likely be doing so from the beach or at a mountain retreat!
I have done this work since 1998. In addition, I have also felt that by keeping a foot in the system, it would lend itself to being the best Education Advocate possible. So I positioned myself through a wide range of jobs which all lead toward greater understanding of students, instruction, and learning, within the educational system. A few years ago, I felt an intense drive to go deeper into the realm of student behavior for so many of my clients reflected behavioral issues within their profiles. As a result, I served as the Behavior Specialist within a medium sized district for 2 years. Then, when this opportunity ran its course, a colleague informed me that a local district had a Director of Special Education vacancy; but she also advised me to seriously think-twice. But I knew at my core, I loved a challenge but most importantly, I was attracted to this opportunity for I would have access to a wide range of experiences as a “Director” that were not available to me otherwise. So I moved forward. And ironically, after the first year, I was elected to the board of the Council of Administrators of Special Education.
Now that a number of years have passed since my last job in a district, I am committed to being the best version of an Education Advocate anywhere. And in doing so, this vision is founded upon serving as many parents as possible*, across the wide spectrum of social economic backgrounds. As I said earlier, I am driven and moved to support a group of people who are currently under-served within the educational system: parents of special needs students. It’s not a matter of intent and purpose to keep parents out of the system or disengaged from the decision process. This is more of a by-product of a long-standing political system, out-dated cultural norms, and senseless procedures which have been employed for years beyond their efficacy. And as I look toward a new school year, I am excited to be able to assist parents like you.
If this resonates for you, reach out and let’s talk. For it’s time to plan for the upcoming school year!