From Inclusion Skeptic to Inclusion Champion: My Journey as an Educator

This picture is of me in 2004, on my first day (ever) of being a teacher.

At the time, I was an inclusion skeptic, thinking that children who were autistic, had an intellectual disability, or exhibited challenging behaviors were better off in a separate learning environment.

It wasn’t until I experienced including my students in general education that I saw the benefit. And then, as I grew as an educator, it has eventually become my mission.

I wish I could have transitioned into a more inclusive role sooner, as I taught for many years in segregated classrooms. But there were many barriers.

Something that kept me going was creating my blog and podcast, Think Inclusive—and meeting and collaborating with many inclusionists worldwide.

These relationships taught me that some school districts were already implementing authentic inclusive education. And that I wasn’t alone in believing that there was and is a better way to educate all learners.

One of those collaborators was Carol Quirk. She told me about the work that the Maryland Coalition for Inclusive Education (MCIE) had done for Maryland school districts and beyond. And when I just about had enough of trying to change an educational system from within, I sent her my resume.

Carol and I met, and she floated the idea of me joining MCIE as the Director of Communications and that I could bring Think Inclusive with me to become MCIE’s blog and podcast. It was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up.

That was three years ago. And now, I have the privilege of spreading the word to as many people as possible about the stories of school districts changing towards inclusive practices.

Wrapping up this little story… I want to share a podcast episode I recently did with Carolyn Teigland (MCIE’s current CEO) and Carol Quirk (our former CEO), where we talk about the history of what MCIE has done in Maryland and now across the United States to partner with school districts to make the change toward inclusive education.

And let me give you a little hope if you are stuck in a school district that still segregates learners by disability. I’ve never been more hopeful that we can change our educational systems to be inclusive of all learners because I’ve seen and experienced the work happening in school districts.

And if you are still on the fence about whether or not some learners need a special classroom or program. I’d love to talk with you. Feel free to message me. Or better yet, listen to my conversation with Carolyn and Carol and hit me up for a conversation afterward.

Have a great day, everyone!

Listen, follow, or subscribe here: https://link.chtbl.com/uIBQu7lM