There are some changes coming for Medical Lake School District’s Special Education program. Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) coordinator Ann Everett is the new special education coordinator for the school district.
Everett spent most of last year working on grants for the high school’s STEM lab. During this time, she was finishing her administration credentials for the position. For Everett, helping students succeed is a passion.
“In 14 years of teaching in the career and technology field I have had a lot of special needs kids and our goal is to help them,” Everett said. “It doesn’t matter who they are. I want every child who comes into my classroom to have a path to success.”
Everett and the district began helping students prepare for the new year over the summer. Five special needs students attended the summer school for math while seven students participated in the Extended School Year program at Michael Anderson Elementary. Everett said these programs will not only help children transition into their new classrooms, but also gives teachers details of their students’ progress.
One of the changes for the program is the addition of several staff members. Sarah Milburn and Rebecca Nelson were hired as special education teachers at Michael Anderson Elementary while Skylar Jones is a new special education teacher at the high school.
Anna Mortensen, who was hired last January, will now be a special education pre-school teacher. Medical Lake alum Josh Edmondson is working at the middle school and high school in the role of a special behavior interventionist.
Everett is looking at developing systems to focus on students’ needs and growth. She also met with principals to discuss developing stronger systems in their buildings.
“We want to help build that rapport that’s needed to work with kids and help them see a vision for their future,” Everett said. “To help them think they can be successful.”
Everett also hopes to enhance development for paraprofessional educators and teachers.
She is looking at student independent learning plans and possibly piloting an electronic system to help keep track of those plans. Some of the new programs at the schools include Response to Intervention (RTI) and Positive Behavioral Intervention and Supports (PBIS).
Another goal for Everett is helping ease students’ transition as they move up in grades. She is also focusing on helping students in the Life Skills program transition into the workforce.
Everett would also like to get to know all of the special education students, as well as connect with parents.
“We’re taking the role of special education seriously,” Everett said.
Al Stover can be reached at al@cheneyfreepress.com.
Reader Comments(0)