Dr. Laura Sarchet, a former special education teacher and current Assistant Professor of Special Education at Niagara University, shares her experience navigating education with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) diagnosis. While facing challenges from social skills to daily routines, Dr. Sarchet has overcome a great deal to get her Ph.D. and current position. She offers encouraging words to fellow neurodivergent teachers and students: 
“Your worth is in being you. You are beautiful. [You are and will be successful.] You and I and many others are working very hard to make the world more accessible for us. We are trying to change people’s perspective. Being autistic is beautiful. It is also difficult. Being human is difficult. But we are in this together. We will hold strong and keep working.”

Sandra Mosteller has taught middle school special education (called "exceptional children" in North Carolina) for 21 years. To Mosteller, its passion, inspiration and motivation that got her where she is today. In her day-to-day work, she supports Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), creates accommodations and works to ensure her students can successfully access the general education environment. She even steps in to substitute for bus drivers when needed! Her nomination was given by a colleague, who described how much Mosteller does for students in and outside of the classroom.
In her interview, Mosteller shared what drives her as a SPED teacher: “When working with special needs students, I try very hard to focus on building confidence, encouraging independence, self-advocating for themselves and always celebrating small victories!” she said. “My job is truly rewarding!”

Every year, students and their families of Lincoln County Schools submit nominations for teachers who deserve recognition for their leadership, devotion and impact in their classrooms. This year, with 500 submissions, 4 teachers were awarded—including special education teacher Sydney Mickells. Her nomination came from a parent, Allie, who expressed her gratitude for Mickells’ dedication to supporting her daughter, Evelyn, in advancing her academics.
“I know without a doubt that Evelyn would not be where she is today without the kindhearted spirit and compassionate, consistent support of Ms. Mickells,” Allie said. “We are so grateful that we have had the gift of her support and love for Evelyn and our family for the last four years. We could never thank her enough.”

Katie Scott, a special education teacher at the Academy for Literacy, Learning & Innovation Excellence (ALLIES), knows firsthand what a student experiences when the lesson doesn’t click. Scott recalls feeling lost among her peers in fourth-grade math, an experience that helps drive her passion to teach. Scott wants to ensure her students don’t feel left out of the lesson, and at ALLIES, students can begin to understand that their challenges do not define their abilities.
“They get here, and suddenly they say, man, everybody here learns like me,” Scott said. “The most meaningful successes cannot be measured by reading, writing or math. Every unique kiddo has heaps of gifts that are not assessed.”

“There's nothing greater than a thank you from a parent.” 

The Presidential AI Challenge is a national program that promotes students and educators innovating with artificial intelligence. In Maryland, high school special ed teacher James McGowan won a State Champion title among 2,500 submissions. Using artificial intelligence, Mr. McGowan created a program called enablED IT. The program is an accessible learning platform that uses adaptive technology to support non-verbal and minimally verbal students with IEPs. The platform provides students with a reliable way to demonstrate their knowledge, giving them a meaningful voice in their education while generating real-time progress data that aligns with each student’s IEP goals.