Bonus Episode: Special Education and Inclusion from OEA Grow

How does special education connect to a safe, welcoming, and inclusive school? In this episode, Leonne talks with life skills and peer tutoring special education teacher Niels Pasternak (Eugene EA) to answer this question. Niels is also the Chair of the OEA Special Education Committee and the Executive Director of Educational Equity Now. For Niels, special education is all about inclusivity, serving all students, and helping all students feel like they fit in. To do this, he recommends focusing on students' needs, strengths, and interests. Neils also points to approaches like differentiated instruction and Universal Design for Learning because when it comes to education, one size doesn't fit all. Leonne and Niels also discuss the power of life skills and peer tutoring programs in their schools. Finally, Niels explains the work of the OEA Special Education Committee, the OEA Educator Empowerment Academy, and the member resources provided by both.