PMP406: Thinking Inclusive with Tim Villegas

Tim Villegas is the Director of Communications for the Maryland Coalition for Inclusive Education. He is also the founder of Think Inclusive, which is the blog, podcast, and social media handle of MCIE. He has 16 years of experience in public education as a teacher and district support specialist. His focus now is on how media and communications can promote inclusive education for all learners.

In this week’s engaging episode of Principal Matters Podcast, Will Parker explores the world of inclusive education with Tim Villegas. The conversation begins with Villegas sharing his journey, highlighting his passion for running and his early interest in education that was sparked in middle school. His career trajectory from a teacher and district support specialist to a leader in inclusive education demonstrates his deep commitment to creating educational environments where all learners can thrive together.

Villegas explains the mission and work of MCIE, emphasizing the organization’s focus on partnering with school districts to implement inclusive practices. He recounts the history of MCIE, starting from its inception with the Neighborhood Inclusion Project, which aimed at integrating learners previously segregated into special schools back into their neighborhood schools. This project laid the foundation for MCIE’s broader efforts to promote inclusivity in education across Maryland and beyond.

A key part of the discussion revolves around the challenges and strategies of implementing inclusive education. Villegas highlights the importance of changing mindsets and practices within schools and districts to foster an environment where every student, regardless of their abilities, is valued and given equal opportunities to succeed. He stresses that inclusion is not only a philosophy but also requires practical, actionable steps to realize its full potential.

Will and Tim explore various aspects of inclusive education, including the role of leadership in driving change, the necessity of collaborative efforts among educators, and the impact of inclusive practices on all students, not just those with disabilities. They discuss the barriers to inclusion, such as entrenched systems and attitudes, and offer solutions like developing a clear vision for inclusion, forming task forces, and focusing on strong foundational instruction for all.

This episode also addresses the common misconceptions about inclusion and the importance of understanding its nuanced, multifaceted nature. Villegas shares resources and examples of successful inclusive education models, illustrating the transformative power of inclusion when embraced and implemented effectively.

In summary, the conversation between Will Parker and Tim Villegas offers valuable insights into the principles and practices of inclusive education. It underscores the need for a collective effort to overcome barriers, the significance of leadership in initiating change, and the profound impact of inclusion on the educational landscape, making it a must-listen for educators, administrators, and anyone interested in fostering a more inclusive world.

How can you take the next step in inclusive education? Consider the following:

• Developing a vision for what inclusive education could look like in your community?
• Developing co-teaching practices
• Creating a task force of educators/parents to shape how communities can change
• Reexamining behavior standards for all students
• Reengaging with Tier 1 instruction to ensure learning opportunities are engaging for all students

Find out more about MCIE at their website, and check out the free resource Tim shares about Quality Indicators of Inclusive Schools that you can use to assess your own school’s attitudes toward thinking inclusive here.

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