Culture, Identity, and Special Education

Culture, Identity, and Special Education

In this episode of Rewriting the Narrative, host Ben Tillotson speaks with Dottie Vea, M.S., M.Ed., a PhD student in educational leadership and policy at the University of Utah, full-time special education teacher in the Salt Lake City School District, and a recipient of the Diversity Leadership Academy scholarship. Drawing from her Tongan heritage, Dottie shares how a collective mindset centered on “we” shapes her approach to teaching, advocacy, and relationship-building in special education. The conversation explores the importance of collaboration in student-centered IEPs, challenges engaging families who may feel disconnected from or distrustful of educational systems, and the value of finding common ground with students and communities beyond the classroom. Dottie and Ben also discuss culturally sustaining leadership, mentorship for educators from underrepresented backgrounds, balancing cultural identity with educational expectations, and the need for educators to reflect on their own wellbeing, assumptions, and biases before supporting students. Dottie also reflects on the lasting influence of her grandfather, a teacher and music educator in Tonga, whose example helped shape her passion for education and community. Rewriting the Narrative is produced by Association Briefings [https://associationbriefings.com/].

From Strategic Plans to Student Impact: Inside CEC’s Vision for the Future

In this episode of Rewriting the Narrative, host Ben Tillotson sits down with Chad Rummel, M.Ed, CAE, Chief Executive Officer of the Council for Exceptional Children, for a conversation about leadership, advocacy, and the evolving future of special education. Rummel reflects on his path into education and shares the early classroom experience that shaped his belief in inclusion and individualized learning. From there, the discussion expands into the strategic direction of CEC, including how the organization moved from strengthening internal operations to focusing more intentionally on member needs and the broader special education field in the years following COVID. The conversation also explores CEC’s approach to strategic planning, which pairs aspirational goals with measurable success metrics and flexible quarterly operational planning. Along the way, Rummel highlights key initiatives and accomplishments, including Project 2020, the Diversity Leadership Academy, expanded policy engagement with Congress, and the behind-the-scenes partnership work that helped launch new resources like CEC’s AI-driven teacher empowerment toolkit. Looking ahead, Ben and Chad discuss the priorities likely to shape CEC’s next strategic plan, including educator shortages, responsible AI integration, stronger collaboration with general education, and the challenges emerging from ongoing federal restructuring in education policy.   Rewriting the Narrative is produced by Association Briefings [https://associationbriefings.com/].

Driven to Innovate Through Community: A Teacher of the Year’s Reflections

In this episode of Rewriting the Narrative, host Ben Tillotson is joined by Rebecca Saunders an intervention specialist at Hayes High School in Delaware, Ohio, and CEC's Teacher of the Year, to talk about her 23-year career supporting students with complex educational, behavioral, and medical needs. At the center of the conversation is a commitment to seeing and supporting the whole student—academically, emotionally, and beyond the classroom. Rebecca shares how strong professional communities, like CEC, have sustained her career, and how she has responded to real-world challenges with creativity and care. From launching a school-based pantry and free store during COVID to creating meaningful roles for students with disabilities, her work reflects a focus on dignity, inclusion, and practical impact. The episode also explores the realities educators face, from navigating systemic barriers to balancing IEP requirements, while emphasizing the importance of teamwork, starting small, and building on student strengths. Rewriting the Narrative is produced by Association Briefings [https://associationbriefings.com/].

Advancing Inclusion: Humanizing Special Education from the US to Nigeria

In this episode of Rewriting the Narrative, host Ben Tillotson is joined by Dr. Joana Idakwo-Agha, member support officer for CEC’s Division of International Special Education Services, to explore what it takes to build inclusive, equitable special education across global contexts. Drawing on professional experiences in the United States, the United Kingdom, the UAE, and Nigeria, Dr. Idakwo-Agha reflects on common barriers she has observed worldwide, including delayed access to accommodations, low expectations for students with disabilities, and rigid definitions of success shaped by policy and systems rather than student potential. The conversation highlights how socioeconomic conditions influence access to transition supports and community partnerships, and why effective inclusion begins with families and culturally grounded understanding of disability. Idakwo-Agha also discusses tailoring educator professional development to local needs, the growing role of technology and social media in connecting families to resources, and the contrast between formal service infrastructures in the U.S. and more community-based supports elsewhere.   Rewriting the Narrative is produced by Association Briefings [https://associationbriefings.com/].

At the Table Together: Parents, Educators, and the Human Side of Special Education

In this episode of Rewriting the Narrative, host Ben Tillotson is joined by parent advocates Debra Evans and Maria Fausto for an honest conversation about navigating the complexities of special education. Drawing from their personal experiences, Debra and Maria share what it’s like to move through systems involving IEPs, early medical interventions, and school-based supports—and the pivotal moments that transformed them into advocates for their children. The discussion highlights the importance of truly understanding a child’s needs, building collaborative relationships with educators, and developing the skills and confidence to advocate effectively. Debra and Maria also emphasize the critical role of clear communication among parents, schools, and medical professionals, and why empathy, respect, and gratitude are essential to strong parent–professional partnerships. Throughout the episode, they call for deeper collaboration, adequate resources, and greater awareness to ensure every child receives the support they deserve. The conversation closes with reflections on the lasting impact educators have—not only on students, but on families and entire communities.   Rewriting the Narrative is produced by Association Briefings [https://associationbriefings.com/].