THE PRESIDENT'S PEN
Wyllys VanDerwrker, VCASE President
Fall 2009

Virginia Council of Administrators of Special Education, I recently had a wonderful opportunity to facilitate a workshop for several “new” special education teachers and related services professionals. This workshop was held during an afternoon session following a morning I am sure you have experienced that included: 24 phone calls; 73 new email messages; two staff meetings; 2 letters related to independent educational evaluations; a federal set aside service plan session; 4 dropped cell phone calls from some very busy principals; a Community Policy and Management Team meeting; and an email notice from a parent telling me how much she appreciated the outstanding year her son had in school. As the new members of the educational team asked questions and completed an independent activity on the development of a quality Individualized Education Program (IEP), I thought about the special education leaders throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia who started their day as I did. I thought about the excitement of the new teachers and the energy and expertise of veteran educators arriving soon for another year of dedicated individualized instruction. I thought, what a job.

At the conclusion of the workshop, I summarized the main focus areas to remember for the year. My summary included attention to detail; free appropriate public education; written prior notice; measureable goals; functional curriculum; and positive behavioral supports. As I brought the workshop to a close, one of the teachers asked me to name one thing special educators needed to rely on during the school year to be successful. Without hesitation, I said collaboration. Without it, you will have a very challenging year. With it, you will become a contributing member of a support team who has the privilege of providing quality instruction to students with disabilities. I thought, what a profession.

As I walked through the school and reviewed the numerous missed calls on my cell phone, I recalled the emailed message received from the parent earlier in the day. One of many received by special education administrators in the Commonwealth of Virginia every day of the school year. One of many that are appreciated by dedicated special education administrators, coordinators and specialists. One of many that are not mentioned again because we tell ourselves that we are not in this profession for the positive comments. One of many that serve as true reminders of why each of us goes to work every day. One of many we should be sharing with others who would like to hear more about the results of outstanding special education leadership in the Commonwealth of Virginia. I thought, what a great year this will be.

As you open the 2009-10 school year, take time to acknowledge your hard work and commitment to students with disabilities. Administrators of Special Education have one of the most challenging jobs in public education.

Fortunately, we can say we have the most rewarding job in public education.

Have a great year!

Wyllys