This week I am joined by Dr. Gail Donahue, Director, Academy of Catholic Educators

(ACES) at Notre Dame of Maryland. Gail talks about her experiences as director for ACEs and the wonderful work they are doing to include students with special needs in the classroom. Gail also mentions the possible roadblocks that may occur when trying to include students with special needs in the classroom and in schools while offering practical advice to schools that would like to include exceptional learners.

This week I am joined by Dr. Maggie Hubbard, former Director of Special Education for the Archdiocese of Washington, DC and currently a coach with Academy of Catholic Educators (ACES) at Notre Dame of Maryland. Maggie talks about her experiences not only as a former special education director but as a first-grade teacher. She speaks about reading and the processes necessary for developing reading habits and also explains some sound strategies for reading success in the classroom.

This week I am joined by Sedonna Prater, Director of Curriculum and Instruction for the Diocese of Knoxville, Tennessee. Sedonna talks about her background and her role in the Diocese of Knoxville. She also talks about English Language Learners and what the difference is between them and an exceptional learner.

This week I am joined by Dr. Janette Boazman, Associate Professor, for the Department of Education at the University of Dallas. Janette talks about her roles at the University of Dalls as wells as the courses she teaches. She details some models for giftedness as well as a discussion on what rigor should look like for students who are gifted.

This week I am joined by Sr. Edward Quinn, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia Schools. Sister Edward talks about her background and her very large family. She shares what here role looks like at the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and speaks about her vision for including exceptional learner in Philadelphia through accommodations, assessment, and instruction.

This week, I am joined by Mrs. Doreen Engel, Adjunct Faculty Member & Professional Development Consultant for the Greeley Center for Catholic Education out of out of the University of Loyola Chicago. Doreen talks about her new role at the Greeley Center. She discusses Catholic social justice and how teachers can incorporate Catholic social teaching in their classrooms to maximize including all learners. F

This week I am joined by Dr. Julie Cantillon, Associate Director for the Office of Schools for the Diocese of San Diego. Julie talks about her role as Associate Director and what those duties look like as well as talking about the exceptional learners in her diocese. She talks about the learning supports available to teachers in her diocese for working with exceptional learners and pays tribute

This week I am joined by Mrs. Barb Gillman, a 3rd grade teacher at St. Margaret Mary School in Omaha, Nebraska. Barb shares with the audience her love for books especially children’s literature. For this podcast, she summarizes the following books that are fantastic to start the conversation about exceptional learners in the classroom: Wonder by R.J. Palacio, A Boy Called Bat by Elana K. Arnold, Dearest Children:

This week I am joined by Mrs. Kathleen McNutt, Principal of St. Louis School in Alexandria, Virginia. Kathleen talks about her school and how they are welcoming students with exceptional needs. She details the different supports available to diverse learners as well as advice for principals considering starting a program for exceptional learners.

This week I am joined by Mrs. Jill Annable, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction, & Technology Integration for the Diocese of Grand Rapids in Michigan. Jill talks about her role as assistant superintendent and what led her to that position for Grand Rapids. She details the success of the Student Support Serviced Network in her diocese and how it provides support for students with exceptional needs.