Catholic Ed 4 All

This week I am joined by Mrs. Andrea Chavez-Kopp, Assistant Director for Educational and Formation Programs for the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA). Andrea speaks about her role at NCEA and the upcoming NCEA conference in Cincinnati. She highlights the different sessions available for those who would like to know more about inclusive Catholic education and exceptional learners. She also speaks about how to get ready to attend the conference and other tidbits the attendee might need. For more information about Andrea, please email her at [email protected]. For more information about NCEA and the conference, please visit, https://www.ncea.org.

This week, I am joined by Mrs. Colleen McCoy-Cejka, Assistant Superintendent of Schools for the Diocese of Phoenix. Coleen discusses her background as well as the vision for special education in the Diocese of Phoenix. Colleen discusses the success stories for the inclusion of students with disabilities in her diocese including her Bishop's vision for special education. To visit the manual Colleen discusses, please visit http://www.livebinders.com/play/play?id=2019932&backurl=/shelf/my/ . For more information about Colleen, please email her at [email protected]. For more information about the Diocese of Phoenix, please visit https://dphx.org/catholic-schools-universities/.

This week I am joined by Mr. Daniel Ferris, Superintendent of Diocese of Providence, Rhode Island. Dan discusses the Diocese of Providence and its schools. He also talks about his vision for special education and the programs that are available in his dioceses for students with disabilities. For more information about Dan, please email him at [email protected]. For more information about the Diocese of Providence, please visit https://dioceseofprovidence.org/education.

This week, I am joined by Dr. Sean Smith, Professor of Special Education at the University of Kansas in Lawrence, Kansas. Sean speaks about technology options that students with disabilities can access in the classroom. Sean presents a very thorough, research-based, and applicable way that students can access technology in the classroom no matter the budget level of the school. For more information about Sean, please email him at [email protected]. For more information about the programs or apps Sean discusses please visit Google Classroom (https://classroom.google.com/signup), Google Docs (https://www.google.com/docs/about/),  Chrome (https://www.google.com/chrome/browser/desktop/index.html), Newsela (https://newsela.com), CoWriter Universal (https://cowriter.com), Khan Academy (https://www.khanacademy.org), Inspiration or Kidspiration (http://www.inspiration.com/Kidspiration), Start to Finish (http://donjohnston.com/stfonline/), and Flocabulary (https://www.flocabulary.com).

This week, I am joined by Mrs. Rene Berkhammer, secondary life skills teacher and transition coordinator at John Paul II Special Learning Center for Children and Adults in Shillington, Pennsylvania. Rene speaks about the John Paul II center and all the different disabilities that the center serves. She also speaks about the necessity for her students to be proficient in functional academics and other areas to promote independence. For more information about Rene, please email her at [email protected]. For more information about John Paul II center, please visit http://johnpauliicenter.org.  R

This week I am joined by Mr. Daniel Tully, Principal of Notre Dame College Prep in Niles, Illinois. Dan speaks about his journey to becoming principal of Notre Dame College Prep as a former student, teacher and now administrator of that school. Dan highlights the distinctive programs in his school that meet the needs of students with disabilities at his school even including the inclusivity of his school as the mission statement for the school. Finally, Dan offers advice to principals who might be looking into becoming a more inclusive school. For more information about Dan, please email him at [email protected]. For more information about Notre Dame College Prep, please visit http://www.nddons.org/s/1034/16/start.aspx.

In this special Ash Wednesday episode, I am joined by Fr. Manny Alvarez, pastor at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Hialeah, Florida from the Archdiocese of Miami. Fr. Manny will speak about the role of individuals with disabilities in the Church during this Lenten season as well as offer sound advice to all of us for welcoming individuals with disabilities into our churches for the Lenten season. For more information about Fr. Manny, please email him at [email protected].

This week I am joined by Mrs. Carol Guthrie, Director of Academic Support for Bishop Moore Catholic School in Orlando, Florida. Carol discusses her road to Bishop Moore after 20 years at another school. She also discusses the inclusion models available at the school including the support system for the students. For more information about Carol, please email her at [email protected]. For more information about Bishop Moore Catholic School please visit http://www.bishopmoore.org.

This week, I am joined by Ms. Kate Witt, a college student at the University of Alabama. Kate speaks about her learning difficulties with processing disorders and dyslexia while attending Catholic schools and now at the University of Alabama. Kate discusses how she compensated at an early age before being diagnosed and offers strategies for teachers to help students like herself. She comments how her disability is a "gift from God" and states "I'm so glad I'm dyslexic!" Kate is a remarkable example of what can happen when students with disabilities receive the right supports to succeed in Catholic school and how they can translate to the present day.

This week, I am joined by Dr. Diane Starkovich. Superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Archdiocese of Atlanta. Diane speaks about her journey to being superintendent in Atlanta as well as the background into the development of Catholic schools in Atlanta. Diane shares her vision for special education in her Archdiocese as well as the success students with disabilities are having through assessment and support systems available to them. For more information about Diane, please email her at [email protected]. For more information about the Archdiocese of Atlanta Catholic Schools, please visit https://archatl.com/schools/why-catholic-schools/.