Most students across the country are back in school already, and some will begin within the next week or two. It’s a busy time! Our best reminders for parents are to check in with teachers about your child’s progress and request an IEP meeting for your child. We have been excited about what’s happening with teacher-centered classrooms changing to inclusive and learner-centered classrooms, so that’s our topic up for discussion today. Join us to learn more!

We welcome Tanya Sheckley to the show today! She is the founder of Up Academy, a progressive elementary (and soon-to-be middle school) in the San Francisco Bay area that is inclusive of students with physical disabilities. Tanya’s motivation for Up Academy came in the form of her oldest daughter, who has cerebral palsy and needed the right educational fit where she could excel academically and get the physical care she needed. Up Academy classrooms focus on a community framework where universal accommodations allow each student to learn life skills and academic skills to be successful, no matter their disability or learning style. 

Show Highlights:

• How teachers can solve simple “othering” issues and craft their environment to be more indicative of the real world
• Why educators need to be adaptable and open to change in policies and procedures
• Why accommodations are really small, simple changes that can be made to meet students’ needs and include everyone
• What Tanya wants parents and educators to know about creating an inclusive classroom
• How inclusion for all learners begins with a relationship with students and the simple questions about what they want and need

Links/Resources:

Connect with Tanya:  Up Academy, Rebel Educator, LinkedIn, and Facebook

Check out Tanya’s podcast:  Rebel Educator

Thank you for listening! 

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