Happy 2025! With our thoughts and prayers on the devasting wildfires in Southern California and the pending historic Presidential Inauguration (not to mention the birthday of Martin Luther King), we begin a celebration of CLR Special Education Educators. I have been inspired so many times by the dedication, commitment, and compassion that these educators demonstrate everyday. I have personally witnessed the moving validation and affirmation of students with various challenges. In so many ways, special education teachers are culturally and linguistically responsive inherently. We start the 3 part series with an educator from Southern California who is new to special education but not new to teaching. And as a bonus, Shawnee Muhammad shares her journey to responsiveness that started with Dr. Hollie 35 years ago, when they taught at the same school. A true full circle moment. 

Learn more about CLR and Dr. Hollie at www.culturallyresponsive.org and Twitter @validateaffirm