In this episode of Brighter Together, I sit down with Suzanne Kramer, the Exceptional Student Education Lead at Biltmore Elementary in Jacksonville, Florida. We delve into the complexities of special education, where nearly half of the student body has identified needs. Suzanne shares insights on building a resilient educational environment amidst challenges like staffing shortages and the lingering effects of the pandemic. We discuss the importance of addressing students' social-emotional needs before academic learning can take place, emphasizing the staggering 2,227 repetitions it often takes for students with profound disabilities to learn new skills. Suzanne also highlights the importance of having the right people in educational roles and the need for better funding. Join us for an enlightening conversation on how trauma, trust, and repetition shape learning experiences for both students and educators.