EduCurious Interview with Dezonia Williams: Levels the Playing Field

Dezonia Williams, ESE Coordinator, discusses her career journey from cosmetology to education, highlighting the shared goal of boosting confidence. Her ESE department takes a whole-child approach, addressing students' emotional, social, and academic needs through a supportive team, social-emotional learning, and individualized instruction. Williams emphasizes the importance of understanding underlying issues impacting student performance. She explains the legal framework of ESE, including IDEA, FERPA, and Section 504, and differentiates between 504 plans and IEPs. Williams' biggest strength is her team, which she built from a one-person operation. She advocates for her staff and stresses the legal ramifications of pulling ESE staff for other duties. The IEP process is collaborative, involving teachers, parents, and students. Williams' proudest accomplishment is creating a supportive atmosphere. Challenges include documentation and managing parent expectations, emphasizing that ESE aims to level the playing field, not give students an unfair advantage.Social ConnectionWebsite: https://educuriouspod.com/ Email: [email protected] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EduCuriousPod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/edu.curious.podcasts/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/educuriouspod/about YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Edu.Curious.Podcasts Pandora Playlist: https://www.pandora.com/playlist/PL:92407357392304299:299354639?part=ug-mobile&corr=29939240