From Struggle to Strength: Dr. Malasia Walker on Transforming Student Outcomes Within and Beyond Special Education

Dr. Malasia Walker is the Director of Special Education for the William Floyd School District. Drawing on her own school experience and the mentorship that changed her path, she leads with relationships—pairing students with trusted adults, starting early-credit pathways, and meeting learners where they are.Listen to our episode with Dr. Walker to discover how meeting students where they are, credit-earning in middle school, and simple accountability rituals drive persistence. She reframes parent involvement, debunks special-ed myths, and shares how consistent care—and a little strategic bribery—can carry students across the finish line.