Preparing Teachers for Special Education: Insights from Educators and Authors

In this episode of the Think Inclusive, host Tim Villegas interviews Audri Gomez and Aja McKee, educators with experience in the classroom and teacher training. They discuss the Disability Studies program at Chapman University and its emphasis on disability as a social construct. The guests explain how disability studies challenges the medical model of disability and focuses on the strengths and needs of individuals with disabilities. They also discuss the history of the disability rights movement and the importance of inclusive practices in education.The second part of the episode features an interview with educator and author Re Marzullo. She discusses her book "Sped" and its sequel "Sped 2," which follow the story of Jack Parker, an eighth-grader with dyslexia navigating the complexities of being in special education. Marzullo shares her inspiration for writing the books and how they have changed her perspective on special education. She also discusses the positive response she has received from both general education and special education students.Complete show notes and transcript: https://mcie.org/think-inclusive/preparing-teachers-for-special-education-insights-from-educators-and-authors/