Can I ask you a question?

What can you do to make 2026 the year that changed everything - the year that you made progress on your dreams of really reaching students with special needs?

This fall, I’ve been listening closely to what Special Ed Leaders are saying. Does any of this sound familiar?

When I became the Special Education Director ten years ago, I spent 50% of my time on litigation. Now it takes 90% of my time.
Our district is focused on improving early literacy. Other leaders don’t see how improving our special education system will contribute to that goal.
I heard through the grapevine that one of our principals told a parent that we don’t do inclusion here.
It’s discouraging to invest our time and professional development resources on teachers who may not be with us next year.
I’ve tried for years to convince our Department of Instruction that we should work together to break down our siloes so that together we can help teachers collaborate more effectively. This year they’re willing, and suddenly I need a plan.

Overall, special ed leaders are feeling **overwhelmed**, **discouraged**, and **isolated**. I think in this uncertain time, it’s easy to lose sight of the big dreams you had when you first took your position. As Simon Sinek said, we focus on the *urgent* rather than the *important*.

Don’t get me wrong! There is a lot that’s urgent right now. Just glance again at the list above. But if we keep doing what we’re doing, we’ll keep getting the same results.

I want to offer you a lifeline!

The Champions Mastermind 2026 Cohort is now forming.

This will be a small national group of special education leaders at the district or school level who are committed to special education systems change.