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Name:  Dr. Michael Kennedy Candidate Election Statement: 

Thank you for the opportunity to be considered for the TED Presidential Line.  My name is Michael Kennedy, I am Professor of Special Education at the University of Virginia, and Co-Editor of Journal of Special Education Technology (JSET).  I have been a member since 2007-08 when I became a doctoral student at the University of Kansas and consider TED to be my professional home.  I am a past chair of our research committee.  This spring I will complete a three year arc as Chair-Elect, Chair, and Past-Chair for U.Va's Faculty Senate.  I was a classroom teacher for nine years before joining the academy.  

My research and work centers on supporting teachers' knowledge and skill for implementing evidence-based and high-leverage practices for students with disabilities, multilingual Learners, and others who struggle.  This work has been supported by over 16 million dollars in federal grant dollars as PI from the Institute for Education Sciences, Office of Special Education Programs, and National Science Foundation.  I have published over 60 peer reviewed articles, numerous book chapters, and along with Dr. Tisa Aceves, I co-led the recent refresh of the HLPs for Students with Disabilities text published by CEC and CEEDAR.  It was an honor to work alongside CEEDAR and CEC leadership and the numerous authors from the original and refreshed versions on this project.  Along with my colleagues I developed the COACHED classroom observation and feedback platform, and library of free PD videos and vignettes, including the HLP video series and accompanying leadership implementation guides.  I was honored to receive the TED/Pearson Excellence in Teacher Education Award in 2021.  

I am interested in the TED leadership line to further build upon the outstanding foundation and trajectory our organization is currently enjoying thanks to our immediate and past leaders (including board members).  We are at a critical juncture in the future of public education in America.  This is not only due to the political climate, but also nationwide flat results for students with and without disabilities across various indicators of interest, and well documented issues with the teacher workforce.  If there were easy and obvious answers to these intersecting challenges, we'd already know about them.  Instead, we as a field need to disseminate the best practices we already have, and develop new research given our new reality.  TED is uniquely positioned to lead these efforts, and provide the individual researchers and teams with a forum to disseminate, learn, and innovate.  This is the work I want to help lead.  My focus is on research, but I also recognize how essential TED members from teaching-focused universities are to the success of our field.  I hope to elevate the voices and experiences of such members, and play a role in facilitating connections between research-focused faculty in our field.  

In sum, my skills as researcher, teacher educator, and visible leader in the field have put me in position not to shy away from time consuming service, but instead rush towards it given the significance of the moment.  

Why do you want to be a part of TEDs Presidential Line and why do you feel you are qualified to serve in that position? Describe your leadership style and how you would keep the board operating at a strategic level?

I spent the last three years in the leadership line of U.Va's Faculty Senate.  In this work I convened a diverse body of 80+ Senators from around the University and helped set the agenda for our work.  I also worked closely with University leadership, and this year, with Governor-appointed board members charged with managing the entire university.  During the past 12 months in particular the Senate faced challenges stemming from our administration's reaction to an encampment on our campus supporting Palestinian rights in Gaza, and serious charges of moral and potential criminal activity at our medical center.  In each case, I spent substantial amounts of time with fellow faculty, university leaders, and my colleagues on the board learning and leading through crisis.  Although the things I found myself doing in the past three years were "not what I signed up for," I am emerging from the experience changed and molded into a leader I did not predict, but now welcome.  Working as the leader of a body like the Faculty Senate means listening to diverse and competing voices, bringing organization when chaos reigns, and exhibiting patience and wisdom when knee jerk reactions are often unhelpful (or worse).  While TED is more homogeneous than my senate, we are a diverse body, and I know my experience from the past three years will transfer.  This is particularly true when added to my expertise in the field and years of being around TED as an active member.  I am a leader who always listens first, seeks consensus where it exists, and am not afraid to take bold action.  At the same time I do not seek change for its own sake, and know how hard it is to deliver a meaningful experience our members are literally paying for.  

Name:  Dr. Andy Markelz Candidate Election Statement: 

Hello TED members! 

I am running for TED President Elect and would love your vote! 

My education career began as a Peace Corps Volunteer in the Republic of Kiribati (2004-2007). Although I was not an education major as an undergraduate (political science and international studies at Virginia Tech), I quickly discovered my passion and talent for teaching as a teacher and teacher educator in Kiribati. My service in the Peace Corps instilled in me an understanding of the fundamental value of education and the notion that an education provides a ladder of opportunity for all. 

Following my time in Kiribati, I continued teaching aboard as an ESL teacher in Busan, South Korea. This vastly different educational system enlightened my professional growth and adaptability in unique cultural environments. Returning to the US, I entered special education as an alternatively certified teacher where I taught and took night classes for my master’s in special education at Arcadia University. As a novice (and underprepared) special educator in Philadelphia, I quickly realized the importance of comprehensive and quality teacher preparation. My first few years as a novice special education teacher were challenging, but as I gained knowledge, skills, and experience I became more effective and confident. My successes and challenges teaching in Philadelphia for six years propelled me into the doctorate program at Penn State with a focus on expediting the novice to expert teaching curve. 

Excellent faculty and mentors at Penn State guided my research around teacher preparation practices to best prepare educators for profession readiness on day one. Now, as an Associate Professor at Ball State University, manager of our special education director’s license program, and assistant department chair, my belief in the value and opportunity of an education remains. My desire to ensure special education teachers are ready to meet the needs of their students from day one persists. And my confidence in the mission and position of TED as a professional organization to elevate the field of special education teacher preparation endures. 

As President Elect in 2025, it would be a privilege to work alongside Kyena Cornelius (Past President), LaRon Scott (President), and Brannan Meyers (Executive Director). I believe the executive board and previous presidential lines have put TED in a great spot to continue working towards adding membership value, providing an engaging and esteemed annual conference, centering equitable and just policy/advocacy positions, promoting a diverse community of special education faculty, and leading in the field of teacher preparation. 

One specific goal of mine would be to enhance the communication and collaboration between the various board committees, Caucuses, and SIGs so we as a community are strategically working together. The executive board committees, for example, could identify a topic of importance for TED members (e.g., policy and advocacy) then coordinate publications, professional developments, advocacy opportunities, and research, to present a sustained, multi-opportunity plan for membership knowledge and engagement. It would be an honor to bring my experience and leadership to serve on the presidential line.   

Why do you want to be a part of TEDs Presidential Line and why do you feel you are qualified to serve in that position? Describe your leadership style and how you would keep the board operating at a strategic level?

Every special education faculty member is an important person in the pipeline of producing well-trained, knowledgeable, and skilled educators. Although we all have different roles in that responsibility, for example, some teach more, some research more . . . and we all service a lot . . . the guiding star of our field is to serve students with disabilities, and their families, by developing exceptional educators. TED is the professional organization for us all.  

My leadership in Kaleidoscope and as Publications & Communications chair over the past several years has provided me the knowledge and experience of TED to run for the presidential line. I hope Kyena, LaRon, and Brannan would agree that I have a great working relationship with them. I am a collaborative leader and value the agency of all team members. TED members, and the executive board is filled with amazing people doing great work. We all have our strengths and weaknesses though. I believe that by communicating, planning, fostering ownership, we can sustain TED as a leader in the field and our professional home.  

Name:  Dr. Jennifer Sears Candidate Election Statement: 

I am running for Secretary/RA to continue supporting the TED Board and bringing my voice and that of others from teaching institutions to the table. Serving as the Secretary and representative to the Representative Assembly allows me to be a voice to the TED members both on the board and as a part of the Council for Exceptional Children. For the past 10 years, TED has been my professional home.  I served as a Kaleidoscope Chair, Early Career SIG Chair, Secretary/RA, and was the first recipient of the Jane West SPARK Award.  While I served in several leadership roles, it is the connections I have made with colleagues from across the country that continue to keep me coming back to this organization year after year.  The most meaningful work happens at conferences where colleagues come together over lunch, a cup of coffee, or in the hallway during the reception and make research and teaching plans that last far into their careers. Representing teaching universities and those working with brand new teachers as well as watching these young men and women sharpen their skills is a joy. I look forward to continuing to be a leader in our field and representing TED at the local, state, and national level.

Name:  Dr. Kathleen Farrand Candidate Election Statement:

My name is Kathleen Farrand, and I am an associate professor at Arizona State University (ASU). I am passionate about teacher education and have taught in ASU’s early childhood and early childhood special education undergraduate programs since Fall of 2015 preparing the next generation of educators. I also serve as the admissions chair for one of our doctoral programs, Language, Literacy and Technology. My involvement on different CEC division boards and as an editor and co-editor of CEC journals provides me with experience and knowledge of publications and communications with CEC members and the field of special education that are beneficial for TED and the position of Member-at-Large Publications & Communications. I have experience collaborating with authors, brainstorming innovative ways to support engagement with CEC members, and identifying various stakeholders to share their voice in manuscripts in the field of special education. I am past president of CEC’s Division of Visual and Performing Arts Education (DARTS), and I am a director on the board for CEC’s Division on Visual Impairments and Deafblindness (DVIDB), so I bring board level experience in divisions of CEC. I am also editor of the DVIDB journal, Visual Impairments and Deafblind Education Quarterly, and co-editor of the DARTS journal, Journal of the Arts and Special Education. I am currently co-guest editing an issue of TEACHING Exceptional Children on visual impairments and deafblindness. My current research focuses on the use of therapy dogs to promote positive well-being for students, faculty, and staff in PK-12 education. I am passionate about supporting the dissemination of research and practitioner information through publications to ensure that educators, researchers, families, administrators, related service provides, and the community have access to up-to-date research, evidence-based practices, and strategies that can be used in the classroom to support children with exceptionalities and their typically developing peers. In addition, I serve as a CEC small division representative on the Division Relations Committee for CEC. In this position, I brainstorm with other appointed members to identify ways we can support large and small divisions in engagement with CEC. This year we are piloting town halls by position, such as president, membership chair, and treasurer, to support information sharing, community building, and collaboration across divisions. I am actively involved in attending and presenting at the CEC Convention & EXPO (19 presentations between 2013- 2024), as well as the TED Conference (14 presentations between 2017-2024) to stay up to date on best practices and ideas in the field, meet and engage with CEC and TED members, and to share my research with field. I am a team player who values the voices of my colleagues, collaboration, hard work, and innovation to support communication with members and the field of special education. I will bring my experience as a teacher educator, CEC division board member, journal editor, and parent to the position of Member-at-large Publications and Communication to support the mission of TED and TED members as a board member. 

Name:  Dr. Brittany Hott Candidate Election Statement: 

I am honored to submit my candidacy for the position of Chair of the Teacher Education Division (TED) Publications and Communications Committee. I am deeply committed to TED's mission of supporting teacher education for students with exceptionalities and their families, and I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to the TED's continued success.

Since joining TED in 2010, I have been an active member, serving in a variety of roles, including as a Kaleidoscope Representative, Early Career SIG Chair, and Representative to the General Assembly. I have also supported TED's strategic planning through my involvement in assessments. Through these experiences, I have developed strong skills in fostering collaboration, engaging members, and advancing TED's goals. Over the years, I have been invited to present on panels covering topics such as securing external funding, peer review processes, and rural personnel preparation—efforts that align with TED's focus on strengthening teacher education.

Beyond my service within TED, my academic and professional experience offer a broad foundation for the role of Committee Chair. I am currently the Editor of Rural Special Education Quarterly and an Associate Editor for Intervention in School and Clinic. I also previously served as the Council for Exceptional Children Publications Committee Co-Chair which provides broad perspective on publications in our field. My collaborative work with colleagues has resulted in securing over 30 million in research and personnel preparation grants. I have authored 4 books, over 50 articles, and 20 program evaluations—publications that reflect my commitment to advancing knowledge in the field of special education.

If elected, I will bring my expertise to support both the TESE and JOSEP editors, facilitate the development of conference proceedings, and provide mentorship to doctoral students and early career faculty involved with the committee. I aim to build on the successes of past chairs and committee members by exploring new ways to connect with TED’s diverse community. One of my ideas is to collaborate with the TED Research Committee to create infographics summarizing key research published in TESE. These infographics could serve as accessible tools for both teacher educators and graduate students, helping to spread impactful research more widely. Additionally, I would like to continue the tradition of providing publication outlets for members through conference proceedings, helping to elevate the voices of TED members and their work.

I am excited by the possibility of serving as Chair of the Publications and Communications Committee and look forward to the opportunity to contribute to TED’s mission and to the success of our members.

Candidate Video

Name:  Dr. Rhonda Bondie Candidate Election Statement: 

With over 12 years in higher education and more than 20 years working teaching in public schools, I bring a wealth of knowledge and practical experience that would be valuable to the work of TED’s board. Currently, as an associate professor and director of the Learning Lab at Hunter College in New York City. In this role, I am actively engaged in the preparation and clinical supervision of future special educators. I bring research and theoretical knowledge to the day-to-day realities of teaching. Throughout my career, I’ve stayed committed to improving teacher learning, especially in using high-leverage practices enhanced by new technologies, including AI. My research explores how teachers can more effectively bring evidence-based practices into their classrooms to support student learning, which I believe is a cornerstone of impactful special education. I’m a strong advocate for implementing research-backed methods that work across diverse settings, especially in urban areas with unique challenges and opportunities. This perspective would help ensure the board’s work stays firmly grounded in both research and practical application.

As a TED member for many years, I’ve gained so much from working alongside my colleagues, attending conferences, and participating in professional development and publications. These experiences have deepened my belief in the strength of our community and in the value of shared learning and collaboration. Serving on the board would be a meaningful way for me to give back to this community that has shaped my own growth and success. I bring a collaborative mindset, creativity in problem-solving, and the energy needed to support the many services and opportunities that TED provides to the members.. In a Member-at-Large role focused on knowledge, skills, and professional development, I’d bring my background in teacher prep and a practical understanding of special education’s challenges and opportunities. I’m ready to offer insights that would contribute to TED’s initiatives, ensuring they remain relevant and innovative for educators at all career stages. I’m excited to work alongside fellow board members to help TED continue its mission of preparing educators who will make a lasting impact on the lives of students with disabilities.

Thank you for considering my candidacy. I’m genuinely looking forward to the chance to collaborate with the board and contribute to TED’s ongoing success in advancing special education teacher preparation.

Name:  Dr. Danielle Frith Candidate Election Statement: 

As a former public school P-12 educator, and current early scholar, educational diagnostician, and special education professor, who teaches pre-service and inservice educators, I understand firsthand the importance of providing valuable professional development so that we can continue to disseminate evidence-based practices. My experience on other professional boards qualifies me to participate on the TED board. I am organized, innovative, collaborative, and dedicated to my work and helping to improve preparation practices for teacher educators. 

Name:  Dr. Jennifer Malone Candidate Election Statement: 

Currently, I am an assistant professor of special education at Missouri Western State University.  I support the development of all pre-service teachers around the 22 HLP's as well as assessment, differentiated instruction, full inclusion, and diversity.  I introduced the paraprofessional teacher apprenticeship program to MWSU in the summer of 2024, when we started our first cohort.  Cohort 2 is scheduled for summer 2025.  I have 18 years of experience as a special education teacher and three years as an assistant professor.

Name:  Dr. Allison Oliver Candidate Election Statement: 

My journey in special education has been one of continuous growth and passionate dedication to supporting both students and educators. Having spent over a decade in the classroom as a special education teacher and department chair, I've experienced firsthand the triumphs and challenges that our educators face daily. Those years taught me invaluable lessons about what teachers truly need to succeed, and as a positive behavior specialist for four years, I had the privilege of working alongside colleagues to create more inclusive and effective learning environments for students with disabilities. Now, as I am in my third year as an assistant professor of special education, I find myself in a unique position to serve on the CEC Board. I'm not far removed from the classroom, the voices of my former students, and colleagues still echo in my mind as I prepare the next generation of special educators. This recent transition from practitioner to professor, combined with my experience as a licensed school administrator, gives me a fresh perspective on how we can bridge the gap between research and practice in meaningful ways. What excites me most about potentially serving as the TED Member at Large for Knowledge & Skills is the opportunity to ensure that CEC's professional development truly reflects the current needs of our members. I understand the importance of making professional learning both practical and accessible because I've been there, implementing new strategies in my classroom, leading departmental initiatives, and now preparing future teachers. I believe my experience across these different roles allows me to see the big picture while never losing sight of what matters most: supporting our educators so they can better serve their students. I envision professional development that speaks to both the seasoned educator and the newcomer to our field. As someone who has walked both paths, I want to help create resources that translate research into practical, actionable strategies while building stronger connections between academics and classroom teachers. Our field is constantly evolving, and we need professional development that not only keeps pace but anticipates the challenges ahead. I'm committed to ensuring that CEC remains at the forefront of special education professional development, offering innovative solutions that respect educators' time while maximizing their growth. By serving on the CEC Board, I would bring not just my experience but also my unwavering commitment to supporting ALL members of our community. From the first-year teacher finding their footing to the veteran educator seeking new challenges, I understand that professional development must be responsive, accessible, and immediately applicable to classroom practice. I'm ready to listen, learn, and work tirelessly to ensure that CEC continues to meet the evolving needs of our diverse membership while maintaining the high standards that make our organization the beacon of excellence in special education.

Name:  Dr. Jane Strong Candidate Election Statement: 

My name is Jane Strong, and I believe I would be a valuable member of the TED Board of Directors as a Member-at-Large. I have been a member of TED for 4 years and am currently an Assistant Professor of Special Education for Middle Georgia State University. My research interests are teacher preparation and teacher self-efficacy. I would welcome the opportunity to assist the TED Board and contribute to our organization with my experience as a special education teacher, director of special education in K-12 and researcher and instructor in higher education. I have experience serving on state level boards in many officer roles including as President of my state chapter of CASE in Virginia. Through this work, I gained the communication and collaboration skills that CEC and TED leaders need for effective service and leadership.  Recently, I have been a part of the Teacher Candidate Support Network of CEC and enjoy working with colleagues to further our promotion of effective support for retention of special education teachers.

Name:  Shannon Core Candidate Election Statement: 

As a Ph.D. student dedicated to advancing equity, inclusion, and excellence in early childhood special education (ECSE), I am passionate about fostering thriving, supportive communities for educators and learners. My research at the University of Washington focuses on improving classroom outcomes through innovative teacher preparation and professional development strategies, closely aligning with Kaleidoscope’s mission to enhance professional growth and create connections among doctoral students. These experiences have affirmed my belief in the transformative impact of representation, collaboration, and shared purpose—values that drive both my academic work and my vision for Kaleidoscope.

I am eager to serve as the Student Representative and Chairperson of Kaleidoscope to amplify its impact and create meaningful opportunities for all members. My vision centers on two key goals: expanding student membership and enhancing representation. First, I will use technology and social media platforms to connect with doctoral students, creating accessible and engaging digital content that highlights Kaleidoscope’s unique resources, such as networking events, mentorship opportunities, and professional development workshops. By broadening our reach, I aim to foster a greater sense of belonging and increase member engagement, ensuring Kaleidoscope remains a cornerstone of support for students navigating their academic and professional journeys.

Second, I will prioritize recruiting doctoral students from traditionally underrepresented groups by establishing initiatives like targeted outreach campaigns, partnerships with diverse organizations, and peer mentorship programs. I am grateful to have come across TED and Kaleidoscope earlier in my doctoral journey and to feel as though it is a community that I can grow in as a Black woman. I believe that the community and resources that Kaleidoscope offers can be beneficial for many underrepresented groups but the work must be done to seek out and meet those individuals where they are.

I plan to address these goals as a collaborative, visionary, and grounded leader with the belief that “many hands make light work.” I excel at balancing big-picture goals with detail-oriented execution, ensuring ideas are not only innovative but also actionable and sustainable. Creativity and technology are central to my approach, enabling me to address challenges with fresh perspectives and solutions. Above all, I strive to create environments where every individual feels valued, supported, and empowered to contribute their best. The Kaleidoscope SIG of TED offers a unique platform for fostering community and advancing graduate student development in special education. As Chairperson, I will bring my passion, energy, and leadership skills to further its mission and positively impact its members. Together, we can build a vibrant, inclusive community that strengthens our collective capacity to drive meaningful change in special education. Let’s move forward, united in purpose and strength.

Name:  Teri Faucette Candidate Election Statement: 

My interest in serving as the Kaleidoscope Chair stems from my belief in the importance of fostering a genuinely supportive environment that not only provides resources, but also embraces the diversity of our growing community. As an organization that champions underrepresented voices, Kaleidoscope holds a space where all graduate students can find resources, support, and a network of like-minded peers and mentors. This aligns closely with my values and goals; I am passionate about creating platforms for every student to feel empowered. Serving in this role would give me the opportunity to advocate for these values to the larger Board and to make a meaningful difference within our academic community as we work to prepare future special educators for the field.

If selected, one of my primary goals would be to increase student membership, particularly by reaching out to students who may not yet know about Kaleidoscope and/or the support it offers. I would focus on developing innovative outreach strategies to broaden our network. Additionally, I would like to prioritize the recruitment of more doctoral student representatives from traditionally underrepresented groups. By doing so, we would not only diversify our leadership potential of the future but also enrich our community with unique perspectives and experiences that can foster greater understanding and solidarity.

My leadership style is highly collaborative and inclusive. I believe that the best ideas come from open dialogue and collective effort. I value everyone's input and aim to build consensus while working together towards our goals. I am detail-oriented when it comes to organizing events, creating strategies, and managing projects, but I am also a big-picture thinker who keeps the overarching mission in mind. I truly believe that as we work to fulfill our common goals, we are always better together.

In working towards the goals I have set forth, I am confident that we can create a more inclusive and dynamic community that empowers all graduate students to contribute meaningfully to the field and advocate for equity and excellence in education for individuals with exceptionalities. Thank you for the chance to be your next Kaleidoscope Chair!  

Name:  Johanna Fonseca Candidate Election Statement: 

One of my aspirations is to increase representation of minority students in our events, ensuring that their voices, culture, and perspectives are included. I am deeply committed to fostering inclusivity and creating opportunities that bring our diverse community closer together.

Another goal I hope to achieve in this role is to empower others to reach their full potential while continuing to grow as a leader. I firmly believe in the philosophy that "iron sharpens iron," and I strive to build relationships that inspire mutual growth and development.

My leadership style is constructive and collaborative. I thrive on working with others to generate innovative ideas and solutions, providing support and encouragement at every step of the journey. I value flexibility and seek to create an environment where students feel empowered to explore their potential while contributing meaningfully to shared goals.

With these qualities and goals in mind, I am ready to make a lasting impact as the Kaleidoscope Chair. Thank you for your time and support. 

Name:  Samantha Gonzalez Candidate Election Statement: 

Howdy! My name is Samantha Gonzalez, and I’m currently a second-year doctoral student in the Educational Psychology program at Texas A&M University, with a focus on special education. Before pursuing my doctorate, I spent five years as a classroom teacher, supporting elementary students with autism and extensive support needs. I hold a bachelor’s degree in special education from Texas A&M University and a master’s degree in special education with an emphasis on autism interventions from the University of North Texas. My research interests including supporting novice and preservice special educators in the areas of behavior, communication, and academic supports.

As we all know, embarking on a doctoral journey is no small feat. It's essential to build a strong community of colleagues, researchers, and mentors who share our passions and can provide support along the way. So far in my doctoral experience, I’ve greatly benefited from the collaboration and encouragement of my fellow students. Conferences, in particular, can be intimidating as we enter the academic world alongside professors and researchers we’ve long admired. That is why having a space where doctoral students can connect, collaborate, and support one another is so crucial. I’ve seen firsthand how groups like Kaleidoscope foster these connections between universities and students, which I believe over time benefits not only our individual experiences but the field of special education as a whole.

I believe I’d be an excellent candidate for the Kaleidoscope Doctoral Representative position because of my professionalism, organizational skills, attention to detail, positivity, and genuine desire to build a strong sense of community. I’m deeply committed to creating a space where doctoral students can thrive, as I know it will not only benefit my own growth but also contribute to the development of future faculty members. 

If selected, I would focus on growing the Kaleidoscope community by recruiting first-year doctoral students and enhancing engagement among our current members through ongoing professional development opportunities. I envision hosting weekly writing sessions, providing dedicated time for members to work on their projects and share updates on their research and successes. This would encourage collaboration and help us learn from one another. I’d also like to explore hosting virtual professional development sessions, where members could invite speakers from their universities and suggest topics that interest them. Most importantly, I’d like to explore the specific needs of our doctoral students and work together as an organization to address those needs, ensuring the growth and success of all doctoral students in our field.

Thank you for considering my candidacy! I’m excited about the opportunity to contribute to this community of scholars.

Candidate Video  

Name:  Danielle Waterfield Candidate Election Statement: 

I am Danielle A. Waterfield, a third-year Special Education Ph.D. student at the University of Virginia, co-advised by Dr. Michael J. Kennedy and Dr. Bryan G. Cook. It would be an honor to serve as the next Student Representative and Chairperson of Kaleidoscope! 

I am passionate about the transformative impact of community and collaboration in education, especially in empowering individuals of diverse needs and abilities. TED exemplifies these values, continually advancing special education and teacher preparation, and I am excited about the opportunity to bring these ideals to life within Kaleidoscope. My interest in serving as Student Representative and Chairperson of Kaleidoscope is rooted in my commitment to fostering an inclusive, dynamic, and supportive environment for doctoral students. With this in mind, my primary goals are to (1) increase student membership, with a particular focus on recruiting doctoral students from traditionally underrepresented groups, and (2) strengthen collaboration among doctoral students within TED.

First, I believe that a thriving community is one in which all voices are represented and valued. To build this inclusive membership, I will partner with the Diversity Caucus and other TED subgroups, such as the NERDS SIG, to actively recruit students from diverse backgrounds across TED member institutions. Expanding Kaleidoscope’s social media presence will also be essential for broadening our reach and connecting with more prospective members.

Second, collaboration is a cornerstone of TED’s work, and I aim to foster a culture of peer support and shared knowledge among doctoral students. I plan to organize regular Zoom writing groups, showcase student research and achievements via Kaleidoscope’s social media, and create a shared resource hub for students to exchange ideas and materials. I will also maintain and enhance collaborative conference activities, such as the mentor-mentee pairing program, to deepen connections within the TED community.

My leadership style is collaborative and detail-oriented. I am driven by a genuine desire to serve and connect individuals with the resources and opportunities they need to excel. If chosen as the next Student Representative and Chairperson of Kaleidoscope, I am committed to building a stronger, more inclusive community that supports and amplifies the voices of all members, especially doctoral students, within TED. Thank you so much for your consideration!