TED at SELS 2025
This year, TED proudly sponsored 20 TED members from 12 states to attend the Special Education Legislative Summit (SELS) in Alexandria, VA from July 13-16, supporting their participation in this important advocacy event.
2025 Sponsored Attendees
- A. Angelique Aitken, Pennsylvania, Faculty, Penn State
- Maggie C. Bethea, Florida, Faculty, University of Florida
- Alyssa Blasko, Pennsylvania, Faculty, West Chester University
- Anabella Chlada, Illinois, Doctoral Student, Illinois State University
- Kelly Clark, North Carolina, Faculty, Appalachian State University
- Matt Collier, South Carolina, Faculty, Lander University
- Carrie Anna Courtad, Illinois, Faculty, Illinois State University
- Kimberly Coy, California, Faculty, Fresno State
- Sandra DeWitt, Florida, Faculty, University of South Florida
- Heather Dulas, Texas, Faculty, University of Houston – Central
- Alison Kearley, Alabama, Doctoral Candidate, University of Alabama
- Julie Lynd Stuckey, Indiana, Faculty, Purdue University
- Hollie Mason, Illinois, Faculty, Western Illinois University
- Danica Moise, Florida, Affiliated with University of Central Florida
- Simonie Moore, Florida, Affiliated with University of Central Florida
- AJ Naatz, Wisconsin, Doctoral Candidate, University of Wisconsin
- Jamie Nelson, Iowa, Faculty, William Penn University
- Danielle Waterfield, Virginia, Doctoral Candidate, University of Virginia
- Fang Xu, Washington, Faculty, Heritage University
Attendees had the opportunity to learn about policymaking, advocacy strategies, and CEC’s policy positions. They connected with fellow CEC members, engaged in meaningful discussions, and spent a day advocating for special education on Capitol Hill.
By investing in this experience, TED helped amplify the voices of educators and strengthen the collective effort to influence positive change in special education policy. Hear from these TED attendees about their experience at SELS!
“Attending SELS 2025 was both inspiring and empowering. I had the opportunity to meet with congressional staffers who had personal ties to our community and a strong understanding of special education. Their openness encouraged me to share and reminded me just how powerful our stories can be in shaping policy.” - Fang Xu, Washington, Faculty, Heritage University
“This was my second time attending, and I felt so much more confident engaging in policy conversations. I left with a deeper understanding of the issues currently impacting our field and continued building meaningful relationships on the hill. I came away feeling so energized and motivated to continue doing this important work both at the state and federal levels.” - AJ Naatz, Wisconsin, Doctoral Candidate, University of Wisconsin
“Attending SELS was a wonderful experience. I was able to meet with on of my Senators and legislative staff members from other offices. Every person I met was welcoming, listened, and asked questions. Sharing our personal stories about the folks at home is a powerful way to connect with those working in D.C. This opportunity provided the training and space to do that. I plan to continue to communicating with my representatives to move the needle forward!” - Jamie Nelson, Iowa, Faculty, William Penn University
Interested in attending SELS next year? Be sure to bookmark the TED Policy Committee site to stay up to date on future scholarship opportunities from TED!