The Peopling Pod (S1, E2)

Written By Paul Teske, PhD

Episode Overview
This episode of The Peopling Pod explores how shrinking special education funding and shifting policies are affecting parents, teachers, and students. Guests include lawyer and policy expert Myrna Mandlawitz, instructional coach Kelsey Campbell, educator and coach Mike Haykin, and Tabitha Ellison, founder of Shifted Perspectives.

Key Themes

  • Funding Landscape:
    Mandlawitz outlines current federal proposals that could roll multiple special education programs into a block grant, raising fears of cuts and uneven state priorities. The Senate Appropriations Committee opposes this move and instead proposes a funding increase. A freeze at FY2024 levels would still reduce district resources due to inflation.

  • Impact on Schools:
    Campbell and Ellison describe how teacher stress, staffing shortages, and the end of COVID-era relief funds are straining districts, especially in Washington State.

  • Family Resources:
    The group discusses the potential loss of Parent Training and Information Centers, which help families navigate special education services. Many parents and educators are unaware these programs exist.

  • Parent–School Collaboration:
    Strong, trust-based relationships between parents and educators are essential. Leadership development within schools supports these partnerships.

  • Supreme Court Case (A.M. v. St. Cloud):
    The Court ruled that “deliberate indifference” is the correct standard for discrimination claims under Section 504 and the ADA, replacing the more stringent “bad faith or gross misjudgment” requirement.

  • Common Misconceptions:
    Special education isn’t just “extra help.” Effective support often happens within general classrooms, and students’ voices should guide their plans.

  • Best Practices:
    The episode ends by emphasizing Universal Design for Learning, metacognition, and transparent communication among educators and families. Haykin underscores the need for ongoing communication, and Ellison shares success stories of parent listening sessions that build community and reduce isolation.

Paul Teske, PhD

I have been in education for over 30 years, from a middle school classroom teacher through a graduate school professor. While I know classrooms well, I have spent the majority of my career working with adult learners and in ed-tech, developing teacher networks and content for learning alongside talented and passionate educators who have inspired me in countless ways. I’m the founder of EIX and former VP of Engagement at Teaching Channel, and I’m currently launching a new start-up, Peopling.me, which is focused on building understanding and empathy in relationships and in our communication. Some of my educational interests and expertise lie in literacy, ed-tech, project-based learning, the neuroscience and psycho-social aspects of learning, motivation, research, leadership, and program and product design and development. My personal interests center around hiking, gardening, cooking, family, pottery, home projects, travel, drone flying, and self-exploration, particularly in relation to others and how to be a better human in every aspect of my life.

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One Year In: The Circuitous, Messy, Beautiful Path to Peopling