The Idaho Mentor Network is comprised of special educators from around the state.
Marie Kingsbury
marie.kingsbury@boiseschools.org
phone: (208) 854-4149
Marie has over 23 years of experience working with students with severe disabilities ranging in ages from preschool through high school in 4 different states. Marie’s favorite part about working in special education the opportunity to work with “students who most people have very little expectations for and watching them learn and grow and become functional participants in their school, family and community.” Marie also I believes that all students can learn and improve their quality of life. Marie says, “I think that teachers need to be firm, but loving and develop a learning environment where students love to learn and other staff members want to work.”
Why did you want to join the Idaho Special Education Mentor Network?
"I wanted to receive my consulting teacher endorsement and the TATERS program had all of the components that I wanted. I know that I am in a unique situation, in that I have 23 years of experience working with students with severe disabilities. Most teachers working in special education do not stay around this long, especially working with students with severe disabilities."
Marie's Professional Experience
Pam Galow
phone: (208) 878-3710 x. 138
Pam would like people to know that “I am honest and easy to talk to and I like working with others and brainstorming possible solutions to problems. I have worked with children from the age of 3 to 16 in the past twenty years in both private and public settings. I have a well rounded approach to education and I enjoy a good challenge.” Pam identifies her strengths in special education as: setting up visual schedules; behavior plans and interventions; teaching students of adolescent age social skills and self help skills; teaching parents to advocate for their student; community based instruction; improving self help skills; and I am working continuously on collaboration with general education teachers. Pam’s favorite part about special education is that she is able to be involved in the lives of not only the students she works with, but with the families of those students. Pam notes, “part of working with the age group I currently work with is guiding parents to a place of acceptance of their student’s particular disability and challenges and also helping them to see the future and begin to plan for that.”
Why did you want to join the Idaho Special Education Mentor Network?
"I became involved in the TATERS mentor network because I strongly believe in constant self improvement and facilitating the growth and professional improvement of others as well. I like the fact that I am a part of a bigger process that makes the attainment of much needed skills and professional training accessible to those who are interested and yet may be geographically limited. Finally, I have focused for the past several years on being a pro-active person who is a part of the solution instead of someone who complains about what is not working."
Lisa Perry
phone: (208) 468-4600 ext. 1052
Lisa’s favorite part about special education is “working with children and seeing their expressions when they accomplish great things.” Lisa lists her strengths in special education as: extended resource room and working with children with severe disabilities, autism instruction, IEP’s that are focused on children and helping them become independent adults, and transition. Lisa is most available through the email system. She enjoys helping others produce paper work that meets the legal requirements and also “making sure we are doing what is best for kids.”
Why did you want to join the Idaho Special Education Mentor Network?
"I’m excited to help more teachers choose and stay in special education. I like the thought of people with practical experience being able to seek the credential to teach in the schools."
Sandra (Sam) White
White.sandra@meridianschools.org
phone: (208) 350-4270
As a teacher and a parent, Sam has approached the field of special education from different angles. Sam notes, “I‘ve had the opportunity to see special education from several perspectives: not only as a special education teacher, but also as a general education teacher and as a parent of a person with a disability.” Sam’s favorite part about special education is that “it’s never repetitive and there’s never a dull moment!” As a special education professional, Sam lists her strengths in special education as effective IEP goal writing, meeting facilitation, and writing behavior plans.
Why did you want to join the Idaho Special Education Mentor Network?
"I’ve appreciated the support I’ve received from other special education teachers and would in turn like to offer support to other teachers who are just diving into our profession."
In collaboration with the Idaho State Department of Education
Together with the Idaho State Department of Education, the TATERS program will provide summer institutes and ongoing professional development opportunities to prepare both candidate and mentor teachers in rural areas. By focusing on the professional development at both the pre-service and graduate level, TATERS and the Idaho State Department of Education will help to increase the ability of targeted rural districts to sustain evidence-based practices.
