Roundtable: essentials for a high-quality special education program
What’s it about?
Developing a special education program that is both effective and compliant has never been more essential. Leaders are navigating high expectations, staffing shortages, and the ongoing need to demonstrate meaningful outcomes.
In this live roundtable, special education administrators will share real-world strategies for building programs that support student growth while meeting compliance expectations.
This will be an interactive discussion shaped by you. Attendees are encouraged to submit questions when they register, so our panel can address the challenges you’re facing in your district.
We’ll also leave time for live Q&A, creating space for open conversation, shared problem-solving, and practical takeaways you can apply right away.
What you'll learn
- How to build a consistent instructional foundation that supports compliance
- How to use progress-monitoring data to strengthen IEPs and instructional decisions
- How to create program stability, even with staffing shortages and turnover
Can't attend live? Register to receive the recording.
Register now
Meet the speakers
Glenna Wright-Gallo
VP of Policy at Everway, Former U.S. Assistant Secretary of Education
Glenna Wright Gallo is Vice President of Policy at Everway where she leads efforts to advance inclusive education, disability policy, and accessibility innovation. With over 25 years of experience including as U.S. Assistant Secretary for Special Education, she drives systemic change to empower individuals with disabilities worldwide.
Rachel Brown
Assistant Director, VIA Charlottesville Day School
Rachel Brown is the Assistant Director of VIA’s Charlottesville Day School, where she helps lead programs for students with autism and developmental disabilities through individualized, evidence-based instruction. She brings over 15 years of experience in special education, including roles as a curriculum specialist, instructional coach, and classroom teacher.
Prior to joining VIA, she served as the ID/AU Special Education Curriculum Specialist for Kanawha County Schools in West Virginia, where she coordinated alternate assessments for over 400 students and led professional development across 68 programs. Her expertise includes augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), inclusive practices, and team-based service delivery.
She holds a Master’s Degree in Special Education from Marshall University and served as the Chair of the West Virginia Disability Rights PAIMI Advisory Board and was previously appointed by the governor to the WV Developmental Disabilities Council.
Concetta Lewis
Assistant Superintendent, Ann Arbor Public Schools Office of Special Education
Concetta Lewis, Ed.S. is an Assistant Superintendent and leadership consultant with more than 25 years of experience in PreK–12 education. Her career includes roles as a special education teacher, general education teacher, principal, and district-level administrator.
Concetta supports educators and school leaders through coaching, professional learning, and systems-level alignment to advance inclusive instructional practices and create learning environments where all students can thrive. A recognized state and national leader, she serves as the 2026 President-Elect for the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) and is the 2024 recipient of the Michigan CEC Dr. William Cruickshank Professional Service Award.
Register now
Sign up to watch live. You'll also receive the recording after the event.
Supporting access to grade-level learning through assistive technology
Evidence-based practices in special education
Two special education teachers share their experiences and demonstrate evidence-based practices within their classrooms.
The Science of Reading and building independence
Learn how to use the Science of Reading to develop students' real-life reading skills. Because reading skills are essential for all students' independence.