Effective leadership in special education starts with a strong foundation of knowledge, empathy, and collaboration. This week, Ingham ISD brought those principles to life by hosting a professional development session tailored specifically for building leaders: Special Education Essentials for Principals.
The session was a joint effort between the Student Instructional Services and Student Support Services teams, focused on equipping principals with key tools and insights to support all learners—especially students receiving special education services. Participants explored core topics like communication strategies, program compliance, and systems of support, all framed through the lens of equity and inclusion.
The goal? To help school leaders deepen their understanding of the services available, build stronger relationships with special education teams, and ultimately create more inclusive learning environments that meet the needs of every student.
By bringing these leaders together in one space, the session reinforced a shared vision: that supporting students with disabilities isn’t just the responsibility of one department—it’s a collaborative commitment across the entire school community.
Recent Stories:
Zander Bowles, a former student in Ingham ISD’s SAIL program, has become a passionate and persistent advocate for accessibility in local government—attending city council meetings, advising on public facility updates, and volunteering across the community.
Haslett Public Schools’ Wilkshire Early Childhood Center is setting an example for what’s possible when a school team dedicates itself to building strong systems for students and families. Their staff has invested countless hours into this work, reviewing data, collaborating on goals, and engaging in professional development alongside Ingham ISD’s PBIS and School Improvement coaches. This partnership ensures Wilkshire’s efforts are intentional, sustainable, and always centered on student success. The result is a program worth celebrating and one we hope inspires other schools across the region.
