New or Near New Special Education Directors

The success of Special Education Directors is critical to the successful outcomes of students with disabilities. As New Directors of Record, our goal is to support your ongoing leadership growth through mentorship and professional development.

“New” encompasses the years 0-3 as a Director of Record in one Administrative Unit (AU). We also recognize that Directors of Record may have years of experience in the role, however, have moved to a new AU and that new context/setting presents new learning opportunities and challenges. We welcome all New-to-AU Directors of Record to participate in mentorship and ongoing professional development!

Mentorship

The role of the Special Education Director of Record is unique in comparison to other BOCES and district leadership roles. We encourage all New Special Education Directors to participate in mentoring for support that is tailored to special education leadership. Mentors provide support to the AU Director of Record, their protégés, in two primary ways: individualized support and monthly cohort meetings.

Individualized support

Each New Director of Record has the opportunity to work with a mentor. The mentor will establish regular meetings with you for support and coaching based on your learning interests and needs.

Monthly Cohort Meetings

Every month, mentors meet with all protégés as a cohort. These virtual opportunities are for group members to ask questions, stay up to date on various topics and network with each other.

Please be aware that only the AU Special Education Director of Record is assigned a CDE Mentor through the CDE Mentor Project.

Professional Development

2025 Orientation for New Directors of Special Education

The Orientation for New Directors of Special Education (NDO) is for new special education Directors of Record and covers information regarding fiscal responsibilities, legal issues, dispute resolution, general supervision and monitoring, and much more.

Agenda Topics from 2024 Orientation

Meet State Special Education Director Dr. Paul Foster
Overview of the Mentor Project
IDEA B End of Year Budget and Project Narrative Amendment
Identity Management AnLar/DMS, Certifying the End of Year Student and Discipline reports
Navigating the CDE/ESSU Website
Indicator 14
Personnel Compliance

Information on date and location for 2025 Orientation to come.

Helpful Resources

Contacts

Teresa Bandel-Schott
bandel-schott_t@cde.state.co.us
720-665-0002

Mary S. Gomez
Gomez_M@cde.state.co.us
720-916-6100

Frances Woolery-Jones
Woolery-Jones@cde.state.co.us
720-527-1037

Julie Rottier-Lukens, Special Education Director Liaison
Email Julie Rottier-Lukens
303-829-9221

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