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Fostering Inclusivity: Navigating Special Education in Student-Centered Classrooms

Thursday, May 9, 2024 @ 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm EDT

Fostering Inclusivity: Navigating Special Education in Student-Centered Classrooms

Presented by Mark Pederson, Educational Specialist and Expert Mentor, Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District (CA) and Modern Classroom; Madeline (Maddie) Richer, Ninth-Grade Special Education Teacher, NYC Department of Education; Cassie Fontaine, Special Education Teacher, Belchertown Public Schools (MA); and Toni Rose Deanon, Community Engagement Manager, The Modern Classrooms Project

Sponsored by The Modern Classrooms Project

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Learn more about viewing the live presentation and the recording, earning your CE certificate, and using our new accessibility features.

Join this edWebinar for a discussion where experienced special education educators share their insights on creating a thriving classroom that celebrates all learners. The presenters explore:

  • Effective Strategies for Differentiated Instruction: Discover practical methods to adapt lessons, materials, and assessments to empower students with diverse learning styles.
  • Building Bridges: Collaboration for Success: Learn how to foster open communication and collaboration between general education teachers, special education specialists, and caregivers to support student achievement.
  • Cultivating a Sensory-Smart Classroom: Gain tips on creating a calming and stimulating environment that caters to students with sensory processing needs.
  • Fostering Social-Emotional Learning: Explore strategies to promote positive social interactions and build a strong sense of belonging for all students.

This interactive session offers a unique opportunity to ask questions, gain practical advice, and walk away with actionable strategies to create an inclusive and empowering learning experience for every student in your classroom. This recorded edWebinar is of interest to PreK-12 teachers, school leaders, and district leaders.

Mark Pederson

About the Presenters

Mark Pederson is currently an Educational Specialist for 13 years in Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District, who also serves as a Special Education Department Chair, Induction Mentor, Tech Representative, and Expert Mentor.

Maddie Richer

Maddie Richer (she/her) is a ninth-grade special education teacher in New York City. In her 10 years as an educator, she has worked in public, charter, and private schools as a co-teacher, SETSS provider, learning specialist, and self-contained teacher. She currently works with neurodivergent young people in the Horizon program as a social studies and ELA teacher. Maddie is passionate about integrating social-emotional learning, restorative practices, and social justice issues in the classroom.

Cassie Fontaine

Cassie Fontaine is a veteran special education teacher with 18 years of experience in both the public and private sectors. Cassie has a passion for the process of teaching and learning, fueled by her ability to impact the lives of the children in her community. The Modern Classrooms Project has revolutionized teaching and learning in Cassie’s classroom while allowing her to meet the individualized needs of her unique student population. Cassie is a high school special education teacher for Belchertown Public Schools in a small-group, self-contained program for students with language-based learning needs.

Toni Rose Deanon

Toni Rose Deanon, Senior Manager, Community Engagement for The Modern Classrooms Project, has been an educator since 2010, with experiences ranging from MS English teacher, adult ESL teacher, and instructional coach for technology. Toni Rose strives to be the educator they never had growing up, so they focus on anti-bias, anti-racist work and aspire to create a brave space for everyone around them. As a queer Filipinx, they understand the importance of being represented and valued and feeling a sense of belonging. To stay grounded and at peace, they practice yoga, write, get lost in stories, and go on two-mile walks with their dogs. Roller skating and bowling bring them so much joy.

Learn more about viewing the live presentation and the recording, earning your CE certificate, and using our new accessibility features.

Join the Supporting Students with Special Needs community to network with educators, participate in online discussions, receive invitations to upcoming edWebinars, and view recordings of previous programs to earn CE certificates.


Modern Classrooms ProjectThe Modern Classrooms Project empowers educators to implement a self-paced, mastery-based instructional model that leverages technology to foster human connection, authentic learning, and social-emotional growth.


Modern Classrooms Project

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