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 New Directors of Special Education Orientation (NDO) is for new and near-new special education Directors of Record (0-3 years in role) and covers information regarding fiscal responsibilities, legal issues, dispute resolution, general supervision and monitoring and more.

Save the date: August 15, 2025 from 9:00 - 3:30pm

Colorado Gives Foundation
5855 Wadsworth Bypass A
Arvada, CO 80003

Additional information for registration and agenda details 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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