About Spedster University
WHAT IS SPEDSTER UNIVERSITY
Led by Vice President of Special Education Professional Services, Candice Lewis, longtime special educator and former executive director of special education for the 5th largest school district in the United States, Houston Independent School District, Spedster University is a learning institution committed to supporting both general and special educators by equipping them with the latest methods, practices, and resources to meeting the needs of students with IEPs. Ms. Lewis is a visionary leader with a steadfast commitment to ensuring equitable access for all children with disabilities and unalterable characteristics. With an unwavering focus on equipping special educators with the skills, knowledge, and inspiration to fearlessly provide services and supports for students with IEPs, Ms. Lewis spearheads the most progressive and ambitious learning institute and approach for the training and educating of boots on the ground educators.
OUR PHILOSOPHY
“With a strong intention to move away from stand-and-delivery, one-time-per-year PD for educators, Spedster believes in practical, on-going, multi-modal, regularly scheduled, hands-on professional learning with a true focus on action, practical application, and school-based implementation versus theory. Although we know all educational practices must be evidence- and research-based, we believe the current approach does not equip special educators well enough with the translation of theory to practice. Special educators need the actual approaches, interventions, resources, and guidance to address the needs of a dynamic and rapidly changing classroom and school setting.”
— Candice Lewis, Vice President, Special Education Professional Services
We have created a multitude of approaches, schedules, formats, and topics to address the diverse needs of school districts and special educators from around the country. Although we regularly customize professional development and learning services for school districts, we have a variety of existing content, practices, and approaches from which school districts and special educators can choose.
OUR APPROACHES
In-Person
In-person 1/2 day, full day, or multi-day schoolwide and districtwide professional development in all core areas of special education for special and general education teachers and administrators;
Live Online
One hour and two hour professional development sessions in all core areas of special education for special and general education teachers and administrators. And coaching for building principals around the management and implementation of a schoolwide special education program.
Open office hours coaching and “ask the expert” on all major educational and legal questions regarding the writing and implementation of IEPs. This is open to all general and special education teachers and administrators.
Virtual On-Demand
On-demand, pre-recorded webinars on all major topics within special education;
Video Podcasts with leading special education experts, Dr. Yell and Dr. Hulett, discussing today’s biggest issues and trending topics.