Inclusion Starts Now: Building Relationships to Promote Inclusive Education

Think Inclusive

About the Guest(s):

Kayla Coburn is an inclusive education advocate and former special education teacher, known for her transformative work in promoting inclusive practices within schools. Having taught in both inclusive and segregated classrooms, Kayla brings firsthand experience to her consultancy, "Inclusion Starts Now." She is also a children's book author with titles focusing on inclusion and diversity, aiming to educate young minds on these crucial themes. Her creative efforts extend to her podcast, also titled "Inclusion Starts Now," where she engages in meaningful discussions about educational practices.

Episode Summary:

In this engaging episode of the Think Inclusive Podcast, host Tim Villegas welcomes Kayla Coburn from "Inclusion Starts Now" for a rich dialogue on promoting inclusive education practices. Both Tim and Kayla share their experiences as former special education teachers and discuss the complexities of working within school systems resistant to change. The conversation delves into practical strategies for fostering inclusive environments, even when structural obstacles exist. Tim and Kayla explore the nuances and challenges of expanding inclusive practices in school districts that still perpetuate special education classrooms and programs. They address the metaphor of "planting seeds" as critical to pushing forward the boundaries of what inclusive practices can achieve, especially in historically non-inclusive settings. The episode highlights the importance of relationship-building and persistence in advocating for systemic change within education.

Key Takeaways:

• Building trust and relationships with colleagues is essential for fostering an inclusive educational environment.
• Educators should not feel shame for using methods such as "reverse inclusion" but should continue to work towards more authentic inclusion for all learners.
• Persistence and continued advocacy are vital for driving systemic change in school districts.
• Inclusive education benefits everyone—students with and without disabilities—by creating a more enriched learning environment.
• Innovative leadership and grassroots efforts can effectively pave the way for broader inclusive practices in education.

Resources:

Inclusion Starts Now: https://www.inclusionstartsnow.com/

Inclusion Starts Now Podcast: https://pod.link/1732870059

Books by Kayla: https://www.inclusionstartsnow.com/shop

MCIE: https://mcie.org/

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