Special Education teacher Scott Spackman includes the following motto in the signature line of all his emails:
“Three things in life are important. The first is to be kind. The second is to be kind. And the third is to be kind.”
Since the practice of adopting and sharing a personal motto is a throwback to an earlier time, I half-expected—after an email exchange to arrange a meeting— a handwritten letter of response, sealed with wax and stamped Semper Benignus (“Always Kind.”)
When we sat down to talk, Scott exceeded expectations: his motto characterizes not only his correspondence but also his professional ethos. Scott is representative of hundreds of professionals helping Nevada County’s 1,100 special education students achieve their goals each year; typical as well of the many thousands nationwide who serve 7 million special education students in need of kind, skillful support to access appropriate education in the least restrictive and most inclusive environment.
As the Teacher on Special Assignment for the Nevada County Superintendent of Schools Office, Scott provides training and guidance to other special education professionals, especially new teachers. His work includes modeling classroom management strategies, assisting in the development and implementation of Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), supporting program collaboration, and addressing individual instructional challenges.
The teachers that Scott mentors often have students whose needs exceed the level of special education services the county’s seven school districts and eight charter schools can provide. At the county level, services are many and varied, including specialized academic instruction, speech and language services, adaptive physical education, occupational therapy, behavior intervention, health services, and assistance for hearing, visual, or orthopedic impairments.
Every special education student has an IEP mandated by law. This plan is developed by a team that typically includes the special education teacher, a general classroom teacher, the student’s parent(s) or guardian(s), a school administrator, and other specialists. An IEP outlines the student’s strengths, interests, and abilities across domains such as academics, communication, motor skills, social and emotional behavior, daily living, vocational skills, and health. Based on the student’s current levels of performance, the team collaborates to establish goals, determine needed services and programs, and monitor progress.
“Almost invariably,” says Scott. “IEP conferences are positive, with parents being the key, for they know their children best. Special education teachers are ‘people persons’ who enjoy connecting not only with students but also with colleagues and parents. Some parents are more involved and passionate than others, but they all want what is best for their children.”
Scott began his teaching career in 1999 at Milhous School, where the family’s style of working with students kindled Scott’s passion for building deep, meaningful connections with students who were sometimes difficult to reach; those early years with Milhous taught him the values of kindness, respect, and hard work.
In 2007, Scott accepted a position with the County Schools Office. “I still remember three students from that first year,” says Scott. “They were third-grade boys with difficulty regulating their emotions, and each made great progress.”
All three of those students are now young adults. One recently graduated from college; a colleague shared with Scott a photo of his former student in his cap and gown. Another reached out through a messaging app to thank Scott for “the structure and the stuff you taught us outside the curriculum.” This young man is now a husband and father, applying skills he learned years ago. The third student faced challenges in high school and spent time in the juvenile hall. Then a few years ago, Scott ran into him at Safeway. The young man enthusiastically greeted him with a hug saying, “Mr. S., you’re the best teacher I ever had.” This student is currently serving time at Chowchilla State Prison; Scott plans to visit him soon, after he is officially approved to be a visitor.
“I am equally proud of the progress we accomplished with all three,” he adds. “Regardless of where they are now, I am confident that our special education team made a positive impact on all three.”
In his 25-year career, Scott has enjoyed collaborating with educators committed to helping students whose needs cannot be met by the average classroom teacher alone. “For me,” Scott says, “being part of a group of professionals who care so deeply for kids in need is incredibly rewarding. We are truly making a difference.”
So, here’s to you, Scott Spackman. And here’s to all the special education teachers in Nevada County, hundreds of dedicated professionals, each truly one of a kind.