Special education administrators statewide responded enthusiastically to the first offering from the Special Services Professional Development Academy (SSPDA), a new shared service from the Educational Services Commission of New Jersey (ESCNJ).

The “Academy Initiation Mini Conference” drew over 70 special education administrators, from as far as Bergen and Camden counties, to ESCNJ’s Piscataway campus in central New Jersey.

The Keynote Speaker for the SSPDA conference was Kathleen Rotter, Ed.D. who led a comprehensive “Managing the IEP Meeting,” workshop.

The IEP (Individualized Education Program) is the legal document mandating public schools meet the special needs of students as defined by state and federal law.

Dr. Rotter, an Associate Professor at The College of New Jersey, has been an expert witness in over 40 due process hearings pertaining to students with disabilities and a speaker at numerous national and state conferences.

Responding to the strong turnout, Supervisor Dr. Rosaura Bagolie said:

“I think administrators, teachers, and aides want to be current on best practices, and welcome time  to collaborate in a convenient location.”

In September 2019, the ESCNJ will have completed construction on a new 50,000 square foot Future Foundations Academy, which includes two contemporary conference rooms with a 300-seat capacity.

Upcoming SSPDA offerings include:

• (Feb. 6) Current Legal Issues and Updates: Isabel Machado, JD
• (March 13) School Avoidance, Debra G. Salzman, Ph.D.
• (May 1) Mindfulness, Dr. Terry Burik and Dr. Aili Pogust

For additional information, please contact Supervisor Rosaura Bagolie, at rbagolie@escnj.us or 732-777-9848 Ext.3090.