At Moffat County School District, one of our core beliefs is that all students can learn.

Special Educators make that true.

Every student is different. Every student comes from a different home, a different set of genetics, a different educational history, different health circumstances, different life events… Everything that shapes a student is different from individual to individual. Every student deserves an education that is conducive to their success. It is the absolute mission of Moffat County School District teachers and staff to make that happen.

Students who are served by Special Educators are no different in that respect — in that they, too, are different in many of their needs from every other learner. However, students in Special Education do have, by definition, a certain level of particular needs. These needs require a certain level of training, skill and compassion. That’s why we need Special Educators.

Special Educators are trained to provide learning opportunities in which these children are able to thrive. And at MCSD, these educators perform a wonderful work with the kids they serve.

Whether these children need certain environments, certain learning approaches, or anything else, Special Educators know how to meet each child where they are. There are also critical statutory requirements that ensure the district and schools are meeting the needs of these students in an appropriate, legally mandated way. We’re grateful for those guidelines and regulations, and we’re especially grateful for those in our district who ensure they are followed.

These added regulations increase workload substantially, however. While a regular classroom teacher has a ton of work to do for every student, a special educator also has reams of paperwork and regulatory requirements to keep up with to make sure each one of their students is making progress and being care for appropriately.

That only increases our gratitude for these educators. The mix of compassion, skill, attention to detail and effort is hard to match. These educators are pinnacles of patience while also being masters of their craft. What a blessing it is to have the wonderful Special Educators we have in Moffat County School District.

Thank you to our Special Education team, to the paraprofessionals who walk and sit alongside children with higher levels of need, to the case managers who track progress and provide specialized services, to every educator and staff member in between. Thank you, for making true our promise and our belief that every child can learn.

Our mission is to educate and inspire students to thrive in an environment of change. No piece of that doesn’t apply to our students with special needs. That’s thanks to great Special Educators.