Here at UCPS our Special Education Team is the heart and soul of our school. EVERY student that walks through our door benefits in some manner from their expertise and professionalism. We pride ourselves in having one of the most diverse and specialized departments around and regularly partner with the OK Autism Center, Bethany’s Children's Center, DRS, nearby private ABA centers and other outreach partners across the state to deliver exceptional opportunities for every child we serve. Special Education Teaching credentials are a vital requirement for educators working with students who have disabilities or exceptional learning needs. Obtaining these credentials involves completing rigorous coursework and training that goes above and beyond the standard requirements for a bachelor's degree to obtain teaching certification. This includes specialized instruction in areas such as learning disabilities, behavioral disorders, autism spectrum disorders, and other exceptionalities. Teachers pursuing Special Education credentials must demonstrate a deep understanding of the unique challenges these students face and the evidence-based strategies to effectively support their academic, social, and emotional development. Practicum experience working directly with special needs students under the guidance of experienced mentors is also a critical component. Upon successful completion of all educational and examination requirements, Special Education teachers are equipped with the knowledge and skills to create inclusive, appropriately adapted learning environments where every student can thrive. School districts that ensure all Special Education staff are fully certified and trained to the highest standards show their unwavering commitment to providing an excellent, individualized education for all learners. Here at Union City Public Schools we are blessed with an exceptional Special Education Staff that is fully certified according to state standards with specialized endorsements and National Board Certifications among other outstanding accolades. This faculty currently includes four certified teachers and six paraprofessionals working in a variety of settings and capacities. In addition to the teachers that formally make up our special education department, we have an additional 4 teachers/administrators on staff with Special Education certification and one more faculty member working towards completion in an effort to provide complete wrap-around services for all students with specialized needs across all settings.
Kasey Bosler is uniquely qualified with a certification in Mild/Moderate Disabilities, MS/HS History, AIM Pathways - a reading program promoted by the SDE and accredited by the International Dyslexia Association, and has completed the Art and Science of Reading LETRS phonological awareness training by the SDE. She is also currently working to add mid-level English to her certification as well. Kasey is employed as a 1.0 FTE employee and works with students across all grade and disability levels within the school district.
Bekki Benda is also uniquely qualified in the area of special education with a Master’s degree in Special Education, certification in the areas of Specific Learning Disabilities, Mentally Handicapped, Autism, Other Health Impairments, and Multiple Disabilities. Ms. Benda has obtained National Board Certification, certification as a Reading Trainer from Read Naturally and instigated and drove the initiative to bring the BEST STEP CAMP DRS program to UCPS. In this program students receive 1 week of training and then receive 4 weeks of employment and are able to receive up to $1000 during that 4 week period of employment. This has been a life changing experience for many of our students.
Marietta Palesano is a certified elementary school teacher with specialized training and credentialing as a Reading Specialist and is a master at the Art and Science of Reading. She works with our students grades PK-5 through the RTI and referral process as well as serving as an implementation teacher for those students on an IEP needing extra specialized instruction in the area of reading to achieve mastery.
Paraprofessionals employed by UCPS have completed all required state training and testing to obtain credentialing including obtaining CPR and First Aid certification. In addition, UCPS has required our paraprofessionals to complete ongoing professional development via NRCP (National Resource Center for Paraeducators, related service providers, and intervener) including training in the following areas of certification:
● Working Effectively with Students with Challenging and Severe Behaviors
● Building Powerhouse Teams through Effective Communication
● Behavioral and Instructional Strategies to Promote Success in Learners with Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities
● Paraeducator Roles and Responsibilities IDEA, IEP’s, and BIP’s
● Dispelling the Myths of Unreachable, Unteachable, and Uncaring Students
● 10 Ways to Help the Non-Worker: Jumpstarting Work Completion Behavior
● Making an Unmistakable Impact with Effective Instructional Practices
● Strategies for Students with Anxiety
● Understanding and Supporting Social-Emotional Growth
● Effective Behavior Management Strategies for the Classroom: Practical Magic
● Panel: Parents and Students with Disabilities: Stories and Lessons Learned
● The Need for Ongoing, High Quality Paraeducator Training and Support
The safety of our most vulnerable population, as with all UCPS students, is our number one priority. Any allegations of improper conduct are taken with the utmost seriousness and urgency at UCPS. In light of recent student safety allegations, we feel it is critical to address any and all concerns brought forth to administration in any capacity and ensure that a thorough and impartial investigation of the claims is conducted. We have a moral and legal obligation to swiftly address any claims of behavior or actions that violate our strict code of ethics, endanger the wellbeing of individuals under our care or supervision, or bring harm to our community. A comprehensive investigation process is triggered immediately upon receipt of such an allegation, overseen by senior leadership and involving all pertinent internal departments as well as external agencies when appropriate. This process includes thorough fact-finding, extensive interviews with involved parties and potential witnesses, detailed documentation, and consultation with subject matter experts. Remedial actions, up to and including termination of employment and referral to law enforcement, are decisively taken if an allegation is substantiated. Throughout the investigation, we safeguard confidentiality, impartiality and due process while working expeditiously to ascertain the truth and take all necessary corrective steps. Preserving trust and upholding our impeccable standards of conduct are paramount in these regrettable situations. In every individual circumstance we do our legal and moral due diligence to protect and serve. Currently, there are no outstanding investigations open . Outcomes of prior investigations conclude no evidence of improprieties or activities by school personnel within our special education program that would endanger the mental, emotional or physical wellbeing of any student at UCPS. Extensive interviews overwhelmingly concur that our faculty work diligently to provide the safest and most effective educational opportunities possible. Providing a nurturing and loving environment is a priority at UCPS. One that we take very seriously and will not compromise on. Thank you for entrusting your most cherished and beloved children with us. It is both a duty and an honor to serve all stakeholders and families in our community