New or Near New Special Education Directors

The success of Special Education Directors is critical to the successful outcomes of students with disabilities. As New Directors of Record, our goal is to support your ongoing leadership growth through mentorship and professional development.

“New” encompasses the years 0-3 as a Director of Record in one Administrative Unit (AU). We also recognize that Directors of Record may have years of experience in the role, however, have moved to a new AU and that new context/setting presents new learning opportunities and challenges. We welcome all New-to-AU Directors of Record to participate in mentorship and ongoing professional development!

Mentorship

The role of the Special Education Director of Record is unique in comparison to other BOCES and district leadership roles. We encourage all New Special Education Directors to participate in mentoring for support that is tailored to special education leadership. Mentors provide support to the AU Director of Record, their protégés, in two primary ways: individualized support and monthly cohort meetings.

Individualized support

Each New Director of Record has the opportunity to work with a mentor. The mentor will establish regular meetings with you for support and coaching based on your learning interests and needs.

Monthly Cohort Meetings

Every month, mentors meet with all protégés as a cohort. These virtual opportunities are for group members to ask questions, stay up to date on various topics and network with each other.

Please be aware that only the AU Special Education Director of Record is assigned a CDE Mentor through the CDE Mentor Program.

Professional Development

Orientation for New Special Education Directors of Record

The New Directors Orientation (NDO) is for new and near-new Special Education Directors of Record (0-3 years in role) and covers information regarding fiscal responsibilities, legal issues, dispute resolution, general supervision and monitoring and more.

If you missed the August 2025 session, please contact one of the mentors below for access to resources.

SY2025-26 “Lunch Connect”

The Lunch Connect monthly meetings are an opportunity to learn about various topics, connect with peers, and ask questions from the Mentors. Meetings are virtual, from 12-1pm, on the following dates:

September 19

October 17

November 21

January 16

February 20

March 20

April 17

May 15

Helpful Resources

Contacts

Teresa Bandel-Schott
bandel-schott_t@cde.state.co.us
720-665-0002

Mary S. Gomez
Gomez_M@cde.state.co.us
720-916-6100

Frances Woolery-Jones
Woolery-Jones@cde.state.co.us
720-527-1037

Julie Rottier-Lukens, Special Education Director Liaison
Email Julie Rottier-Lukens
303-829-9221

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