WHEREAS, Special educators are dedicated, hardworking, and an invaluable resource; and

WHEREAS, Special educators personalize and develop goals for pupils that are tailored to each pupil’s individual needs and ability; and

WHEREAS, Special educators are involved in behavioral, social, and academic development, and help children to develop emotionally, to feel comfortable in social situations, and to be aware of socially acceptable behavior; and

WHEREAS, Special educators work closely with parents to inform them of their child’s progress, and suggest techniques to promote learning at home; and

WHEREAS, Special educators design, modify, and deliver appropriate curricula based on best teaching practices, and epitomize good teaching techniques in all aspects of their work; and

WHEREAS, Special educators help pupils overcome weaknesses by building upon their strengths; and

WHEREAS, Special educators know that all children can learn but not in the same way or at the same pace; and

WHEREAS, Special educators work to stay abreast of the latest laws governing special education to ensure each pupil’s individualized education program (IEP) is a complete and beneficial document for the pupil and the pupil’s parents and teachers; and

WHEREAS, Special educators exhibit qualities of compassion, patience, and flexibility, and are the unsung heroes who pull all of the pieces together and make things clear for the pupil; and

WHEREAS, Special educators are responsible for duties in addition to teaching, including coordinating related services and meetings, acting as an authority on assessments, and managing IEP paperwork, that help to ensure that the school district has met its legal responsibility of a free and appropriate education; and

WHEREAS, Special educators build collaborative relationships based on trust, teamwork, and shared accountability; and

WHEREAS, Special educators are open-minded and eager learners who are always looking to improve their technique and find better source materials for their pupils; and

WHEREAS, Special educators hold the highest expectations for success for their pupils to self-actualize and achieve their full potential; and

WHEREAS, Special educators include special day class teachers, resource specialists, speech and language pathologists, paraprofessionals, behavioral specialists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, adaptive physical education teachers, deaf and hard-of-hearing specialists, visually impaired specialists, mobility specialists, autism specialists, program specialists, psychologists, and nurses who work in schools and serve pupils in special education; and

WHEREAS, On December 3, 2009, special activities and programs will be held in communities across our state in observance of the Day of the Special Educator, and it is fitting to join in acknowledging the commitment and contributions of our special educators; now, therefore, be it