2026 CASE Conference

New England State Special Education Association Coalition: Advancing Regional Advocacy and Workforce Solutions in Partnership with CASE. (Room 553 A/B)

11 Nov 26
2:45 PM - 3:45 PM

Tracks: Educational Leadership: Leading with Purpose

Speaker(s): Yvette Goorevitch, Executive Director, Connecticut Council of Administrators of Special Education ; Gay McDonald, Executive Director, Maine Administrators of Services for Children with Disabilities; Mary Lundeen, Executive Director, Vermont Council of Special Education Administrators; Carla Jentz, Executive Director, The Massachusetts Administrators for Special Education (ASE) ; Breta Combs, Executive Director, Association of Rhode Island Administrators of Special Education; Jane Bergeron-Beaulieu, Executive Director, New Hampshire Association of Special Education Administrators

This session brings together Special Education State Executive Directors from the six New England states—Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont—to highlight the work of the New England Special Education Association Coalition and examine how regional collaboration strengthens national advocacy efforts led by the Council of Administrators of Special Education (CASE). Amid heightened federal uncertainty and increasing demands on state and local education systems, presenters explore how coordinated regional strategies support special education administrators and educators in responding to the complex needs of students with disabilities. Panelists share collaborative approaches that advance legislative advocacy, shared policy insights, and cross-state partnerships that strengthen support systems for students, families, and educators. Key areas of regional collaboration include interstate licensing and certification reciprocity to address critical staffing shortages, shared advocacy priorities that reinforce national CASE initiatives, and coordinated regional professional development that builds the capacity of educators and administrators to improve access, services, and outcomes for students with complex needs. Presenters highlight promising practices and multi-state professional learning opportunities designed to enhance educator expertise and sustain workforce development. The session demonstrates how New England’s coordinated approach serves as a model for regional partnerships that promote policy alignment, professional learning, and collective advocacy across state lines. Participants gain insight into how multi-state collaboration can amplify national CASE priorities while supporting state-level leadership and innovation. The session concludes with a brief question-and-answer segment.