2026 CASE Conference

Leadership in Special Education is Hard to Find and Even Hard to Keep: Building Leadership Through Mentorship (Room 555A)

13 Nov 26
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Tracks: Educational Leadership: Leading with Purpose

Speaker(s): Terra Geer, Education Consultant, Terra Geer Consulting LLC; Amanda Hughlock, Director of Student Services, Sunapee School District- New Hampshire; Jennifer Kay, Student Services Administrator, Pasquaney School District- New Hampshire

Strong leadership in special education does not develop in isolation—it grows through experience, reflection, and guided support. This session provides a step-by-step look at the mentor and mentee journey in the pursuit of effective and sustainable special education leadership. Through the lens of a gradual release model, presenters will share how their mentoring relationships intentionally built leadership capacity while navigating the complex realities of their roles. We will explore how mentors and mentees work together to develop decision-making skills, accountability practices, and problem-solving strategies—along with the “gut checks” that often come with leading in a field that few outside of special education fully understand. With honesty and humor, presenters will highlight real leadership challenges and lessons learned along the way.