Drawing on experience across both P–12 and higher education settings, including training and supervising teacher candidates in school-based placements, the session highlights how strong partnerships between schools and educator preparation programs can enhance outcomes for students and strengthen the special education workforce. Participants will examine classroom-based applications of EBPs and learn how cross-generational collaboration among practicing educators, mentor teachers, and teacher candidates can support inclusive, responsive instruction for diverse learners. The presentation emphasizes professional learning across the educator career continuum—from pre-service preparation through in-service practice—and offers strategies for reimagining educator preparation to meet the needs of today's and tomorrow's classrooms. Attendees will leave with ready-to-implement tools, resources, and supervisory practices that support both student transition outcomes and the development of highly effective special educators.
