An original podcast from the Council for Exceptional Children that puts a spotlight on the real life experiences shaping the world of special education.
Beyond the Word “Transition:” Whose Future Are We Preparing For?
In this episode of Rewriting the Narrative, host Ben Tillotson welcomes Dr. Tara Frazier, associate director of the Student Accessibility Center and director of the THRIVE program at the University of North Florida, and president of CEC’s Division on Career Development and Transition (DCDT), which is celebrating its 50th anniversary. Frazier challenges traditional ideas about transition, describing it as a lifelong process centered on “living, learning, and working” rather than simply preparing students with disabilities for employment. The conversation explores how person-centered planning, higher expectations, and opportunities to take risks and learn from failure can help individuals with disabilities build confidence and independence. Frazier discusses the role of CEC–DCDT transition competencies in preparing professionals, the importance of creating accessible communities, and how educators can prepare students for a rapidly changing world. She also shares how growing up in a deaf family shaped her understanding of communication, accessibility, and inclusion.
Rewriting the Narrative is produced by Association Briefings.
1 Sept 2026
Who Gets to Belong? AI Can’t Rewrite the Narrative Alone.
In this episode of Rewriting the Narrative, host Ben Tillotson welcomes Olivia Fudge Coleman, PhD, assistant professor of exceptional student education at the University of Central Florida, for a conversation about rethinking how we support students with extensive support needs and the role artificial intelligence could play in creating more inclusive educational experiences. Drawing on her experience as a special education teacher and researcher, Coleman shares eye-opening findings from her work examining thousands of IEP goals and discusses why even well-trained educators can feel unprepared to develop truly individualized plans. The conversation explores the promise and pitfalls of generative AI, from helping teachers differentiate lessons and reduce time-consuming tasks to concerns about bias, student privacy and the need for stronger AI literacy. Coleman compares AI to a “sous chef” that can prepare and support, while reminding educators that they remain responsible for what ultimately reaches students. She also challenges educators to move away from deficit-based thinking, focus on what students can do and create meaningful opportunities for inclusion, making the case that when schools design better systems for the students with the greatest needs, everyone benefits.
Rewriting the Narrative is produced by Association Briefings.
1 Aug 2026
Surviving and Thriving in the Next Generation of Special Education
In this episode of Rewriting the Narrative, host Ben Tillotson is joined by Dr. Clara Hauth of Marymount University and Dr. Catherine Creighton Martin of George Mason University, co-authors of The New Survival Guide for New Special Education Teachers. Together, they explore the realities facing today's special educators, from navigating curriculum adaptation and case management to finding mentorship, building professional networks, and managing the challenges of teacher shortages and attrition. The conversation also highlights the power of high-leverage practices, emerging AI tools, and strengths-based approaches that help educators unlock every student's potential. Along the way, Clara and Catherine share the personal experiences that shaped their careers and explain why investing in teachers—from preparation through ongoing support—is essential to the success of students, families, and the future of special education.
Rewriting the Narrative is produced by Association Briefings.
1 Jul 2026
Beyond Deficits: Why Dialect Awareness Matters in Special Education
In this episode, host Ben Tillotson is joined by Megan-Brette Hamilton, PhD, CCC-SLP, chief staff officer for multicultural affairs at the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), to explore the important distinction between language differences and communication disorders. Drawing on her experience as a clinician, researcher, and educator, Dr. Hamilton explains why dialects are rule-governed variations of language—not deficits—and how misunderstanding a student's linguistic background can lead to inappropriate evaluations, interventions, and missed opportunities to build on their strengths. The conversation explores the value of observing students across multiple settings, asking better questions rather than making assumptions, and focusing on what students can do instead of comparing them to a perceived standard. Dr. Hamilton also discusses the role of translanguaging, African American English, and other language variations in the classroom, emphasizing the importance of culturally responsive assessment and instruction. Throughout the episode, she highlights how meaningful collaboration among educators, speech-language pathologists, and families helps create more inclusive learning environments where every student can thrive.
Rewriting the Narrative is produced by Association Briefings.
1 Jun 2026
Culture, Identity, and Special Education
In this episode of Rewriting the Narrative, host Ben Tillotson speaks with Dottie Vea, M.S., M.Ed., a PhD student in educational leadership and policy at the University of Utah, full-time special education teacher in the Salt Lake City School District, and a recipient of the Diversity Leadership Academy scholarship. Drawing from her Tongan heritage, Dottie shares how a collective mindset centered on “we” shapes her approach to teaching, advocacy, and relationship-building in special education. The conversation explores the importance of collaboration in student-centered IEPs, challenges engaging families who may feel disconnected from or distrustful of educational systems, and the value of finding common ground with students and communities beyond the classroom. Dottie and Ben also discuss culturally sustaining leadership, mentorship for educators from underrepresented backgrounds, balancing cultural identity with educational expectations, and the need for educators to reflect on their own wellbeing, assumptions, and biases before supporting students. Dottie also reflects on the lasting influence of her grandfather, a teacher and music educator in Tonga, whose example helped shape her passion for education and community.
Rewriting the Narrative is produced by Association Briefings.
1 May 2026
From Strategic Plans to Student Impact: Inside CEC’s Vision for the Future
In this episode of Rewriting the Narrative, host Ben Tillotson sits down with Chad Rummel, M.Ed, CAE, Chief Executive Officer of the Council for Exceptional Children, for a conversation about leadership, advocacy, and the evolving future of special education. Rummel reflects on his path into education and shares the early classroom experience that shaped his belief in inclusion and individualized learning. From there, the discussion expands into the strategic direction of CEC, including how the organization moved from strengthening internal operations to focusing more intentionally on member needs and the broader special education field in the years following COVID. The conversation also explores CEC’s approach to strategic planning, which pairs aspirational goals with measurable success metrics and flexible quarterly operational planning. Along the way, Rummel highlights key initiatives and accomplishments, including Project 2020, the Diversity Leadership Academy, expanded policy engagement with Congress, and the behind-the-scenes partnership work that helped launch new resources like CEC’s AI-driven teacher empowerment toolkit. Looking ahead, Ben and Chad discuss the priorities likely to shape CEC’s next strategic plan, including educator shortages, responsible AI integration, stronger collaboration with general education, and the challenges emerging from ongoing federal restructuring in education policy.
Rewriting the Narrative is produced by Association Briefings.
1 Apr 2026
Driven to Innovate Through Community: A Teacher of the Year’s Reflections
In this episode of Rewriting the Narrative, host Ben Tillotson is joined by Rebecca Saunders an intervention specialist at Hayes High School in Delaware, Ohio, and CEC's Teacher of the Year, to talk about her 23-year career supporting students with complex educational, behavioral, and medical needs. At the center of the conversation is a commitment to seeing and supporting the whole student—academically, emotionally, and beyond the classroom. Rebecca shares how strong professional communities, like CEC, have sustained her career, and how she has responded to real-world challenges with creativity and care. From launching a school-based pantry and free store during COVID to creating meaningful roles for students with disabilities, her work reflects a focus on dignity, inclusion, and practical impact. The episode also explores the realities educators face, from navigating systemic barriers to balancing IEP requirements, while emphasizing the importance of teamwork, starting small, and building on student strengths.
Rewriting the Narrative is produced by Association Briefings.
1 Mar 2026
Advancing Inclusion: Humanizing Special Education from the US to Nigeria
In this episode of Rewriting the Narrative, host Ben Tillotson is joined by Dr. Joana Idakwo-Ada, member support officer for CEC’s Division of International Special Education Services, to explore what it takes to build inclusive, equitable special education across global contexts. Drawing on professional experiences in the United States, the United Kingdom, the UAE, and Nigeria, Dr. Idakwo-Ada reflects on common barriers she has observed worldwide, including delayed access to accommodations, low expectations for students with disabilities, and rigid definitions of success shaped by policy and systems rather than student potential. The conversation highlights how socioeconomic conditions influence access to transition supports and community partnerships, and why effective inclusion begins with families and culturally grounded understanding of disability. Dr. Idakwo-Ada also discusses tailoring educator professional development to local needs, the growing role of technology and social media in connecting families to resources, and the contrast between formal service infrastructures in the U.S. and more community-based supports elsewhere.
Rewriting the Narrative is produced by Association Briefings.
1 Feb 2026
At the Table Together: Parents, Educators, and the Human Side of Special Education
Parent advocates Debra Evans and Maria Fausto discuss navigating special education systems, emphasizing understanding a child's needs and building collaborative relationships with educators in an interview with Ben Tillotson.
1 Jan 2026
Starting Strong: Early Education, Intervention, and the Systems That Shape Children’s Lives
Host Ben Tillotson interviews Dr. LaShorage Shaffer about early childhood education, emphasizing intentional instruction, family partnerships, and early intervention to shape children's development.
1 Dec 2025
How AI Can Empower, Not Replace Educators
Richard Capone, CEO of Let's Go Learn, discusses with host Ben Tillotson how AI empowers educators by personalizing instruction and reducing burnout, ultimately strengthening human connections in education; this is an interview.
1 Nov 2025
50 Years of IDEA: Reflecting on Progress, Purpose, and Possibility
Host Ben Tillotson interviews Dr. Bill Bogdan and Dr. Luanne Purcell about the 50th anniversary of IDEA, reflecting on its impact on special education and the ongoing need for equitable support.
1 Oct 2025
Building Inclusive Workplaces: Preparing Students with Disabilities for Meaningful Careers
Host Ben Tillotson interviews Kelie Hess about the importance of integrated employment for people with disabilities, emphasizing its role in fostering connection and belonging.
1 Sept 2025
Creating a Thriving School Environment Through Strong Principal–Teacher Partnerships
Host Ben Tillotson interviews Dr. Andy Jacks and Denise Zervoudis about fostering a thriving school environment through impactful principal-teacher partnerships.
1 Aug 2025
Redefining Advocacy: How Educators Can Influence Change
Kim Knackstedt, principal consultant, discusses her journey advocating for inclusive learning environments and policy changes for students with disabilities, emphasizing the crucial political role educators play in shaping classroom realities in an interview with Ben Tillotson.
1 Jul 2025
Building a Better Future: Funding, Tech, and the Special Education Workforce
Host Ben Tillson interviews Dr. Danielle Kovach and Glenna Wright-Gallo about the challenges and opportunities in special education, including funding, staffing, and technology, to build a more inclusive future.
10 Mar 2025
Rewriting the Narrative Trailer
Welcome to Rewriting the Narrative, where we delve into the transformative world of special education. Join Ben Tillotson as he hosts insightful conversations with educators, experts, and advocates. Each episode explores the real-life experiences that are shaping the futures of infants, toddlers, children, and youth with disabilities, gifts, and talents. Season One is on its way, promising deep dives into crucial topics. Don't miss our inaugural episode launching this summer. Join us as we rewrite the narrative together.
Rewriting the Narrative is produced by Association Briefings.
Who has been a guest on Rewriting the Narrative
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Debra Evans
Maria Fausto
Dr LaShorage Shaffer
Richard Capone
Dr Bill Bogdan
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
5 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
2 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 19 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
6
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
81
Contact Rewriting the Narrative
Guest appearances
Does not typically book guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
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