Sarah Vogelstein
Education Consultation
Rooted in Family Advocacy
A Different Kind of Education Consultation
It is my goal to support families, educators, and school teams in providing an effective learning environment and positive school experience for every child. Over the course of my career in Special Education, I have worked in a variety of positions and have become an expert in several areas crucial for student success. Working outside of the classroom, I combine my skills as a Special Education Teacher, Instructional Coach, and Family Advocate to provide student- and family-centered Education Consultation. My unique set of skills, talents, and perspective gives me the ability to support students' individual needs while also supporting schools in improving their practices for all learners.
When a child is experiencing a challenge at school, I support families, educators, and school teams in truly understanding the child's needs; what interventions may be required; what adaptations to classroom and school practices may be needed; and in creating a concrete plan for how to implement these changes with consistency and effectiveness.
Additionally, when schools are struggling to develop and maintain functional systems related to Coordination of Services Teams (COST), Student Success Teams (SST), 504 Plan Case Management, and IEP Meeting Coordination and Implementation, I support school and district administrators in transforming these processes into effective and sustainable systems with improved outcomes for students and educators.
My Approach
As an educator since 2006, I understand the challenges of working within the public school system. Unlike other Education Consultants or Advocates, my experience gives me a unique perspective that allows me to support families and educators in finding solutions that are effective, practical, and sustainable. My role is that of a team member, acknowledging that each of us brings specialized knowledge to the task at hand. As a team, together we will create a plan for school success, based in students' strengths, personal goals/desires, and needs.
I approach my work through an anti-racist and anti-ableist lens, with an overarching goal of disrupting inequitable educational outcomes based on race and disability. Building genuine relationships with students and families, centering student and family voices, and ensuring the use of neuro-affirming, culturally responsive, and restorative practices are key elements for students and school teams to find success. Advocating for students and their families is the foundation from which I make recommendations and provide consultation.
Watch the video clips below (from a Parent & Family Education Event) to get a sense of how I approach supporting students.
Strengths Based MIndset.mp4Neuroaffirming Goals.mp4BIPs.mp4