A Special Education PTA is not a new idea; there have been strong SEPTAs on the East Coast for years and others west and south of us. This type of organization was first discovered and researched by SEPTA’s founders, Dusti Skidmore, Dawn Rethman, and myself, Lisa Slattery. We are proud to publicize that this is the first SEPTA to organize in the Midwest. However, we do not want to be the only one in our area. We would be delighted to help other districts around Springfield, or even in the Midwest, to plan, organize and bring into fruition new SEPTAs. We are confident that a Special Education PTA in your district will improve and enhance the lives of all children through the attention and support of the people and programs educating the children in your district. It is also clear to us that the construction of connections between people and area resources with your educational system will begin to close the circle of the life of our children from birth through adulthood.

Springfield SEPTA is committed to supporting all children and see a need to provide additional support and attention to children receiving special services in this district. This organization and members are working to build connections and support between parents, teachers, programs and community members/organizations. We have raised funds for use by teachers and their programs. We have worked to represent the children who have special needs giving them a voice in the educational decisions made at every level.

Springfield SEPTA is open to everyone who has and interest in or a passion for the lives of the children who have special needs in the community. If you care about the education and future of children who have special needs, then you too can support this resource, through your membership, participation or donations, knowing you are making a difference in the lives of children in Springfield. We are working with our School Board, Superintendent and with our Special Education Director to promote the common goals for the benefit of the children in the R12 School District.

I hope you will explore the website, become a member and/or make a donation. Use the links from this site to begin your journey or enhance your journey toward education, acceptance and awareness. Use this site to give a ‘shout out’ to events and people you know who are constructing connections on the ‘Making the Grade’ page. Return to the website often to keep up with the changes and additions to the information.

Mission

Springfield Special Education Parent Teacher Association is committed to the pursuit of effective communication and cooperative partnership in order to assist in providing the best educational environment for all children with special needs.