Andrew M. Markelz, PhD, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Special Education, Assistant Department Chair, and Director of Graduate Studies at Ball State University. Dr. Markelz is editor of the Journal of Special Education Preparation and co-author of The Essentials of Special Education Law. Dr. Markelz is committed to expediting the novice-to-expert teaching curve by preparing special educators to implement proactive classroom management strategies and develop meaningful and legally defensible individualized education programs according to special education law. Sarah A. Nagro, EdD, is an Associate Professor in the Division of Special Education and Disability Research, Director of the Interdisciplinary Center for Research and Development in Teacher Education, and Professor in Charge of the Special Education PhD specialization at George Mason University. Dr. Nagro is committed to identifying best practices for preparing profession-ready teachers who can sustain and grow in the profession to improve the learning experiences of all students including students with disabilities. Kevin Monnin, MEd, is a Doctoral Fellow in the Special Education Program at George Mason University. His research interests focus on studying strategies to attract, prepare, and retain high-quality teachers; often including non-traditional methods for preparing teachers in high-needs fields. Mr. Monnin previously worked as a special education teacher for Fairfax County Public Schools in Virginia. He earned his Master of Education in special education at George Mason University and received his bachelor’s in Government and International Politics. David F. Bateman, PhD, is a professor at Shippensburg University in the Department of Educational Leadership and Special Education. He is a former due process hearing officer for Pennsylvania for over 580 hearings. Dr. Bateman uses his knowledge of litigation relating to special education to assist school districts in providing appropriate supports for students with disabilities and to prevent and to recover from due process hearings. Dr. Bateman earned a Ph.D. in special education from the University of Kansas and has published numerous articles and books pertaining to special education law and administration.
As a parent, guardian, and special educator I found that The Essentials of Special Education Advocacy was an excellent resource for new and current advocates for the rights of individuals with exceptionalities. This book is a family friendly resource that explains complex topics of special education in a way that all can understand. I plan on adding this advocacy book to my Legal Issues in Special Education course required reading.--Gwendolyn K. Deger, Westminster College This book is an essential advocacy tool for all educators--not just those working with special education students. The authors' 'Rings of Advocacy' approach provides a practical and thoughtful framework to implement when working through complex situations involving students, special education policies and laws, and difficult decision-making processes. Using these processes will not only support students as learners but will also bolster how educators demonstrate and share their expertise when navigating the complex processes that exist within special education today.--Gretchen Oltman, Creighton University Children benefit when teachers are empowered to act as agents of change. This book is a terrific road map for how teachers' advocacy can make a meaningful difference in the educational experience of students with disabilities.--Miranda B. Johnson, director, Education Law and Policy Institute, Loyola University Chicago School of Law; co-editor, Discipline Disparities Among Students with Disabilities: Creating Equitable Environments The Essentials of Special Education Advocacy is a key resource for many audiences--preservice teachers and administrators, working teachers and administrators, parents of children with disabilities, and advocacy organizations can benefit from this text. I especially recommend this text for survey courses in undergraduate and graduate special education and professional development for special education teachers and administrators. Each section has clearly explained content with up-to-date information grounded in realistic case study examples, and the tables and figures are well developed and support the content. Each topic area is covered thoughtfully with excellent connection to current research.--Katrina Arndt, St. John Fisher University This is a great book for any educator looking to make a difference in the field of special education. The authors share the 'ring of advocacy', provide multiple advocacy opportunities within each ring, and guide you through the process of advocacy at all levels. This book would make a great addition to any college course, professional development, or even school book study!--Kathleen Boothe, Southeastern Oklahoma State University