Baylor Center for Developmental Disabilities Honors Special Educators in Heartfelt Reception

The Baylor Center for Developmental Disabilities (BCDD) hosted its second annual Appreciating Special Educators Reception in a momentous celebration recognizing the dedication and impact of special education professionals in Waco and surrounding public school districts.

The event was held at the iconic Mark & Paula Hurd Welcome Center and brought together educators, Baylor faculty and Center staff to recognize those who consistently go above and beyond to support diverse learners. The dinner reception included an awards ceremony for special educators across ten area districts. The 44 recognized recipients were nominated by administrators from their respective schools. 

Featured guest speaker, Angelo Garcia—an adult with autism—shared his story, highlighting how the support and guidance of special educators positively shaped his journey. “I think teachers need to be recognized and thanked, because they have an impact on kids’ lives. My teachers have helped me to become who I am today.” 

Garcia is a graduate of Midway District’s M Power program—a supportive transition program designed for students with disabilities who are 18 and older that focuses on building practical trade skills to prepare for employment, along with daily living skills to support greater independence. The program partners with local employers who help provide hands-on training and meaningful job opportunities for young adults in the program.

Dr. Sarah Mire, BCDD affiliate and associate professor of school psychology, provided an overview of the Center and offered words of encouragement, inviting honorees to participate in and utilize the various resources and trainings available through the Baylor Center for Developmental Disabilities. 

“At the Center, we see our work as coming alongside you and other people in the community to change the landscape of our schools, our workplaces, our congregations, and our community, from exclusion and separation to inclusion and belonging.” 

The evening culminated in thoughtful conversation, celebration and opportunities for collaboration. 

“We always look forward to opportunities to support and honor you in your work. The work that you are doing is the work that matters most,” said Dr. Mire. “On behalf of the Center and Baylor School of Education, we are grateful to come alongside you in this effort.”

The Center hosts regular educator trainings and workshops intended to equip teachers to better serve diverse learners. For more information, visit https://bcdd.soe.baylor.edu/focus-areas/education.

The following special educators were recognized at the event:

Midway ISD

Bethany Austin

Roger Slayton

Mark Isaiah Phillips

Katie Glomb

Nancy Beeson

Mandy Rogers

Tanner Easley

Leslie Hawkins

Angela Scarborough

Jodi Heston

WACO ISD

Dina Middleton

Dusti Chase

Jazlynn Jaramillo

Kayla Zimmerman

Hollie Simons

Purity Patton

Jeremy Hicks

Elizabeth Douglas

Lakisha Porch

Jaquilyn Land

Gana Leggett

Julia Tonkin

Liza Winn

Laci Green

Angelyna Fernandez

Sylvia Luna

Jalicia Pyburn

Julie Richardson

Sarah Chavez

CONNALLY ISD

Erin Whitley

Bailey Starr

Kristina Clark

Blanche Boudreaux

LA VEGA ISA

Kristin Hardaway

Elizabeth Rhoudes

ROBINSON ISD

Carrie Farrell

Lisa Sebock

Natalie Salazar 

CHINA SPRING

Atrisha Biesterfeld

LORENA ISD

Katy Bone

FALLS EDUCATION COOPERATIVE

Angela Adams

AXTELL ISD

Monica Rodriguez

HEART OF TEXAS COOPERATIVE FOR EXCEPTIONAL CHILDREN

MaCayla Malbrough

Amanda Pratt