SPECIAL EDition

Darrin Praska

Director of Special Education

480-497-3474

Courtney Medina

Assistant Director of Special Education

480-497-3474

Fran Grossenbacher

Compliance Officer and Leadership Coach

480-497-3474

Certified staff: Preschool -12th grade special education teachers, D/HH, VI

Please use the 2025/2026 Online Special Education Teacher End of Year Checkout form to help complete the necessary tasks prior to checking out for the school year. When the listed tasks are completed, please fill out the Google Form linked at the bottom of the document. You will receive a PDF version of your check out form that can be brought with you to check out with your campus administrator.

Please note, this checkout process should not be completed prior to all transportation forms being locked for the 26/27 school year. Before locking and finalizing those documents, please confirm that the 26/27 campus is correctly indicated on the IC enrollment line.

Please reach out to your coordinator or instructional specialist with any questions that you may have about this process.

Thank you! https://bit.ly/2526CheckOutGuidanceDoc

Kim Haase is being recognized as an exemplary mathematics teacher, coach and specialist, who has demonstrated her willingness to take on additional work in order to share her expertise in math instruction with students in need. Kim’s commitment and passion for providing excellent math instruction reflects her dedication to the students Gilbert Public Schools serves. Even when additional work has been challenging, Kim has jumped in and prioritized providing what students need to strengthen their mathematical skills. Because of her dedication, expertise, and willingness to do additional work to serve students, we are excited to honor Kim as a recipient of a Special Education Department Challenge Coin this month. Thank-you Kim for all you do…it is noticed and greatly appreciated.

On May 14th, Campo Verde High School was filled with excitement and pride as Gilbert Public Schools celebrated the graduation of the Pathway Alternative Teacher Certification Program — and 19 talented new teachers officially joined our district family!

Among this inspiring cohort were 9 dedicated special education teachers, whose commitment to our most deserving students makes this class truly exceptional.

The evening was marked by heartfelt and motivating speeches from Cole Peden, James Green, and Lillie Fletcher, leaving graduates and guests alike energized for the journey ahead.

None of this would be possible without the outstanding leadership of Lisa Creaser and the incredible support team of Sam Gonzales, Tiffany Bodemann, and Connie Laprise, who guided these educators every step of the way.

To all 19 graduates — congratulations! GPS is so lucky to have you. Welcome to the team! 🎓

The last 25-26 training for Advantage Preschool Teachers was held on 5/13. Collaboration was at its peak as we completed our SWOT analysis of our programming, as well as, highlighting the celebrations from each PLC team. Thank you to Robyn Gift for her contributions to planning outstanding PD content throughout the year!

Biggest shout-out to the kinder and first grade teams at Playa del Rey! Kenna, Christine, Monica, Bre, Alma, & Stephanie — we have truly loved working with you and the ambassadors who will soon be first graders. It has been so fun watching these kiddos step up as leaders and build meaningful connections within first grade. Maegan and Hind, we appreciate both of you so much and are thankful you joined us on this adventure! These students will cherish these moments and memories for years to come. 💙

Mak at Playa del Rey, thank you for the personal attention you gave one of your students to help them succeed in transitioning to an activity when they were overwhelmed. It made all the difference! Cassie & Kelly

Thank you to everyone who has emailed Breeta regarding their AT equipment check out! 🎉

Huge thank you to the all the SLPs who are bringing back equipment for themselves and others on their campus!!! You ROCK!!! ❤️