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EDCOE Team Member Spotlight: Sean Andrew, Regional Program Specialist, Charter SELPA

10:24 AM - March 03, 2021

Briefly describe your background (where you grew up, family, why you came to work for EDCOE).

I was born in Chicago; but grew up in Los Angeles where I currently reside with my wife, three daughters, and my bulldog. I came to work for EDCOE because I wanted an opportunity to expand beyond the traditional school district I was working at the time, to push for equity in education for all students, but primarily students with disabilities.

What is your department, title, primary work location, and how long have you worked for EDCOE?

This is my fifth year as a Regional Program Specialist working with the EDCOE Charter SELPA. My primary work location is my home office in Los Angeles.

Describe how your role helps support programs/schools/students directly or indirectly.

In my role I am supporting our charter school partners in running compliant, inclusive special education programs that benefit students with disabilities. This is accomplished by delivering professional learning to our partners; helping with state compliance issues; case consultation; and, assisting families and schools resolve disputes in the best interest of students.

What are you and your team doing to support education in El Dorado County during COVID-19?

We are helping our school partners navigate distance learning for students with disabilities. Whether it is helping schools develop contingency plans for students during school closure or providing professional development for educators statewide, we are focused on supporting education through this challenging time.

What do you most appreciate about your department/team?

Collaboration! Despite being in different regions in California, the Program Specialist Team is always ready, willing, and able to support each other on the behalf of students.

What is your proudest moment at EDCOE? Why?

There are many proud moments I can think of during my time at EDCOE. The one that stands out the most was feedback from a school administrator from a professional learning training that I presented to her staff regarding verbal de-escalation. She said that providing that training helped provide tools to her staff that would ensure students would have a more positive education than they would have without the staff training. I was happy that EDCOE provided me that opportunity to reach that group of educators and make an impact on student outcomes.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

Before COVID-19, I really enjoyed playing basketball. Since then, I really enjoy going on walks with my wife. My knees really appreciate this change in my life.

What is something many people may not know about you?

That I am an avid comic book collector. I began collecting when I was young and it has grown to a sizeable collection over the years. I like to think that I was into Marvel before the movies made it cool.

If you could meet anyone in the world, living or deceased, who would it be and why?

I would love to be able to have a conversation with Jackie Robinson. It always amazes me to think of the difficulties he faced breaking barriers in the face of such racial injustice. I would love to hear how he was able to block out the negativity around him and still perform at such a high level.

From supervisor Ginese Quann, Director, Charter SELPA:

Sean is a crucial member of the team for his experience, depth of knowledge, and collaborative spirit. His greatest qualities are his moral and ethical compass paired with his supportive and thoughtful style of communication assisting both teammates and LEAs in working towards meaningful progress and solutions.

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