I’m Just a Kid with an IEP - 2024 Paraeducator Book Study

I’m Just a Kid with an IEP

Author: Jordan Toma

Facilitated by: Staci Young 

Jordan Toma’s story is geared towards elementary through high school students, their parents, and the education professionals that support them. He shares his experiences and struggles as a former student with a learning disability as well as how he overcame his learning difficulties and the negative way he looked at himself. Toma writes, “I have a strong and inspiring message for students with learning disabilities. I am currently a motivational speaker, a Financial Advisor and a Real Estate Investor. ‘But it hasn’t always been this easy’ ... I needed who I am now when I was younger. Now I will be that person for someone else.” 

This group will include both reading assignments from the book and viewing of online videos to learn more about the perspectives of students with disabilities about their time in school. We will use this information to discuss how school professionals can support positive school experiences for students receiving special education services. 

Format: Zoom Meetings. Participants will be expected to read weekly assignments and view the video links provided prior to each session.

Book Study Meeting Dates:

• Wednesday, June 5, 2024   9:00-10:00 am 

• Wednesday, June 12, 2024 9:00-10:00 am 

• Wednesday, June 19, 2024 9:00-10:00 am 

• Wednesday, June 26, 2024 9:00-10:00 am 

How It Works:

1. Purchase a digital or hard copy of this book (can be found on Amazon)
2. At least two weeks prior to the first session, an email will be sent to registrants with the Zoom link and a syllabus with chapter and video assignments for each meeting.
3. Read the book and view the videos as assigned prior to ZOOM meetings.
4. Get ready to share your thoughts and ideas as we journey through the book and videos together in a flexible discussion format.
5. If for some reason you cannot be present for a ZOOM meeting, you will be required to provide a written summary of the chapters covered in order to receive your hours. This is intended to be a synchronous book study with opportunities for discussion amongst colleagues, as such participants are expected to attend a minimum of 3 live sessions to obtain course hours.
6.  A certificate with your 15 credit hours will be issued upon completion of the book study.
    

2024 Paraeducator Book Study Information 

**15 professional development hours will be awarded for participation in a book study or podcast series. A certificate of completion will be provided.

NOTE: The hours will be awarded for the 2023/2024 school year OR the 2024/2025 school year.