Can setting boundaries actually make you a better advocate for your students?
For Courtney Johnson, the journey from Special Education teacher to District Administrator, and finally to edtech Account Executive and Entrepreneur, wasn't just about climbing a ladder—it was about expanding her sphere of impact. In this episode, Courtney shares how she leverages her deep expertise in Special Education and her personal experience as a mother to champion literacy and numeracy tools that actually work.
- The Parent-Professional Bridge: Courtney shares the deeply personal story of her own daughter’s speech delay and how witnessing her child’s breakthrough using Age of Learning products solidified her belief in the solution she now represents.
- The Power of No: We discuss the critical lesson of learning to say "no" without guilt. Courtney explains how establishing boundaries allowed her to protect her peace and, paradoxically, become a more effective leader and advocate.
- Representation in Special Ed: Courtney dives into the importance of culturally relevant pedagogy and having providers who reflect the demographics of the students they serve, ensuring that "disability" isn't confused with "difference".
- From Compliance to Community: How growing up in a daycare environment and understanding legal contracts helped Courtney navigate the complex world of Special Education compliance while keeping the focus on family needs.
- The "Write It Down" Rule: Courtney’s simple but profound advice for any educator sitting on a big idea or a desire for change: Make the vision plain, put it on the fridge, and let it stare you in the face until you act on it.
