PARTNER OF THE YEAR
Every year, schools nationwide face challenges in providing essential support to students–especially those with special needs. As a result, some districts have opted for remote special education-related services to help bridge staffing gaps and expand onsite bandwidth. Our Partner of the Year award recognizes the inspiring districts that go above and beyond to create equity, lead with empathy, and demonstrate dedication as they innovate new strategies to empower diverse learners.
Congratulations to our six 2023–24 award winners! Thank you for making a difference for students with special needs.
Corpus Christi Independent School District (CCISD) is dedicated to nurturing the “hearts and minds” of over 33,000 students across 52 schools in Corpus Christi, Texas. At the core of CCISD’s mission is a steadfast commitment to developing lifelong learners who are equipped to navigate the modern world and contribute meaningfully as productive citizens. The district’s visionary outlook centers on creating a world-class educational system that prioritizes progress, optimism, and inclusivity, where each student is empowered to achieve their full potential. In the 2023–24 school year, we worked together to meet the needs of over 450 students. CCISD is highly collaborative, communicates transparently, and, in the words of our clinical team, showcases “how great leadership equates to a thriving partnership.”
The Greater Commonwealth Virtual School (GCVS) is a tuition-free online school serving students across Massachusetts. Between live, classroom-based lessons and asynchronous instruction, the district offers personalized learning opportunities that embrace unique abilities and redefine how students and teachers engage through innovative technology. Through this year’s partnership, GCVS teamed up with our clinicians to support over 160 diverse learners, showcasing genuine empathy and steadfast collaboration at the heart of its telepractice.
Round Valley Unified School District (RVUSD) is located in Northern California and encompasses three schools. As a district dedicated to fostering positive, lifelong connections with students and families, RVUSD champions the values of community and personalized learning. RVUSD supports Presence clinicians through frequent communication and collaboration, helping them feel like a fully integrated part of the onsite team. These relationships foster a sense of connection that makes our clinicians excited to return to working with the district year after year.
Saginaw Intermediate School District (ISD) is an educational service agency that provides innovative leadership, services, and learning programs across 12 districts in Michigan. With a diverse student body of over 26,000 students, Saginaw ISD presents unique opportunities for special education-related service delivery. Although some might see the district’s size as a challenge, Saginaw ISD’s organization, collaboration, and communication facilitated a teletherapy program that effectively meets the needs of students across all its school locations. During this year’s partnership, we were able to support Saginaw ISD students with over 90,700 minutes of teletherapy.
The School District of Palm Beach County is the tenth largest in the country and serves over 189,000 students. With a focus on empowering each and every child, the district prioritizes educational equity and the development of diverse learners. Palm Beach County’s special education team has wholeheartedly embraced teletherapy and maintains a collaborative relationship with our clinicians, ensuring that students with special needs have access to the services they need to thrive. Through regular bi-weekly meetings, the teams collaboratively address student progress, scheduling, and provider coordination.
Tuscarora School District (TSD) is a midsized, rural public school district in Pennsylvania. Its mission to prepare learners for a “fulfilling, productive, and meaningful life” is built on the foundations of equity, community, and effective communication. From exhibiting exceptional collaboration to building rapport with Presence clinicians, TSD puts its ideals into practice to create opportunities for students with special needs. During this year’s partnership, over 2,600 teletherapy sessions were delivered to help diverse learners meet their educational goals. TSD’s hands-on involvement and internal advocacy make it an ideal district partner.
Whether from rural, urban, or virtual school communities, Partner of the Year award-winners consistently embody excellence in special education services and represent the following core values:
Adjusts service models to accommodate special needs
Explores new student support strategies with an open mind
Provides timely referrals and puts students at the forefront of their decision-making process
Recognizes each student and educator as unique with individual strengths and aspirations
Schedule a free consultation and learn how Presence teletherapy solutions can help your district thrive.
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