On September 22, 2025, during a White House press conference with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Donald Trump, they stated that the use of Tylenol (acetaminophen) during pregnancy may be linked to autism, despite any evidence supporting this claim. Asking for help has always been stimagtizing for learners. When a learner needs additional support, we’ve put them […]
Felicia Rutledge
Felicia Rutledge, Ph.D. serves as the Director of Nevada Special Education Technology Assistance Project at the University of Nevada, Reno, supporting educators with the implementation of tiered supports. She is a special education consultant & coach. Her leadership began in the classroom over 10 years ago serving students who are Deaf/Hard of Hearing and their families. Dr. Rutledge is an Edu-activist for wellness, Deaf Culture, learners with diverse needs, and healing-centered, culturally affirming, relevant cultures and climates. She is a devoted mother committed to learner achievement, supporting families, human talent development, and the implementation of systems that are rooted in equity, access, joy, brilliance, and liberation. She is also a Teach Plus Nevada Senior Policy Fellow and a Nevada Succeeds InspirEd Global Fellowship Alumna.
Posted inSocial Justice
The Science of Reading: Forgot the Playground
Decoding alone doesn’t capture the rhythms, rhymes, and stories children carry in their bodies and homes. You walk into a classroom, and you hear the laughter on the faces of the youth. They are clapping their hands, stomping their feet, reciting the songs in their homes, and the dances of the latest dance challenge. I […]
Posted inSpecial Education
One Size Fits All Been Trash: Curating and cultivating mastery is the new drip
Curating and cultivating mastery is like planting seeds in a garden; it requires patience, care, and a keen eye for nurturing potential. Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires special education services to support learners in three specific areas: advanced educational opportunities, employment, and increased independence. As a special education teacher, As a Teacher of […]
Posted inAsk a Teacher
A Lesson in Block Building Left Me Asking: How Might We Support a Paraprofessional Today?
Transitioning majors in college led me to embrace a role as a floater paraprofessional, eager to explore and support in the realm of education. “Rutledge, room 32”- Walking down the hallway you see art on the walls and shiny floors glimpses into other classrooms and you arrive at room 32. Open the door and you […]
Posted inCurrent Events in Education
Universal Design is where the magic happens
Universal Design supports educators not by diluting instruction to meet learners at their current level but by devising ways to make learning accessible for every learner. Picture being a learner who hears phrases like: “I have a 9th-grade learner who reads on a 1st-grade level. There’s no way I can have them engage in the […]
Posted inInstruction & Curriculum
Examining the role of privilege and audacity in stigmatizing parenting
It is a privilege to sit back and criticize someone’s parenting. And yet, as teachers, paraprofessionals, social workers, and school leaders, we often do just that. Criticize. Recently, there seems to be a reemergence of conversations on parenting in education. The blame game has been played for long enough and it’s time to stop. As […]
Posted inSpecial Education
Give ‘Em the Razzle and Dazzle: Supporting Learners with Dyslexia and Others Too!
As educators, some of us have been taught bullying tactics disguised as responsive learner instructional practices and interventions. The infamous excessive drill and practice exercises are one of those instructional practices that we either experienced as a learner ourselves or were taught to use as a part of our teaching pedagogy. Acknowledging October as Dyslexia […]
Posted inSpecial Education
7 Steps to College Success A Pathway for Students With Disabilities
As a special education teacher, I recently had the pleasure of reviewing Elizabeth C. Hamblet’s book, “7 Steps to College Success: A Pathway for Students with Disabilities” (2023). The book focuses on the transition from K-12 services to higher education services, providing a clear and concise guide to help students with disabilities navigate the process. […]