Lauri Luce
Program Director, Camden Campus
Education/degree: BA in Psychology and Speech & Hearing Sciences
Years Teaching: Taught for almost 6 years and has been at Spectrum for 14 years.
Area of Specialty: Moderately to severely disabled students
Why did you get into administration at a special education school? As much as I love teaching, I wanted to begin to support a whole school (parents, students, and teachers). I am very lucky to lead an amazing group of staff in helping to support our students and families. It does truly take a community of people to educate our students and I could not think of another group of staff I would rather entrust to accomplish this at my school.
Why did you choose special education? I was in college with the plan of going to medical school. I took and after school job working with a man with autism. I knew after the first day with him that I was no longer going to medical school. I switched my majors the next quarter and began my teaching career.
What keeps you motivated? The students. There is not a day that goes by that I do not not learn something from my students. Overall they have taught me about unconditional acceptance. My students rock!
Are there any books, magazines, online journals or websites you would recommend as good resources in your field? I think there are unlimited resources on the internet. I do think some of the best web sites include input from parents who have children with disabilities.
Rain Johnson
Assistant Director, Camden Campus
Education/degree: BA in Anthropology, MA in Museum Studies
Area of Specialty: HR, Marketing, Related Services
Why did you get into administration at a special education school? I began at Spectrum just by chance and I have stayed the last seven years because every employee at Spectrum Center gives 110%. This dedication has changed the lives of our students.
What keeps you motivated? The students – they are the funniest, greatest people I know and they make me want to come back every day.
Are there any books, magazines, online journals or websites you would recommend as good resources in your field? I most often find myself reading California Education Code and sometimes reference “Special Education Rights and Responsibilitiesâ€? – they are both great resources.