The Administrator Newsletter - October 2023

Natalie Gosdin

Special Education Supervisor, Searcy School District

Natalie Gosdin, Special Education Supervisor at the Searcy School District, became inspired to go into teaching after meeting several future educators in a college class. She says, "I realized I wanted to know more and moved into teaching. At this time, I didn’t know a lot about special education. I felt a calling. I didn’t realize it until I started working, but this was my passion." She was also blessed to marry into a family that was passionate for others with special needs, with a mother-in-law that had also taught special education.

She started her journey in education at Magnolia School District as a self-contained special education teacher, then moved to Texarkana where she worked in Texas for one year as a special ed teacher. She then taught 10 years for Genoa Central in first grade and special education before moving back to Magnolia for three years as a special education teacher. After that she taught for 2 years in Monticello before being given the opportunity to be a Special Education Supervisor for the district. In 2023, she joined the Searcy School District as Special Education Supervisor.

"My favorite thing about my job is collaborating with an IEP team to provide the best services to support a student with specific needs," she says. "It’s amazing to watch the team work together to blend goals with related services, work with parents and staff, and create a plan that allows a student to grow. I also love the direction of inclusive education in Arkansas and the expectations that all students can learn and be part of the school community." She says the most challenging part of her job is when she has a student or a parent that hasn’t always had support. "Working to grow the relationship and rebuild trust can take years," she states. "It also takes time to support students with specific and challenging needs and it is hard for others to see that small progress is often huge progress."

Natalie says anyone thinking of a similar career should "buckle up." While it can be overwhelming at times, she believes "the impact you can have is worth it all. The ability to work alongside great special education staff and administration to drive real change in collaboration with your district is a privilege I don’t take for granted." The most helpful career advice she received is to make sure to prioritize. She states, "You should use the WIN philosophyWhat’s Important Now. Focusing on what is most important to get done today, then by tomorrow, and then planning out your timeline of what needs to be done helps you keep your focus on what’s most important."

The biggest change in education that she has experienced over 22 years would be the shift towards inclusive practices. She states, "When I started, our students were isolated, often taught to their level with expectations that were less than. That shift has now moved into standards, plus rigor, plus expectations with scaffolding, support and an opportunity to learn alongside their peers." Natalie says her district is currently working to grow in their inclusive practices, provide the best services for students, and provide support for our teachers in these services. "We continue to grow in the PLC process and using data to drive decision making. I personally want to grow in learning more about the PLC process and work with other leaders in our state to shape positive inclusive practices."

? Q&A ! with Natalie Gosdin

What is the most daring thing you’ve done?

The most daring thing I have done would be recently speaking to the Arkansas Senate Education Committee on behalf of Para-Educators and funding to raise their pay. Our classrooms and campuses wouldn’t be what they are without our support staff that go the extra mile each day.

What’s something that amazes you?

I am amazed when a student who is non-verbal learns to use a communication device and can tell us what’s inside their mind. I am so intrigued by how smart students are with significant needs when given the tools to communicate.

What have you done that you are most proud of?

I am most proud of my daughters. I wanted to raise strong, independent young women that would stand up for what’s good and right in the world. They are well on their way to being powerful leaders and hard workers who will make positive change in the world around them.

What do you enjoy doing during your time off?

In my time off I love to be with my family. Our oldest is a runner for Southern Arkansas University and we love to see her excel. Our youngest daughter has taken up golf so we spend a lot of time at the golf course. I enjoy time with my husband finding new places in our state to explore. I also love spending time with our parents and siblings.

What is one of the things on your “Bucket List?”

I have always wanted to learn to fly. My youngest daughter is also interested in learning so maybe we will do that together.

When people look back at your life, how do you want to be remembered?

I hope to be remembered for my passion. I hope that people know how much I have loved my students and the staff I worked with as well as how much I loved my job. I would also hope they would remember me as someone who worked alongside them, not as a boss.

What do you see as the biggest benefit of AAEA membership?

The biggest benefit of being a member of AAEA is learning from and collaborating with other members. I have had many opportunities to connect with others and learn from their experiences. I learn so much from our AASEA membership zooms and make connections with others who are always kind and willing to answer my many questions. The offering for learning through AAEA is always quality and well organized in a way that busy administrators can access and digest. I also appreciate the legislative support of AAEA and believe it is important as many are working behind the scenes to support public education.