Bridging Barriers: Anna Marie Candelario's Journey to Supporting Educators in High Needs Areas

More Than a Test

In this episode, host Laura Glaab sits down with the inspiring Anna Marie Candelario, who shares her incredible journey from struggling student to a leader in education. Anna Marie discusses her work in creating teacher pathways for special education in her district, highlighting the innovative Grow Your Own program aimed at addressing teacher shortages.

Through mentorship and support, Anna Marie's program is ensuring that teachers in high needs areas receive the guidance and training they need to thrive.

Join us as we delve into Anna Marie's transformative work and passion for humanizing education in this enlightening episode.

Timestamps

00:00 Paraprofessionals, substitutes, and stay-at-home moms become teachers.

06:25 Revamping mentoring program, 4-year support initiative.

08:09 They spoke highly about the district's support.

11:12 District 308 promotes unity and support through affinity groups.

15:27 Leadership Academy supports diverse aspiring leaders' growth.

17:51 Students are seeking connection, equity, and understanding.

22:45 Became special educator, focused on supporting at-risk students.

25:04 Grateful for a life-changing experience with Latino superintendents.

28:01 I Attended Roosevelt University and found support from fellow moms.

30:18 Rejecting perfection, embracing setbacks, and honesty.

36:24 The Director finds a new way to support educators.

37:15 Endorsements for leadership open unexpected career paths.

41:15 First book at 7, wanted to be a psychologist.

Connect with Anna Marie Candelario

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-marie-candelario-60aa7a56

Website: https://www.sd308.org/

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About More Than a Test

Our goal is to take a hard look at the shortcomings in literacy education and tech while still finding a sense of hope in what's possible in education through learning and technology.

Our guests include non-profit leaders, tech CEOs, state and district leadership, research leaders from top institutions, and a few teachers with stories that might bring you to tears.

Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0JWhVG2nXZfC3FxOviFoR0

Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/more-than-a-test/id1685012543

Listen on Other Platforms: https://more-than-a-test.captivate.fm/

About Amira Learning

Amira is the world’s first intelligent reading assistant that provides personalized tutoring to students at school, after school, or home. Students working with Amira experience significant improvements in their reading fluency.

About your Host, Laura Glaab

Laura Glaab is a VP of Strategy at Amira Learning. She is a lifetime educator following behind educator parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents.

She's worked as a teacher and leader in public, private, and charter schools in places as far as India and as close to home as Boulder, Colorado. She holds degrees from Stanford, the University of Wyoming, and Kellogg School of Management.

Everyone should read Saint Joan by George Bernard Shaw and the entire Piggie and Elephant Collection by Mo Willems.

Connect with Laura

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-glaab/

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Twitter: https://twitter.com/AmiraLearning

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Produced by Old Soul: https://bit.ly/3KuYfrD