Embracing the Complexity of Inclusive Education with Aaron Lanou

About the Guest(s):

Aaron Lanou (he/him) is an educational consultant supporting schools and organizations to reach all kids with inclusive, strengths-based practices. Through the lens of Universal Design for Learning, Aaron coaches teachers and others to teach and support autistic students and all kids with a variety of academic, executive functioning, and social support needs. A member of Carol Gray’s Team Social Stories, Aaron also provides Social Stories workshops and collaborates with Carol and the team to continually update and refine the Social Stories philosophy and approach. Aaron was previously a special education teacher in the New York City Public Schools and Executive Director of the Nest Program at NYU, helping to lead the nation’s largest inclusion program for autistic students.

Episode Summary:

In this engaging episode of Think Inclusive, host Tim Villegas sits down with inclusive education consultant Aaron Lanou from New York. They dive deep into the current landscape of inclusive education and the challenges faced by educators striving for more inclusive practices in schools. Aaron shares his insights on the necessary methods, mindsets, and structures that need to be in place to truly integrate inclusive practices in educational settings. With over 20 years in the field, his perspective offers a blend of practical advice and philosophical reflections on the state of education.

Tim and Aaron also tackle some of the misconceptions surrounding inclusion, such as the belief that it's solely about placing students with disabilities into general education classrooms. They advocate for a more nuanced approach that emphasizes providing the necessary supports to allow every student to succeed. Celebrating the success stories and dissecting the persistent barriers, they urge educators to remain steadfast in their commitment to inclusive education, drawing on resources, supports, and community to fuel the journey towards more inclusive practices. This episode is packed with valuable insights and actionable strategies for educators and advocates at every level.

Transcript: https://otter.ai/u/cMJupjKF1K5R5_Xv6F8M4SX8SBg

Key Takeaways:

• Inclusive Education is Not Just Physical Inclusion: It requires supporting diverse needs with appropriate resources and training.
• Mindset Matters: Mindset, method, and structure are the three pillars of successful inclusive education—known as "The M&Ms."
• Barriers for Teachers Exist: Educators face obstacles in mindset shifts, lack of resources, and structural constraints.
• Resourcefulness is Key: Teachers are encouraged to find creative solutions in advocacy and classroom practice.
• Interdependence and Collaboration: Seeking supportive networks and resources is crucial for educators working in less inclusive environment

Resources:

Aaron Lanou: https://www.aaronlanou.com/

Papi Por Que: https://papi-porque.com/

Thank you to our sponsor, IXL! Learn more:

MCIE: https://www.mcie.org

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