The Special Education Coffee Hour series is designed to provide relevant and practical information across a broad range of topics to meet the needs of all learners in the classroom. Information will be shared, and resources and tools will be provided that assist educational staff in providing compliant special education programs and services with high quality student outcomes. 

 Audience: K-12 Teachers (General and Special Education), K-12 Itinerant/Support Staff, K-12 School Leaders

Introducing Jan Weckstein

Jan Weckstein is the Special Education Consultant for Grand Valley State University’s Charter Schools Office. She was formerly the Deputy Director of the MDE-Office of Special Education. Prior to that Jan served in numerous roles in public education including ISD Assistant Superintendent for Special Education, Compliance Director, Supervisor and Principal. She also served as a local district Director of Special Education and taught both general education and special education classes throughout her career. Jan holds an M.Ed. from GVSU in Special Education Administration, an M.A. from MSU in Curriculum and an undergraduate from EMU in English and Special Education. Jan is a Past-President of the Michigan Association of Administrators of Special Education (MAASE) and the Michigan Council for Exceptional Children (MCEC). In 2011 she was awarded the Murray O. Batten Humanitarian Award, A MAASE award presented annually each December to a peer exemplifying the characteristics of Leadership, Honesty, Integrity, and Dedication.

Introducing Dr. Jacqueline D. McDougal

Dr. Jacqueline D. McDougal, who is married to Julius McDougal and has two adult children, retired in January 2023 after over 30 years in education, specializing in special education. She joined Farmington Public Schools in 2013 as a Supervisor and soon became the Executive Director of Special Education, a role she previously held for Pontiac Public Schools. Her leadership extended to managing staff, directing operations, and providing guidance to multiple departments and services. Additionally, she worked as a Consulting Psychologist, School Psychologist and Clinical Supervisor. Dr. McDougal was recognized with the Gwisdalla Award in 2019 and the Beekman Award in 2022 for her excellence in supporting students with disabilities, staff, and parents.

Introducing Dr. Sara Holding

Dr. Sara Holding, with over 30 years of experience in education, is a member of the School/University Partnership Office at Saginaw Valley State University. She specializes in special education and school administration, with a strong focus on inclusive and equitable education. Her past roles include Director of Special Education and Lead Principal at Grand Ledge Public School. Dr. Holding earned her doctorate in 2024 from Gwynedd Mercy University, her research focus continues in the areas of student progress measured through data collection and race match within the special education environment.  

Up 8.0 SCECHs (1.0 for each session) can be earned at no cost to participants of our "Special Education Coffee Hour" series, which will conclude in May. Learn more about SCECHs and our process on our SCECHs guide.

Please contact Jayme Lesperance, Manager of Educator Enrichment and Outreach, if you have any questions about this series.