The Story Behind the Work:
Sheri Anderson, PhD
I grew up in the inner city of Baton Rouge, LA. I recognized at an early age the disparities between urban and non-urban school districts. My mother saw the disparities that existed in our neighborhood schools too. So, she petitioned the neighboring district to allow my sister and I to attend one of their schools. She wanted us to be exposed to learning opportunities not offered in our neighborhood school district. The school board approved her request if she agreed to drive us to and from school every day. Her expression of love regarding our educational experiences was a defining moment in my life!
When I became a teacher, I made a vow to spend my career leveling the financial playing field for schools located in urban areas. I have witnessed, first-hand how the lack of funding impacts the resources available to urban school districts and their students with disabilities. When I was asked to launch a non-profit special education organization that would provide Charter and other schools access to special education service providers at an affordable rate, I fully embraced the opportunity.
I have worked in the field of special education for almost 30 years. I have served public schools in urban districts as a classroom teacher and a Director of Special Education. In addition, I have taught full-time at the university level in special education teacher preparation programs for 16 years. I received a BA in Elementary Education from Southern University (Baton Rouge), a Master’s from The Ohio State University in Educational Services and Research with an emphasis in special education (Columbus), and a PhD from Purdue University (West Lafayette, IN) in Educational Studies (Special Education). I have published research articles, opinion papers, and book chapters and presented at local, state, and national conferences on special education topics.
For the past 30 years, I have been dedicated to serving students with special needs and their families. As I embark on this next chapter of my career, I continue my commitment to ensuring that students with disabilities get the high quality of services they deserve.
Sheri L. Anderson, PhD
Director, SPEDACTS
I grew up in the inner city of Baton Rouge, LA. I recognized at an early age the disparities between urban and non-urban school districts. My mother saw the disparities that existed in our neighborhood schools too. So, she petitioned the neighboring district to allow my sister and I to attend one of their schools. She wanted us to be exposed to learning opportunities not offered in our neighborhood school district. The school board approved her request if she agreed to drive us to and from school every day. Her expression of love regarding our educational experiences was a defining moment in my life!
When I became a teacher, I made a vow to spend my career leveling the financial playing field for schools located in urban areas. I have witnessed, first-hand how the lack of funding impacts the resources available to urban school districts and their students with disabilities. When I was asked to launch a non-profit special education organization that would provide Charter and other schools access to special education service providers at an affordable rate, I fully embraced the opportunity.
I have worked in the field of special education for almost 30 years. I have served public schools in urban districts as a classroom teacher and a Director of Special Education. In addition, I have taught full-time at the university level in special education teacher preparation programs for 16 years. I received a BA in Elementary Education from Southern University (Baton Rouge), a Master’s from The Ohio State University in Educational Services and Research with an emphasis in special education (Columbus), and a PhD from Purdue University (West Lafayette, IN) in Educational Studies (Special Education). I have published research articles, opinion papers, and book chapters and presented at local, state, and national conferences on special education topics.
For the past 30 years, I have been dedicated to serving students with special needs and their families. As I embark on this next chapter of my career, I continue my commitment to ensuring that students with disabilities get the high quality of services they deserve.
Sheri L. Anderson, PhD
Director, SPEDACTS
Service Providers
