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For more information about Kelli Appel's work, review her profile.

Kelli Appel: Collaboration in special education is key

By Lauren Huffman

"I think our students really benefit from our faculty's expertise and their involvement. Our program really makes our students feel like they're a part of a smaller school in the sense that faculty really get to know students so well and are so involved with them and their progress. I think that's pretty unique for a program our size." — Kelli Appel, coordinator, Special Education Undergraduate Program

(June 2, 2011) Kelli Appel believes strongly in collaborating with others; both during student teaching and while in the classroom. Appel collaborates on a daily basis, whether it be with students, teachers, or faculty. Appel oversees all the clinical experiences in the Special Education department and is the curriculum liaison with the faculty.

Appel praises the distinctive field experience that is offered at Illinois State. "I think that it's unique that we have as much clinical experience for our students that we do. We really have a lot of opportunities to apply theory to practice." Students also have those opportunities in very diverse classrooms, so they work with different ages, different types of classrooms, and teachers.

Appel completed her bachelor's degree in Special Education in 1989, and had the opportunity to do a semester-long field experience in Decatur and Pekin.

The program has since changed, becoming more inclusive of all of the concentrations within special education. Appel stresses the importance of field experience as it was critical in her teaching preparation, and is for all students going into special education. "We get feedback from teachers and supervisors. Everyone really values the opportunity for them to apply what they're learning in classes before they are out there on their own."

Appel works to help students recognize how important what they're doing is and how important it is being a special educator. "I let them know what a difference they can make in kids' lives — positively or negatively, and how important what they're doing here is to that, how what we do is really modeled after the responsibilities that they'll have as a teacher."

Appel also urges students to enhance their studies by getting involved in volunteer activities and student organizations on campus. "I think whether you volunteer in the community, work at a summer camp for kids with disabilities, or get involved in our student organizations or service opportunities for kids or adults with disabilities, it just helps you tremendously. The more experience you have, the more you are able to make connections with the things that you are learning in class."

Appel continues to be impressed with the students enrolled in special education as special education continues to be a high-needs area. She encourages students "who care about children and are open to helping every child reach his or her potential." Additionally, she acknowledges the team approach to life-long learning that special education involves.

Appel collaborates with colleagues in the special education department, most recently with Hedda Meadan-Kaplansky and Debbie Shelden on an article geared towards teachers in order to support their students. "We worked with families about how to give input for developing a vision for their child." The article was featured in the journal, Teaching Exceptional Children.

As she looks ahead in her career, Appel will continue to work in partnership with her colleagues to advance the special education department further. "I would like to see our department continue to be the largest undergraduate teacher preparation program for special educators and maintain the high quality and rigor that we have currently."