Area Special Education Cooperative

Yesterday, we hosted Due Process Bootcamp in East Grand Forks. We had an awesome group of special educators and related service providers from across the co-op come together for a day of collaboration focused on all things IEP. It was a fantastic opportunity to share knowledge, strengthen our skills, and work together to ensure we provide the best possible student outcomes. We’re proud of this group for their commitment to continuous learning and growth. Thank you to everyone who joined us today! #WeAreASEC #StrongerTogether #ResourcesInvestedInChildren

ASEC Assistive Technology and Orientation & Mobility Consultant Patricia Liebswager works so hard to lead groups of students in learning valuable community skills—like riding the city bus! 🚌 Last week, Patti took the fabulous group of students from the ILC in EGF on an exciting trip where they learned how to make a bus transfer to get back to school. It was a great hands-on experience that taught important navigation skills. What a great way to build independence and confidence! #WeAreASEC #StrongerTogether #ResourcesInvestedinChildren

ASEC Deaf and Hard of Hearing Teacher Joann Papke always brings the fun wherever she goes! Last week she visited the Independent Learning Center (ILC) at East Grand Forks Senior High. Joann and AJ worked together to expand his cooking skills. Together, they whipped up a full breakfast of eggs, bacon, and toast, which they enjoyed together. What a great way to start the day. Awesome work, you two! #WeAreASEC #StrongerTogether #ResourcesInvestedinChildren

Did you know ASEC's mission statement is "Resources Invested in Children"? Our staff live out this mission day in and day out. Our team commits to allocating time, funding, expertise, and other resources to support the development, education, and well-being of children. It reflects our organization's dedication to ensuring that children receive the necessary support to thrive in all environments. Our mission emphasizes the importance of investing in children as a priority, with the belief that such investments lead to better outcomes for individuals and society as a whole. #WeAreASEC #StrongerTogether

🎉 Celebrating 25 Years at ASEC! 🎉 Today, we honor Julie Yutrzenka, who has reached the incredible milestone of 25 years as an Occupational Therapist at ASEC! Julie, your unwavering dedication has transformed countless lives. Your work has gone beyond therapy, bringing hope, independence, and renewed confidence to those you’ve supported. Your compassion and expertise have touched so many, and your impact will be felt for years to come. We are immensely grateful for you and are excited to continue this journey alongside you. #WeAreASEC #StrongerTogether #OccupationalTherapist

At ASEC, we believe that the success of our students relies on the strength of the partnerships we build with our 11-member school districts. Collaboration between the special education cooperative and the school district is not just beneficial; it’s essential. Our motto, #WeAreASEC, reflects this commitment to unity. By working together, we pool our expertise, resources, and dedication to ensure that every student receives the support they need to thrive. Through collaboration, we create a cohesive support system that prioritizes the best interests of our students. Together, we make a difference.🌟🌟 #WeAreASEC #StrongerTogether

🎉20 Years!!!! 🎉Today, we proudly honor Valerie Shulstad, who has spent the last two decades making an incredible difference as an ECSE teacher here at ASEC. 🌟 For 20 years, Valerie has gone above and beyond in providing not just education, but also kindness, understanding, and encouragement to our youngest learners and their families. Val, your work has transformed so many lives, and we are beyond grateful for the lasting impact you’ve made and will continue to make in years to come. Please join us in celebrating Valerie on this amazing milestone! 🙌 #WeAreASEC #StrongerTogether #ECSE

We are thrilled to introduce our new Behavior Support Specialist Team. They hit the ground running this school year to support ASEC’s 11-member districts and the positive impact they are making is truly inspiring. Please help us welcome them to our team! Jennifer Modeen & Gabby Wavra, Behavior Support Specialists Rontray Edwards, Social Work Intern You three really are amazing!🌟 #WeAreASEC #StrongerTogether

✨ We're looking for a dedicated and compassionate School Psychologist to join our team! ✨ Check out the posting here: https://www.asec.net/o/asec/page/asec-job-opportunities-copy #WeAreASEC #StrongerTogether #SchoolPsychologist

We couldn't pass up the opportunity to share this great photo and give an extra shoutout to three of our incredible School Psychologists; Jenna, Natasha, and Maggie, who all joined ASEC 10 years ago and quickly became known as "The Dream Team!" 💙 True to their name, The Dream Team has made an incredible impact over the past 10 years. Thank you, ladies, for your outstanding dedication and teamwork! We are so grateful for everything you’ve done and continue to do for our ASEC family. #WeAreASEC #StrongerTogether #SchoolPsychologist

🎉 Celebrating 10 Years of Dedication with Dr. Natasha Olson! 🎉 A big congratulations to Natasha on reaching this amazing milestone with ASEC! Natasha, your unwavering dedication to supporting the mental and emotional well-being of our students has left a lasting and profound impact. You've shaped their lives in meaningful ways, offering guidance, care, and support at every step. We are so grateful for all that you do, and we look forward to many more years of making a difference together! You are an integral part of our team! #WeAreASEC #StrongerTogether #SchoolPsychologist

🎉🎉 Honoring 10 Years with Maggie Mallory! Today, we celebrate Maggie's remarkable 10-year milestone at ASEC! Maggie, your compassion, expertise, and tireless dedication have helped create a safe and supportive environment for countless students. You’ve empowered them to thrive not only academically but also personally. Your work has truly made a lasting difference, and we are incredibly grateful for all you do. Thank you, Maggie, for being such a vital part of our ASEC team! Here's to many more years of positive impact! #WeAreASEC #StrongerTogether #SchoolPsychologist

🎉 Celebrating 10 Years with Jenna Guttormson! 🎉 Please join us in recognizing her for an amazing decade of service! Jenna, your expertise, dedication, and genuine care have consistently made a positive impact on everyone around you. Your efforts in creating a nurturing and supportive environment have transformed the lives of so many. We are beyond grateful for your contributions and are excited to continue this journey with you for many years to come! Thank you, Jenna, for being such a valued member of our team! #WeAreASEC #StrongerTogether #SchoolPsychologist

🎉 🎉Celebrating 5 Years of Dedication! Join us in congratulating Kelsy Brazier on her 5th anniversary with ASEC! Kelsy, your unwavering commitment as a Sign Language Interpreter has profoundly impacted our team, districts, and community. You’ve broken down barriers, ensured that every voice is heard, and made those around you feel valued. We are incredibly grateful for your dedication and passion over these years. Thank you for being such a vital part of our team! #WeAreASEC #StrongerTogether #SignLanguageInterpreter

Huge shoutout to our incredible CPI Team! Last week, they successfully trained over 200 educators across our cooperative in Crisis Prevention Intervention, focusing on essential de-escalation techniques through hands-on role-playing. By practicing real-life scenarios, our educators are now better equipped to maintain a safe and supportive learning environment for all. #WeAreASEC #StrongerTogether

After 21 years of dedicated service at ASEC, we are both proud and a little sad to announce the retirement of Robbie Gregoire. For many years, she has been an integral part of our team, helping countless students develop the skills they need to succeed in and out of the classroom. Robbie has always exemplified the best qualities: patience, compassion, and a deep commitment to every student's well-being. Her innovative approaches and dedication have left a lasting impact on our team. Thank you, Robbie! We miss you but are excited for your new adventures ahead. Please help us wish her all the best in her well-deserved retirement! #WeAreASEC

We had an amazing time at our ASEC Staff Retreat! We were thrilled to welcome new team members and reconnect with our entire staff. Seeing so many happy faces and hearing chatter and laughter was heartwarming. As we looked back at photos from the day, it was clear that our focus on teamwork, growth, and purpose was shining through. Our team is truly Stronger Together! #WeAreASEC #Teamwork #Growth #Purpose #StrongerTogether

We want to take a moment to recognize and appreciate two members of our team—our amazing Business Manager, Shawn, and our incredible Administrative Assistant, Becky. From managing the countless details behind the scenes to keeping everything running smoothly, your hard work and commitment are truly the backbone of our organization. Your attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and unwavering support ensure that we can focus on our mission and work effectively every day. Thank you for all you do! We are so grateful to have you on our team. You embody the spirit of teamwork, growth, and purpose! #StrongerTogether #WeAreASEC #ThankYou #teamwork #growth #purpose

Last Thursday, we had the pleasure of spending the day with our member district administrators, planning and collaborating for the upcoming school year. Together, we're working hard to ensure that this year is filled with growth for all of our students. Here's to a new year of possibilities and progress! #WeAreASEC #BuildingCollaborativePartnerships

You just never know what might happen at an ASEC professional development opportunity!! Last week we spent the day with a fantastic group of new teachers and related service providers from our member districts for a day full of learning all things Special Education. Check out the Cooper's Hawk ASEC's Assistant Director Sandy is holding. A gentleman from The Minnesota Raptor Center came to assist this injured bird near our office. He brought it in and gave us a crash course on the awesome work this organization does for birds of prey in MN. After our training was complete, this beautiful Hawk made its journey to the University of MN with the help of ASEC's new Due Process Facilitator, Erin. #Teamwork #WeAreASEC