Today we’d like to introduce you to Regula Schmid.
Regula, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
As a former school principal I oversaw every aspect of the school, including special education. When my daughter was diagnosed with dyslexia, I assumed the school would provide services and accommodations for her, just as I had arranged for students who were at my school. I was shocked to learn that I had to advocate for my daughter and fight for her to be granted the educational services that she had a legal right to and needed in order to be successful in school.
Children receiving a proper education has always been a core value of mine. So when family friends shared with me similar stories of frustration and sense of helplessness, I offered to attend meetings with school personnel along their side to help get their children the services that they needed.
This then led to my decision to start Dr. Schmid Education Advocacy and Consulting. As an advocate, I walk alongside families in their child’s education journey. I advise them on school choice, advocate for their child during meetings with school personnel, and help in disciplinary proceedings.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The biggest obstacle is that many families do not know that there are education advocates out there who can walk alongside them in their journey in getting the right education and special education services, if needed, for their child.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
As an advocate, I walk alongside families on their child’s education journey and fight for their child’s interests and best education practices. I specialize in helping parents make the right school choice for their child, advocate for their child during IEP and 504 meetings, and advise during disciplinary proceedings.
I have over three decades of experience in various roles in education: Teacher, Staff Developer, Literacy Expert, Vice Principal, Principal, and Professor. In those roles, I saw inside elementary and secondary schools and oversaw IEP and 504 meetings as well as disciplinary proceedings. Under my leadership, schools transformed. Students achieved higher academic levels, suspension rates dropped, and student attendance increased. I hold the Advanced Knowledge Specialist Certificate granted by the International Dyslexia Association and have presented on advocacy at the International Dyslexia Association conference, DyslexiaCon.
Currently, I am also an associate professor at Azusa Pacific University where I teach a variety of methodology and theory of learning courses. My research and interests focus on effective instruction and education advocacy for students.
I homeschooled my daughter until 8th grade and my twin sons until 7th grade after which they successfully transitioned to regular school.
My vast experience in public schools as well as homeschool sets me apart from other advocates.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
In education lingo, we speak of “at risk children.” What is meant is that they are at risk of failing. I cannot sit back and see students fail. Every student has the right to the educational services they need. I fight for them when they are “at risk” and when they have already failed because with the right services they can turn it around. To me that is not taking a risk on children, but rather taking a chance on them.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.drschmideducationadvocacyandconsulting.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drschmideducationadvocacy/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drschmideducationconsulting
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-regula-schmid-06356439/
