Alexis Hanson joined CUSD 200 in July 2024 as the Executive Director of Special Education. With more than 18 years of experience in special education, she is passionate about fostering collaboration and enhancing student outcomes. Mrs. Hanson believes in the power of community engagement and is committed to addressing the unique challenges faced by all stakeholders. 

What inspired you to pursue a career in Special Education?

I have always known that I wanted to be an educator, but my perspective on education transformed as I grew up. I witnessed my mom tirelessly supporting my brother at the kitchen table, day in and day out, which deepened my appreciation for the challenges many families face. It was during high school that a pivotal moment occurred: a teacher in my childcare class encouraged me to expand my learning into an independent study focused on working with students with special needs. This experience not only solidified my passion for education, but also ignited my commitment to fostering inclusive learning environments.

What is your background in special education, and what made you choose taking on this role in CUSD 200?

I began my journey in special education as an elementary special education teacher, focusing on grades K-3. My passion for instruction and my commitment to teaching foundational literacy and math skills drove me in this role for ten years. I then transitioned to an instructional coach, where I worked closely with general education teachers to enhance instructional strategies and support all learners. While I enjoyed this position, I found myself missing the special education aspect, which led me to return to that department as a special education coordinator. My desire to make a broader impact on student outcomes fueled my aspiration to step into an administrative role. From there, I progressed through various leadership roles, including assistant director, associate director, and ultimately director of elementary education within CUSD 303 in St. Charles. 

When I discovered the opening in CUSD 200 and began my research, I was impressed by the district's reputation for fostering a warm, collaborative culture. During the interview process, I felt an immediate connection and witnessed this reputation in action. I am excited about the opportunity to broaden my horizons in such an environment and to contribute meaningfully to the educational community on a larger scale.

What are your immediate priorities for special education in CUSD 200?

Upon stepping into my role within CUSD 200, my immediate priorities were to listen to stakeholders, learn about the system, and build strong relationships. Collaboration is central to my mission, and I deeply value the insights and feedback from our community — students, parents, educators, and stakeholders alike. Recently, I had the privilege of participating in a series of listening sessions that provided me with diverse perspectives. These conversations have enriched my understanding of the unique challenges we face and the pathways we can explore to enhance our programs. As a result, these insights will guide my priorities moving forward, as they now align with our collective goals.

What major work projects do you have planned for this year?

Currently, I have been focused on conducting listening sessions with various stakeholder groups, as well as administering surveys to both staff and families. The insights gathered from these sessions are crucial for the improvement of our department. I have been analyzing the trends from this feedback and will present my findings at the Committee of the Whole Board Meeting on October 23rd. During this meeting, I will highlight our current work plan for the school year, identify additional areas of focus based on stakeholder feedback, and outline future priorities that emerge from these discussions.

Thank you to everyone in the CUSD 200 community who has shared their valuable input and feedback through these surveys and listening sessions. Your voices are essential in shaping the future of our special education programs, and I am grateful for your continued support and engagement. Together, we will work to create an inclusive, supportive environment where all students can thrive.