2024 Educators Forum Keynote Speakers
Zach Rossetti, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Teaching & Learning Department, Wheelock College of Education & Human Development, Boston University
Zach Rossetti, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor in the Wheelock College of Education & Human Development at Boston University. A former special education teacher and inclusion facilitator from New Hampshire, Dr. Rossetti’s research focuses on social interactions and friendships between students with and without intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (IDD), specifically the contexts and dynamics of such relationships and how educators and families may facilitate social opportunities. His research also examines the experiences of families with children with IDD by centering on participation and language access in IEP meetings, community participation, family-professional partnerships of culturally and linguistically diverse families, and sibling roles and relationships.
Dr. Rossetti co-authored "Affirming disability: Strengths-based portraits of culturally diverse families" (2020, Teachers College Press). He also co-authored "Seeing the Charade: What We Need to Do and Undo to Make Friendships Happen" (2006, Inclusive Solutions: Nottingham, UK).
Equal Ground: Meaningful Collaboration to Support all Students
Despite increased attention and research during the past three decades, systemic barriers continue to hamper meaningful collaboration among school team members and between school team members and families of children with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (I/DD). This keynote will emphasize effective strategies to enhance collaboration and support all students to be successful.
Micaiah Elow
Micaiah Elow is a 15 year old student at the William Henderson School in Dorchester. He is the youngest of 3 children, he has an older sister and brother that he loves to hang out with. Micaiah likes to laugh and to prank his friends and family. He started high school this year and is very excited about being a 9th grader. Micaiah has been a member of the Yawkey Boys and Girls Club since he was 6 years old. He enjoys being in the Technology Center and has taken cooking classes there as well. Micaiah was able to apply for and secure a job as Young Leader both last year and this year. He was nominated for Junior Youth of the year this year. He did not win but made it to the final 2 at the Yawkey Club. While being a Young Leader he has had the opportunity to attend Financial Literacy workshops with KPMG and learn other life skills. He has been a member of Brookline Special Olympics since 2022 and enjoys meeting new people. He continues to participate and raise money for the MDSC Buddy Walk as head of Micaiah’s Army and a proud member of 21 Shades Down Syndrome Support Group. His parents, Melissa and Darryl Elow are very proud of him.