The Special Education Institute brings national experts and best practices to schools, districts and state departments of education to help them create realistic policies and effective practices for their special education students. These successful practices, grounded in appropriate policies, yield a dramatic improvement in the preparation of these students not only for state tests, but also for the world beyond school.

Lawrence Gloeckler as Executive Director

Larry Gloeckler, Executive Director of the Special Education Institute, is a national leader in the fields of special education and vocational rehabilitation.  He has earned the deep respect of educators, advocates, elected officials, and individuals with disabilities for the leadership he has provided.

For 14 years, Larry served as Deputy Commissioner of Vocational and Educational Services for Individuals with Disabilities (VESID) at the New York State Education Department. In that position, he received widespread national recognition for the exemplary services provided by his office and for the focus on using data to guide both public policy and strategies for schools.

Larry has served as the President of the National Association of State Directors of Special Education and has testified before Congressional committees and the President's Commission on Special Education. He is highly sought after as a speaker and consultant.

Larry brings to the Institute a total commitment to individuals with disabilities along with a rich background in providing leadership at the public policy level and in creating successful programs for students and adults. He is well networked and can identify the best practices across the country, to share with other schools. Larry also provides motivation, inspiration, and information for everyone interested in special education.

The International Center for Leadership in Education is unwavering in its mission to help schools create a rigorous and relevant curriculum for all students. Central to that mission has been a commitment to special education students. We established the Special Education Institute for two reasons:

About Lawrence C. Gloeckler
Institute Services
Issues in Special Education