Against All Odds: Sandra Chambers-Collins, A Champion of Special Education
The digital ping of my email notification sounded out on a sunny Wednesday afternoon, marking the third email of the day pertaining to interviews. As I scanned the new message, a rich narrative unfolded, introducing me to Sandra “Sandy” Chambers-Collins, a special education director with more than a quarter of a century’s worth of experience under her belt.
Sandy, whose professional journey spans teaching, supervision, grant writing, and professional development, is a wellspring of wisdom and tenacity. Born and raised in Birmingham, England, to Jamaican parents, she immigrated with her mother to the United States in 1984 following her parents’ divorce. The course of her life took a dramatic turn when, a month after graduating from college, she found her mother unresponsive due to a severe stroke.
Sandy’s ensuing journey into the world of education was unexpected but profound. “Witnessing children with physical and brain injuries during my mother’s recovery instigated a newfound passion within me,” she shared. “I returned to school to become certified in special education, driven by a desire to make a difference in the lives of those facing similar challenges.”
Sandy’s philosophy on education is rooted in inclusivity and respect for individual learning styles. She emphasizes that all students can learn, regardless of their abilities or disabilities. “Students just learn differently in their own way and in their own time,” she stresses. “When we think about delivering best instructional practices to all students, we must remember that ALL means ALL – students with disabilities, underrepresented students, and students of color.”
As a Black woman educator, Sandy has faced her fair share of challenges – from surprising reactions to her British accent to resistance when advocating for student improvements. “The surprise people express when my British accent on the phone doesn’t align with their preconceived image can be palpable, she says. “Meeting face-to-face often leads to a noticeable shift in perception, with some adjusting their expectations. This experience highlights the stereotypes that persist. Moreover, advocating for improvements for my students and staff has sometimes been met with resistance, necessitating the use of laws and policies to push through obstacles.” She navigates these obstacles with unwavering resilience and commitment. “Despite these challenges, my dedication to fostering positive change for those under my care remains unabated,” she confesses.
Sandy shares a heartening story from her career about a 17-year-old African American male special education student. Despite having an IQ of 119, the student was misdiagnosed as intellectually disabled. This misunderstanding of his capabilities was discovered during a thorough examination of records received from a different district. The student also faced additional challenges, including orthopedic impairments and a speech impairment, which made his educational journey even more difficult.
However, with the newfound insight, the student could undergo a reevaluation process, and he was subsequently provided with compensatory education services tailored to address his specific needs. “Through unwavering support and targeted interventions, he overcame these obstacles and earned his high school diploma by the age of 22, against all odds. This narrative highlights the importance of accurate diagnoses and personalized educational approaches, emphasizing the need to ensure that every student, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to realize their full potential”, she says.
Sandy believes her work as a Black woman educator can have a lasting impact, inspiring students of diverse backgrounds and contributing to breaking down systemic barriers. She advises other educators to stay authentic, embrace challenges as growth opportunities, and remember the importance of self-care.
Sandy is also a contributor to the Centering Our Voices anthology, a book that amplifies the experiences and perspectives of Black women educators. “This anthology allows us to share our stories, fostering understanding and connection,” she elaborates. In her chapter, she shares her journey and the lessons learned, hoping readers will understand the power of authenticity and the importance of advocacy in education.
Sandy believes the Centering Our Voices anthology can inspire vital conversations on equity and inclusion, ultimately contributing to a more inclusive and reflective educational community.
To connect with her or order a copy of the book, you can reach her via Instagram @embrace4success @s_joy_c, Facebook @Sandy Chambers-Collins, or email: embracefoursuccess@gmail.com.
