STATE ADVISORY PANEL FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION - APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP 2025

New ApplicantCurrent Member

Thank you for your interest in applying for a position on Georgia’s State Advisory Panel for Special Education. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) mandates that all states have special education advisory panels to include representation from stakeholders concerned about providing improved educational opportunities to children with disabilities. The goal in Georgia is to have an active State Advisory Panel with broad representation from across the state to advise the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) regarding the State Performance Plan, State Systemic Improvement Plan, State Personnel Development Grant, Georgia Continuous Improvement Monitoring Process, IDEA Regulations, and other initiatives designed to improve outcomes for all children with disabilities in Georgia’s schools.

Please read the following qualifications for membership on the Panel. If you are interested in seeking membership on the State Advisory Panel, please complete the application with references, and submit it no later than April 15, 2025, to be considered for membership in 2025-2026.

QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS

1. Applicants must be a resident of Georgia, at least 18 years of age, a high school graduate, and meet criteria in at least one of the following categories:

Individuals with disabilities
Parents/Guardians of a child with a disability age birth to 26
Teachers of students with disabilities (regular education and special education)
Educational administrators
Representatives of institutions of higher education that prepare special education and related services personnel
Administrators of programs for children with disabilities
Representatives of private schools and public charter schools
Representatives of a vocational, community, or business organization concerned with the provision of transition services to children with disabilities

2. Individuals with disabilities and parents must make up 51% of panel membership.
3. Applicants agree to serve a three-year term.

4. If the applicant is a member of a local advocacy organization, a local special education advisory committee, or a local interagency committee, please indicate on the application.

APPOINTMENT
The State Board of Education approves Panel members to serve a three-year term. Applicants employed by a local school system or college/university should notify their local superintendent or department chairperson of their intent to apply for Panel membership. The State Board of Education will approve nominees and will notify applicants of their approval for Panel membership.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
The Panel meets a minimum of four times each year. The applicant should plan for release time from job responsibilities for up to two days for each meeting. GaDOE will reimburse travel and subsistence expenses at state rates. In most instances, GaDOE pays for lodging and reimburses members for meals and mileage at approved state rates. Lastly, GaDOE may reimburse respite care at designated rates. Should the DOE require virtual meetings, there are no travel or subsistence reimbursements.

MEMBERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES
Each Panel member will be expected to attend all meetings.

I have read and understand the qualifications/requirements, travel requirements and membership responsibilities.*

Yes, I have read and understand

Name*

First NameLast Name

Email*

example@example.com

Home Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code

Home Phone Number*

Please enter a valid phone number.

Job Title*

Work Phone Number

Please enter a valid phone number.

Work Address

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code

What is your Congressional District Number? (Congressional Map below)*

Click the 3 lines at the top left to see the entire state map.

Please check all that apply*

Individual with disabilityParent/Guardian of a child with a disability age birth to 26.Teacher of students with disabilities (Specialor Regular Education).Representative of institution of higher education that prepares special education and related services personnel.State or local education officialAdministrator of programs for children with disabilities

If you have a disability what is your area of disability?

If you have a disability please include any accommodations that may be needed?

If you are a parent or guardian of a child with disability please indicate their date of birth.

Date

If you are a parent or guardian of a child with disability please indicate their area of disability.

If you are a teacher of students with disabilities please indicate what area (s) you teach.

If you are a teacher of students with disabilities please indicate what level(s) you teach.

If you are a representative of an institution of higher education please name the institution.

If you are a state or local education official please name your title and what district/office you are employed with.

If you are an administrator of programs for children with disabilities please indicate what LEA you are employed with.

Have you ever or do you currently serve on an advisory board?*

YesNo

Please describe or explain the work you supported on an advisory board.

Please describe your educational background.*

Please describe any other areas of specialty training.

Please include the name of your current employer, your job title and your basic responsibilities.*

Please include any professional and or advocacy affiliations.

How did you find out about the State Advisory Panel?*

WebsiteCurrent or previous panel memberLocal school districtOther

Why do you want to be a member of the State Advisory Panel?*

What is your vision for students with disabilities in Georgia?*

Please provide two references: (If an employee of a school system, state agency, or professional organization, we ask that at least one reference is professional.)

Name Reference #1*

First NameLast Name

Email Reference #1*

example@example.com

Address Reference #1

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code

Phone Number Reference #1

Please enter a valid phone number.

Name Reference #2*

First NameLast Name

Email Reference #2*

example@example.com

Address Reference #2

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code

Phone Number Reference #2

Please enter a valid phone number.

By submitting this application to become a member of the State Advisory Panel to the Georgia Department of Education, the applicant acknowledges that this application is subject to the Georgia Open Records Act, §§ 50-18-70 et seq.

Please submit completed online applications by April 15, 2024.

Signature

STATE ADVISORY PANEL (SAP) APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP 2025 - 2026