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May 12, 2008

Edmond educator chosen best in state

Patty Miller

EDMOND — Nancy Goosen is a winner. She will never tell you that, but her peers will be more than happy to let you know.

She recently was selected the 2007-08 Oklahoma Special Services Director of the Year.

Goosen has been in education for 21 years, and for the past nine years she has worked for the Edmond Public Schools system as Special Services director for 26 school sites. Prior to that she spent 10 years working as a supervisor for the Oklahoma County Regional Education Service Center.

She currently oversees 145 special education teachers, 31 speech language pathologists, three physical therapists and six occupational therapists.

“Nancy is certainly deserving of this award,” said Donna Kearns, professor at the University of Central Oklahoma. “She is a winner!”

Goosen has served on the Advisory Committee for the Special Education Program at the University of Central Oklahoma for nearly 10 years.

“Her continuous support, encouragement and collaboration have been invaluable,” Kearns said.

Goosen collaborated with Kearns on a special transition program to support a select group of students with disabilities as they attempt to transition from high school to higher education.

“Students who have the intellect to attend college, but have limited social skills (e.g., students with Asperger Syndrome) receive social skills and transition skills training, as well as work on campus for elective credit during their high school senior year,” said Judy Cody, EPS coordinator of Special Services. “Students who may have never taken the higher education leap may no longer be afraid to do so.”

Kearns said Goosen’s professionalism along with her passion for children with disabilities is obvious. “It has been a treat to work with her as she quietly but very positively changes the world to make it a better place for children with disabilities.”

Goosen assists in recruitment, selection and recommendation for hiring of all special education personnel in Edmond.

“She is a visionary and is always seeking to improve programs to do what’s best for our students, our families, our staff and our district,” Cody said.

“‘On the Road Again’ could be our spring theme song,” Cody said as Goosen travels throughout the state to recruit educators.

Goosen may be small in stature, but she stands tall when it comes to knowledge of special education and the services offered.

“She may be tiny but she is mighty,” said Sandra Keller, speech language pathologist. “She has the ability to see many perspectives simultaneously, and in her eyes, each and every person has value.”

Goosen’s knowledge of special education policies is known throughout the district.

“Nancy is like a walking Post-it note: A storage bank full of memos, reminders, deadlines and procedures,” said Lisa Prater, speech language pathologist. “Without her, the life of a speech pathologist would be utterly unimaginable.”

Goosen has many attributes admired by those with whom she works.

“Nancy is reassuring, positive, gracious and humble,” said Central Middle School principal Tara Fair. “She is an inspiration to me. Role model, absolutely. Peacemaker, always. Hardworking, caring and every other virtuous word, they are Nancy. I am truly honored to have Nancy as a colleague and friend. In my opinion no one will ever deserve this award more than Nancy.”

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