The Paraprofessionals Unlocking Licensure in Special Education (PULSE) program at the Department of Special Education (SED) is proud of the first class of graduates beginning their teaching career. Students and their families joined faculty, staff and administrators for a celebration following the May commencement ceremony.
The PULSE program is designed for special education paraprofessionals with at least two years of classroom experience to earn their bachelor’s degree in special education and their Professional Educator’s License (PEL) with a Learning Behavioral Specialist 1 (LBS 1) endorsement. This program is fully online with both synchronous and asynchronous coursework, meaning PULSE students can pursue their degree while continuing to work full-time.
Graduates are walking away with more than just a diploma. The first cohort were more than a typical graduating class, they became a vibrant community of passionate educators who are ready and willing to meet the complex needs of special education classrooms across the state.
“They’re creating this army of special education teachers,” shared Steve Mandel, a recent PULSE graduate and speaker at the program’s May 2025 graduation celebration.
“In my speech I had mentioned that I expected a great education–I never really expected to make new friends at this stage of my life,” he shared. “I made these friends that were essential for this journey. I couldn’t get through it without them.”
Steve will be teaching at Builta Elementary School in Naperville, IL in a self-contained classroom supporting 3rd through 5th grade students with emotional disabilities. He wishes to thank his wife and children, fellow PULSE graduates Dani, Nicole, Amanda, and Randy. He also thanks Dr. Derrek Drenkpohl, Dr. Christy Easley, and Melissa Ramirez-Osorio.
” I expected a great education–I never really expected to make new friends at this stage of my life.”
Steve Mandel, PULSE Graduate
Amanda Cummings, another graduate and Wheeler Scholar, is proud to speak of the “huge support system” built amongst program students, faculty, and staff. With many students having personal and family responsibilities that strain their ability to pursue another degree, PULSE provided Amanda and her peers the right environment for success.
“The PULSE program allowed me to still work, provide income for my family,” she shared. “Every professor was so understanding that we had lives outside of school. This whole program really made my dreams come true and also made this possible for me as a parent.”
Amanda will be teaching in the district where she worked as a paraprofessional in a self-contained middle school classroom working with students on the Autism spectrum. Amanda thanks her husband and three children, parents and sister, PULSE professors and advisors, and her fellow graduates Becky, Dani, Nicole, Steve, and Randy.
During her thirteen years in the field, fellow Wheeler Scholar Angie Deiter was always hungry for knowledge, taking on additional learning opportunities to be the best paraprofessional she could, even if she never became a teacher.
“I’ve always wanted to finish my degree, and everything aligned with PULSE,” Angie said. “I just felt that I had to do this.”
“It was just such a good experience,” she continued. “I learned so much. I was really just doing the program for the knowledge, and now I’m so happy I’m going to be a Special Ed teacher!”
Angie will teach kindergarten through second grade students at Heyworth Elementary School, where she previously worked as a paraprofessional. She wishes to thank her family, cohortmates, Clinical Assistant Professor Kelly Huey and all PULSE instructors and advisors for their support throughout her time learning and student teaching.
While the program provided a variety of inspiring learning experiences, the commencement ceremony was an emotional testament to the achievements of PULSE graduates.
“It was actually an overwhelming feeling because I realized how those two years went by so fast.” said Lesheka Hasan, graduate and Golden Apple Scholar. “I’ve been speaking to so many people about this program because it’s been amazing, and I told them ‘the time–it just gets away.’”
Having already earned four degrees, Lesheka was hesitant to pursue a second bachelor’s. “I wasn’t doing anything that I was passionate about, but when I started in education, things had shifted.” she shared. “I am excited about this new journey, and I am so thankful to the PULSE program for me to actually be a part of one of the first cohorts to graduate.”
Lesheka will be teaching at her current school, Ray Graham Training Center, working with students aged 18 to 22. She wishes to thank Ashley, Mandy White, and the rest of her PULSE instructors and advisors.
Graduate Beth Winick had similar feelings of excitement and awe about the commencement ceremony in the Spring. “When I pulled up to the campus parking lot, I saw people everywhere in their caps and gowns. I immediately thought, ‘oh gosh, this is really happening!’” She continued, “toward the end of the semester, my anxiety and fear of giving up took control and I couldn’t see myself graduating, so it all set in for me on that day.”
With a busy household, PULSE’s online format helped Beth balance her work, her family, and her passion for education. “Becoming a teacher has been a long time goal of mine, but school was always very hard for me,” she said.
In spite of her previous challenges, Beth graduated from PULSE with a 4.0, and will be working at the Social Emotional Learning Academy hosted by the Decatur Public Schools. She will teach fourth through sixth graders, many of whom she worked with in her five years as a Teaching Assistant with the district. Beth thanks her husband and four children, program faculty members including Kelly Huey, and classmates Melissa and Tara.
For paraprofessionals dreaming of advancing in the field, Wheeler Scholar and graduate Jackie Carroll is proud to share her profound experience as a part of the PULSE program community. Initially hesitant about joining the program, she leaned on her community of educators and fellow students throughout her time in the program.
“We came together as strangers, but we left as this family,” Jackie shared. “We did a lot of talking about helping each other out with assignments and classroom struggles over the years. It was just that bond that we made with each other that helped me and others make it to the end.”
She will teach at Stark County Community Unit School District #100, where she completed her student teaching, leading study halls, math, and English classes for freshmen and sophomores. “I’m really looking forward to just diving in with these kids again and seeing how they’ve grown since I had them for student teaching!”
She will teach at Stark County Community Unit School District #100, where she completed her student teaching, leading study halls, math, and English classes for freshmen and sophomores. “I’m really looking forward to just diving in with these kids again and seeing how they’ve grown since I had them for student teaching!”
Jackie wishes to thank Mandy White and her other PULSE instructors, and her whole cohort, especially Jennifer, Kristy, Bridget, and Stacy.
Each of the graduates mentioned the support of Dr. Krystal Lewis-Pratl, PULSE Clinical Coordinator, in their success. “Working with the PULSE candidates has been an incredible privilege,” she said. “Hearing their stories and learning about their experiences as paraprofessionals has been a powerful reminder of how essential programs like PULSE are. These candidates bring heart, practical knowledge, and deep commitment to their learners, and they are truly valued partners in their districts.”
Lewis-Pratl helps secure clinical placements for each PULSE student, supporting them through the unique challenge of leading a classroom: “One of the greatest joys in my role is connecting with their district administrators and hearing how deeply valued these educators are within their schools.”
“PULSE candidates serve as an integral part of the educational team, and administrators are often eager to hire them as licensed teachers. Their dedication, experience, and connection to their communities make them an essential part of their school community.”
The Department of Special Education thanks these graduates and their peers for entrusting their career aspirations to the PULSE program in its first year. SED is thrilled for these graduates as they enter the next stage of their educational career and is proud to call them a part of the Redbird Educator family.
