- NASET Coaching with Dr. Mary Donaldson-
Special Education Coaching Cohort
A live group coaching experience for special education professionals who want real answers, real support, and a community that actually gets it.
Your Coach:
Dr. Mary L. Donaldson brings more than 40 years of experience leading special education programs across public, charter, and higher education systems in Alaska, Wisconsin, and Minnesota. She currently serves as Special Education Director for Nome Public Schools, where she leads districtwide programming, staff development, and federal grant implementation while supporting students in a high-needs district. Dr. Donaldson has held roles as superintendent, principal, university program director, and adjunct faculty, and holds a Doctorate in Educational Administration with licensure as a K-12 Principal/Superintendent and Special Education Director in multiple states. She is recognized for building culturally responsive programs, developing innovative inclusion and literacy initiatives, and improving outcomes for students with intensive needs.
The Problem:
Special education is one of the most demanding and most isolating careers in education. You are navigating IEPs, compliance, behavior challenges, family dynamics, administrative pressure, and a caseload that never seems to shrink - often with little support and no one nearby who truly understands what you are dealing with.
Most professional development gives you information. What you actually need is someone in your corner helping you think through the hard stuff in real time.
That is what this cohort is.
What you get:
Two live group coaching sessions every month for three months. Each 45-60 minute session opens with a guided topic relevant to what special educators are facing right now, then moves into open Q&A so your specific questions and challenges get addressed directly.
Between sessions you have direct email access to your coach - so when something comes up on a Tuesday afternoon you are not waiting two weeks to get support.
You also get access to a private NASET community space exclusively for cohort members where you can connect with peers, share wins, ask questions, and build relationships with special educators who understand your work.
Features:
- 6 live group coaching sessions over 3 months
- Dates and times subject to change:
- 4pm EST: 6/18, 6/29, 7/14, 7/23, 8/4, 8/17
- Dates and times subject to change:
- 45-60 minutes per session
- 2 sessions per month
- Direct email access to your coach between sessions
- Private NASET community space for cohort members
- Limited number of seats available
Founding cohort pricing: Members: $199 for 3 months Non-members: $275 for 3 months (includes NASET membership)
JOIN THE COHORT
What you get:
This cohort is designed for special education professionals at every stage - whether you are navigating your first IEP season, managing a complex caseload as a veteran, leading a special education department, or somewhere in between. If you work in special education and want dedicated support from an expert coach and a community of peers, this is for you.
ENROLL TODAYLimited spots available!
Sessions are live, not recorded. Enrollment closes June 17, 2026 or when spots are filled.
Completion bonus: Attend 75% or more of sessions and receive $150 off any NASET board certification.Â
Who is NASET?
The National Association of Special Education Teachers (NASET) is the leading professional organization dedicated exclusively to supporting special education teachers across the United States.
Committed to advancing excellence in the field, NASET promotes high professional standards, ongoing development, and advocacy to ensure that children with special needs receive the best education possible.
Founded by and for educators, NASET provides a trusted platform for research, resources, and recognition in special education.