Biden nominates former teacher as head of special education

A former teacher and administrator known for her push to include students with disabilities in mainstream classrooms is in line to oversee the federal Office of Special Education, the U.S. Department of Education announced Friday.

President Joe Biden nominated Glenna Gallo, who leads the state of Washington’s special education division, to serve as assistant secretary for special education and rehabilitative services for the U.S. Department of Education. Gallo is also a former special education teacher with 25 years’ experience in the classroom and as an administrator. In Washington, Gallo worked to make classrooms more inclusive, reduce red tape for school districts, hire and train more aides and boost funding for students with disabilities.

“This nomination shows a deep commitment from this administration to ensure our nation’s students with disabilities receive the services and supports they need to reach their potential,” U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona said in a statement. “Glenna’s commitment to supporting the special education community will be instrumental in shaping and implementing the Department’s goals and strategies.”