Welcome Back!
Sep 04, 2025
In this issue
- Welcome back
- From the Expert : Meet Maryam
- Upcoming events
- Poll
Dear Camas CSD Special Ed PTSO Community,
As September rolls in and school is officially back in session our PTSO would like to welcome you back. As we fine tune our calendar for the school year we strive to continue to provide inclusive events and resources for our families to start the school year off strong. We are in the fourth year of our Camas CSD Special Education PTSO. Thank you for your support over the years and for joining us on our journey to continue to build a more inclusive Camas. If you are new to our group – welcome we are glad to have you! We have a lot in store for you this year that we will be sharing with you soon. Please feel free to reach out to us: team@camasptso.org
Sincerely,
Camas CSD Special Ed PTSO Team
From the Expert : Meet Maryam
Reflections of a Resource Teacher
By Maryam Wolff
She sat across from me, looking me straight in the eye and said, “You aren’t serving my daughter the way she needs to be.”
My heart sank. I knew she was right. I hadn’t written her daughter’s IEP, but I had inherited it, and I also knew I could never provide the intervention she truly needed within the limits of my role.
I picked up the Procedural Safeguards, handed them to her, and said, “You’re right. These are your parent rights. Please use them.”
That moment, as the brand-new 6th grade learning support teacher, changed me. It was the moment I realized just how essential it is for parents to understand their rights, their role, and the power they have in advocating for their child.
Why This Work Matters to Me
As a resource teacher, I worked with students who needed highly individualized, creative, and consistent support. I also made space to connect with parents, knowing they understand their child best. My role was to honor that perspective and ensure their voices were heard when updating the annual IEP.
At the same time, being a special education teacher meant navigating many responsibilities, and through it all, I saw how powerful it was when families understood their rights under IDEA and took an active role in the IEP process. That understanding gave them confidence, clarity, and a stronger role in shaping their child’s education.
Building Confidence in the IEP Process
That’s why I am so passionate about serving my community and offering workshops like Demystifying the IEP Process, happening September 8th at the Camas Public Library. This free event is designed to give parents clear knowledge, practical tools, and the confidence to walk into IEP meetings ready to advocate for their child.
I’ll break down the basics, answer questions, and share strategies I’ve learned over my years as a resource teacher. My goal is to take away some of the fear and confusion and replace it with clarity and empowerment.
A Little More on My Background
For the past 20 years, I’ve had the privilege of working with children with disabilities as a paraprofessional, tutor, mentor, coach, behavioral interventionist, and for the last seven years, as a special education teacher. Most of that time was spent in the resource room supporting students with invisible learning differences and disabilities.
I focused on designing interventions rooted in strategy, critical thinking, and character building. These approaches not only supported academic growth but also helped students gain independence and learn to advocate for their own needs.
I hold a B.S. in Psychology, a Master in Teaching in Special Education, and an Educational Specialist degree in Educational Leadership. Today, I hope to combine that experience, training, and education to serve families in my community and be a resource that helps both parents and students thrive.
Upcoming Events
Important links
Would you like to provide anonymous feedback regarding your IEP/504 meeting experience? What worked and what didn’t? We will continue to get data from this survey throughout the year to share with the district. ***** Please click on the button below to complete it anytime.
POLL