Special Education (SPED)

Department Members

Martin Swanzey - IEP Coordinator (mswanzey@schools.nyc.gov)

Maria Guillen - ENL Coordinator, Special Education Teacher (mguillen3@schools.nyc.gov)

Richard Alvarez - Special Education Teacher (ralvarez11@schools.nyc.gov)

Jesus Aquino - Special Education Teacher (jaquinopena2@schools.nyc.gov)

Whitney Graham - Special Education Teacher (wgraham@schools.nyc.gov)

Shantoel McCleod - Special Education Teacher (smcleod9@schools.nyc.gov)

Maireny Mena - Special Education Teacher (mmena10@schools.nyc.gov)

Abdul Muhammad - Special Education Teacher (amuhammad15@schools.nyc.gov)

Thomas Stroh - Special Education Teacher (tstroh@schools.nyc.gov)

 

 

 

Contact Us

To reach the Special Education Department, please contact:

IEP Coordinator: Martin Swanzey (mswanzey@schools.nyc.gov)

Phone: (718) 824-0978 

Resources

Department's Vision for our students

Millennium Art Academy, the Special Education department, provides individualized support and ensures that all students with disabilities receive a quality education tailored to their unique needs. Here are some common goals:

  1. Individualized Education Plans (IEPs): Ensure that all students have comprehensive, up-to-date IEPs that set realistic, measurable goals tailored to their specific needs and abilities.

  2. Academic Achievement: Promote academic success by providing appropriate accommodations, modifications, and specialized instruction to help students meet state and district educational standards.

  3. Social and Emotional Development: Foster the social and emotional growth of students through programs and interventions that build self-esteem, resilience, and social skills.

  4. Transition Planning: Prepare students for post-secondary life by focusing on transition planning, which includes vocational training, college readiness, independent living skills, and community integration.

  5. Parental and Family Engagement: Strengthen partnerships with parents and families by providing resources, and regular communication to support their child's education and development.

  6. Professional Development: Continuously train and support special education staff to stay current with best practices, new teaching strategies, and legal requirements.

  7. Collaboration and Teamwork: Promote collaboration among special education teachers, general education teachers, support staff, and related service providers to ensure a cohesive and comprehensive approach to each student’s education.