A Message from our Education & Resource Coordinator – August 2025

Picture of Mimi Sanders, M.Ed. Education & Resources Coordinator to the right. "A MESSAGE FROM EDUCATION & RESOURCES" is located to the left. All over a gradient blue background with a blue starburst on the left of the image. Pathfinder's branded graphic is on the top left.

Dear Friends, As another school year approaches, a mix of emotions often comes with it: excitement, nervousness, dread, joy, and anticipation. Whether you’re a student, educator, or caregiver, the back-to-school season can feel like a rollercoaster. There’s the thrill of a fresh start, the uncertainty of change, the pressure of preparation, and the hope that… Read more A Message from our Education & Resource Coordinator – August 2025

Back-to-School Tips for Students Who Get Special Education Services 

A child with long brown hair stands outdoors between two yellow playground structures, wearing a white patterned shirt. On the right side of the image, there is a large red apple graphic with green leaves and a brown stem on a light green background. Inside the apple, blue text reads "BACK to SCHOOL." The scene suggests a back-to-school theme.

🏫 Helping Tennessee Families Start the School Year Strong  Starting a new school year can feel exciting, but also a little overwhelming. If your child gets special education services, planning can make a big difference. Families and schools can work together to help students feel ready, supported, and confident. Here are some easy ways to get… Read more Back-to-School Tips for Students Who Get Special Education Services 

Empowered Education: Your Pathfinder Educator’s Guide

Graphic with a chalkboard background reading "How can schools use TN Disability Pathfinder to help students?" Text explains that Pathfinder connects people with disabilities, their families, and teachers to resources and services. On the right is the cover of the Educator’s Guide titled "Connecting Classrooms to Community Resources for Student Success."

At Pathfinder, we understand that education reaches well beyond the classroom. Our tools and services help you connect students with resources that foster learning, skill development, and preparation for the future. Educators play a key role in linking students to opportunities that help them thrive. That’s why we created the Pathfinder Educator’s Guide. Our Educator’s… Read more Empowered Education: Your Pathfinder Educator’s Guide

Spotlight – August 2025

The image features a stylized design with the word "Spotlight" in cursive neon-like letters at the top left, accompanied by a yellow dot over the "i". To the right, bold uppercase text reads: "PUBLIC EDUCATION NEEDS COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT AND LEADERSHIP" stacked in four lines on gray rounded rectangles. Below, there is a diagonal section with a close-up photo of several yellow pencils and white text that says "PENCIL" next to an icon resembling a pencil tip.

Empowered Education: Back-to-School Tools in Action PENCIL – Equipping Classrooms for Every Student’s Success Back-to-school season is full of lists: supplies, schedules, and new routines. For students with disabilities, preparation and ongoing support can make the difference between a stressful year and a successful one. In Nashville, PENCIL helps schools meet these needs by connecting… Read more Spotlight – August 2025

ConnectAbility – August 2025

colorful cartoon graphic image with different people of different abilities, colors, etc. surrounding a globe with text "ConnectAbility." Quote bubbles around the image near the people figures say "Support, Access, Empower, Language, Educate, Engage." On the top left of the image in a blue circle is the disability symbol. On the top right of the image is Pathfinder's logo. And text on the top center of the image says, "RESOURCES."

Navigating resources can be difficult, but differences in abilities, culture, and language can make it even more challenging. By bridging these differences, we aim to emphasize the connection to the necessary resources and support. We’re highlighting programs and sharing resources that address these challenges, fostering greater opportunities to utilize disability resources and creating stronger connections… Read more ConnectAbility – August 2025

Resource Corner – August 2025

Green and centered white color block background image with light green sunburst on the right side of the image. Text in the white color block "Resource Corner." On the top left of the image is a circular framed photo of Pathfinder's website on a laptop screen. To the bottom right of the image is Pathfinder's branded graphic in a white circular frame. On the bottom right of image on a small white geometical shaped color block is text, "TNPathfinder.org."

Tennessee Disability Pathfinder offers a growing library of disability resources available at TNPathfinder.org. In addition to the growing directory of resources on Pathfinder’s website, here are some we’re highlighting this month New CBIS Toolkits for Educators             The Vanderbilt Kennedy Center’s TRIAD program and Vanderbilt Consortium LEND have released two… Read more Resource Corner – August 2025