FAQ’s

What will you do with my story? 

Your story will be added to our private trainer library. When creating educational opportunities and classes for other educators, trainers will have the opportunity to use your video to help represent student and family voices and perspectives. This will help our audience understand special education from multiple lenses and help illustrate inclusive practices. 

Who will see my story?

The WEA IPTN Cadre members will be able to view your story on a private YouTube channel or Google drive. Then, if they wish to use your video in an educational opportunity, it will be added to a training offered to other educators. Trainers will have the link to your story. They may also share the unlisted link with their participants for educational purposes. 

When will my story be used in training? 

We are continually creating and updating content on different subjects. As we create, we will look for stories that enhance the content and training objectives. We may not use your story if it is too long, uses personal names or references, or contains inappropriate content material. We also may edit your video for length or to emphasize certain points. 

Can I attend training opportunities? 

Educational opportunities are offered to everyone by the Washington Education Association. For upcoming courses, see WEA Professional Learning Opportunities.  

Will my story be available to everyone online? 

Nope! Only members of the WEA IPTN Cadre will have access to a private YouTube channel. If your story is chosen to be included in our educational materials, we will use the unlisted link to play it. No one will be able to do a search and view your video; only those with the specific link. At any time you can request your story to be removed from the library. 

Do I need my child’s permission/consent to share our story? 

Ideally, yes. Every child will have some feelings about sharing their story. This may change over time. If the student is over 18, the storyteller must have consent from the student or former student.

We recommend that you explain to young children the best that you can, and check in with them as they get older and can better understand.

For older children, work together and discuss what can be shared. Many children, especially in the later elementary grades (i.e., 4th, 5th, 6th), become uncomfortable with content shared by parents as they become self-aware. If you feel that your student may be embarrassed, we suggest you protect their identity by sharing  experiences from your perspective, avoiding identifying details.

If your child is comfortable sharing on camera with you, we would love to see you both together telling your story.  

If you are a student/former student telling your own story

 Make sure you are comfortable and check back over time to see how you feel about your story. Please ensure you have permission to share about anyone else in your story (including your parents or caregivers) and keep people as anonymous as possible. 

What if I want to change my story or add to it? 

Our views and experiences change over time. What might feel raw and uncomfortable to talk about now, may feel less so over time. You also may want to update a story that changed courses. Our educators want to hear how you problem-solved, worked with teams, and advocated for yourself, which can take time with lots of different stories over the years! We would love to hear them all. In fact, please revisit the site to let us know how your stories continue! 

Why can’t I name my favorite inclusive teacher/staff? 

Please avoid identifying districts, schools, places, or names other than your own (we recommend sticking to first names). Although you may have permission from a teacher, their district, school or administration may have policies in place that restrict representation from unauthorized sources. Instead, stick to your perspective and the events that make you feel this is important to share with educators.

Please email SESCParents@gmail.com with any other questions.