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All About Me

That's me!  (personal photo)

Hello & Welcome!

My name is Dom Pizzuto and I would like to thank you for visiting my blog!  My goal is to create an environment for sharing tools, experiences and opinions with other education professionals, parents, students and community stakeholders.  Ambitious, right?  A big part of that is your involvement as a visitor to this blog -- once you get to know me below, please feel free to share your observations, experiences or any questions you may have.

So Who Am I?

I am a Special Education professional committed to empowering young adults with disabilities to live full and independent adult lives.  Currently I work as a substitute teacher in the Valley View School District serving Bolingbrook and Romeoville, Illinois while I complete my Master's degree in Special Education at Dominican University.  I just completed a four month, long term sub position at the Secondary Transition Experience Program, or STEP, working with 18-21 year old students with disabilities in classroom and community environments on social, job and independent living skills.  I also work with the Lily Cache Special Recreation Association where I have provided services in an adult day program, as a Special Olympics coach and as a summer camp counselor for teens with disabilities.  Previously I was a paraprofessional in the same school program and in my former professional life I was a General Manager overseeing distribution operations of a product to retailers in four states.  I hope to bring this unique combination of experiences to bear in making my students with disabilities college AND career ready.

 When I can find the time, I enjoy traveling with my wife and fellow educator, Jen (and usually our American Bulldog, Muffin).


On an adventure with my wife Jen (personal photo)

Muffin selects a campsite (personal photo)

Dom, What Is A Transition Program?

Not everyone is aware of this, but all students with an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) have transition planning as a part of the services provided to them.  You can click on the link below the ISBE seal to learn more about the basics of transition planning and post-secondary transition programs if you are interested.  

Image from https://www.isbe.net/ - Click for Transition Information

Depending on the student, functional behavioral and communication skills, continuing education, job training and independent living skills may all be areas of focus in a transition plan.  For those students who require the extra focus, transition plans and programs help set the conditions for a full and successful adult life.  I believe very passionately in the important part they play in making a difference in these students' lives and therefore I try to view everything I introduce in my classroom through a lens of its eventual impact on this success.

I hope to provide helpful resources that reflect this point of view and I encourage you to share your educational point of view as well so that we may all learn from one another.

Thanks again!

-Dom
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Comments

  1. MMurphyMay 7, 2019 at 8:38 AM

    Dom, I thoroughly enjoyed reading your post! I would love to know more about your transition from being a GM of Operations to becoming a SpEd provider! That is quite the transition. I would also like to hear more about your experience in special rec. That is my background and first true love (which I am sure would disappoint my fiance). What was your favorite program? What was your favorite sport to coach? I have heard of transition services and we have briefly touched on them in classes, but I really appreciate how you spoke to the facts of transition and provided a link for more information. After having several classes with you it was nice to learn more about you! I look forward to reading more in the future and getting to know and relate to your experiences. -MK

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    Replies
    1. Dom PizzutoMay 13, 2019 at 9:18 PM

      Mary Kate -

      I think the story of my former career is probably many blog posts long. Special rec was as well the first job I really loved doing. I coached Special Olympic basketball, floor hockey, power lifting, and softball (as well as a few cameo appearances in other sports) and I'd be hard pressed to choose a favorite. My favorite program was definitely Community Cruisers, which is an adult day program. I was part of the program at its inception and really grew close to so many of the participants who never age out -- I still see many of them at the rec center when I'm there and interacting with them always makes my day. I also have fond memories of leading the annual summer camping overnighter, which was always a blast for participants and staff alike.

      Delete
  2. DerekMay 7, 2019 at 9:36 PM

    Hi Dom, I think it is super cool that you did the STEP program. That sounds super unique and rewarding, I look forward to reading your post in the future. Even though both our paths have led us in this class together our journeys sounds like they have been quite different! I am currently teaching an ESL third grade class in Humboldt Park and just finished my ESL with Dominican last week. Special Education is something I want to learn more about because my background is somewhat limited. With that sounding like something you are well-versed in, I look forward to working with you!
    -Derek

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    Replies
    1. Dom PizzutoMay 13, 2019 at 9:21 PM

      Derek -

      I'm glad that your path was different than mine -- I love all the stops I made along the way but now that I'm where I am I do wish I had gotten here sooner! My wife recently completed her ESL endorsement and we have had many conversations about the subject; I look forward to the opportunity to learn from you as well on that important topic.

      Delete
  3. NMZumpanoMay 8, 2019 at 6:13 PM

    This is a great post, Dom! I have no doubt you'll feel satisfaction with blogging. Thanks, too, for explaining a bit about the transition program. It's good to know the state is doing their part to help students that may need a bit more guidance than others. Looking forward to learning with you this summer!

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    1. Dom PizzutoMay 13, 2019 at 9:22 PM

      Thanks Nicole. Compliments always feel nice but I really do enjoy banging the drum about transition programs. I am looking forward to learning with you as well.

      Delete

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