RADFORD -- Two 1998 graduates of Radford University’s special education master’s degree program have been selected for newly created administrative positions with City of Salem Schools. Kristyn Shepherd, who received her bachelors degree (1994) and master’s degree from RU, will become Coordinator for Elementary Special Education, and Maxine Austin-Casey will be Coordinator for Secondary Special Education.

Shepherd has taught at South Salem Elementary School for the past 10 years and taught four years at Franklin County’s Benjamin Franklin Middle School. She says that because her position is a new one, she expects her role to evolve, but she outlines some of the things she will do: “facilitate students’ transition between the preschool program and the elementary schools and between the elementary schools and the middle school; go into classrooms to model instruction and/or observe students; participate in some IEP [Individual Education Plan] meetings to assist and share expertise; and serve as a resource for our collaborative teaching efforts.”

Casey, who has been teaching at Salem High School, will focus on the transition of students from middle school to high school and from the high school, GED program and alternative education program to “the post-secondary world -- jobs or continued education,” she says.

Shepherd and Casey completed their graduate internships at the same time under the supervision of now-retired RU professor Alice Anderson. “When I left Radford's graduate program I was very prepared to go into the classroom,” says Shepherd. “Two of my favorite phrases that I heard over and over throughout my course work and have continued to share with colleagues are: ‘All behavior communicates’ and ‘Fair is not always equal.’ Both of these phrases have helped me continually meet the needs of every student as well as help colleagues keep things in perspective.”

Casey, after completing her master’s degree, returned to RU as an adjunct faculty member, an experience that led her to pursue more training. At Virginia Tech she earned an educational specialist degree in the area of administration and supervision in special education and will complete a doctoral degree in educational leadership and policy studies in 2009. Casey says RU is “an awesome university to get a master’s degree. I enjoyed the professors and found them all to be extremely professional and knowledgeable in subject matter.” She adds, “At RU the students were all part of a big family.” 

Shepherd offers a few words to students considering the field of special education: “When I feel overwhelmed with planning, meetings, etc. I look back at notes from parents and former students and see how many children I have touched in the last 14 years. The success the students make is worth every minute of it!” She adds two more thoughts for aspiring teachers: “Be flexible. And always have high expectations for all students.”

Casey’s advice: “Come to Radford University prepared to learn and to study. Take advantage of opportunities that RU offers. After graduation you are assured to find a job in the field of special education.”