Breaking Boundaries in Special Education!

Help Us Create More Inclusive Environments for Students with Disabilities!

Welcome to our crowdfunding pitch for GIMO Special Education Services & Consulting! We are on a mission to revolutionize special education programming in schools and uplift the lives of students with disabilities. But we can't do it alone – we need your support to make a real difference.

The COVID-19 pandemic has magnified two critical challenges in the realm of special education. Firstly, the exodus of experienced special educators has left a significant void, demanding urgent attention to attract and support new professionals entering the field. Secondly, the disruption caused by remote learning and limited services has resulted in alarming learning gaps in reading, math, and behavioral skills among students with disabilities. At GIMO Special Education Services & Consulting, we are driven by the urgency to tackle these challenges head-on, offering comprehensive solutions to empower educators, bridge the educational disparities, and ensure that every student receives the support they need to thrive in a post-pandemic world.

• There are over 7 million students with disabilities are receiving special education services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). 

• Schools are struggling to hire qualified special education teachers.

• Students with disabilties are not receiving equitable outcomes as their peers without disabilities. Only 17% graduated with completed advanced courses in math and science.

• Students with disabilities scored much lower on science, math, and reading standardized assessments, decreasing opportunities for higher paying salaries for diverse learners
  Right now, students with disabilities are facing countless challenges and barriers in their educational journey. 

• There are teacher shortages in education and especially in special education. 
• Teachers are overworked with busy caseloads of students. 
• Students  with disabilities have serious learning, social, and behavioral needs to meet. 

It has been identified, educators need to implement effective instruction and professional development for teachers of students with disabilities and identify ways we can support these educators in their careers. Educators need tools in their hand and support to make the classroom an inclusive classroom where diverse students gain more equitable outcomes in their learning, supports are given, and instruction modified for diverse students' needs.

Teachers deserve quality professional development, on the job coaching support, special education expertise at their disposal, and access to research-based and PROVEN curriculum, and digital resources at their disposal. Students deserve equal opportunities, personalized support, and inclusive learning environments. Many general education teachers and special education teachers need targeted help to unlock student potential from trusted professionals with expertise and knowledge in special education. 

At GIMO Consulting, we also help educators who need support managing dual roles of teacher and case manager. Many times special education teachers have student caseloads up to 50 students in one school year. This is a lot to manage, in addition to, an extra job, family, outside responsibilities, teaching, lesson planning, progress monitoring etc. That's where GIMO Consulting comes in. With your help, we can provide the expertise, training, coaching, resources, and advocacy educators need to confidently put in place and and help students break barriers and stigmas and transform their lives.

We cannot wait. The time is now to take action. These students are relying on us to champion their rights and ensure they receive the support they need and deserve. By donating today, you become a vital part of our mission to create inclusive and supportive learning environments that change lives.

At GIMO Special Education Services & Consulting, we recognize the immense value of Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) in supporting students with disabilities. These personalized plans, guided by the principles of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), empower students by establishing foundational academic, social, and behavioral skills students need to promote academic achievement and improving employment outcomes.

Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) are legal documents that drive specially designed instruction for students with disabilities. These IEPs are carefully developed by the school IEP team to help remove barriers to student learning by promoting their strengths and placing educational bridges so students can break through barriers  for academic success. IEP's that are focused on the needs of the student have great impact on the educational and social outcomes of students with disabilities.

In the infographic provided below, we visually demonstrate the positive impact of IEPs on academic and employment outcomes. It showcases how these personalized plans support student growth, decrease barriers to education, and pave the way for a brighter future. 

GIMO Consulting services places the right tools in educator's hands to yield IEP's that supports the student. Starting with our power consultation, we use our expertise and knowledge in special education to help increase awareness, inclusion and equitable outcomes by partnering with schools. Let's join hands to support the appropriate and legal implementation of Individualized Education Plans and empower students with disabilities to achieve their full potential in both education and their future careers.

Our dedicated team at GIMO Special Education Services & Consulting is passionate about providing our support and expertise to help transform special education. GIMO Consulting is a special education provider for the Waco Independent School District. In addition, we are an approved disability provider for North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority and a HUB certified business. We are a proud professional member of the Council for Exceptional Children. 

With a wealth of experience and expertise, we are committed to providing top-notch consulting and support services. Together, we strive to empower school districts, schools, teachers, parents, and organizations to create inclusive learning environments that nurture the potential of students with disabilities. 

Elizabeth Pratt, M.A.T

Elizabeth Pratt is the visionary CEO and founder of GIMO Special Education Services & Consulting, bringing over 15 years of experience in the education field. With a Master of Arts in Teaching in Special Education (grades K-12) and an Advanced Class M Teaching License, Elizabeth is a highly qualified and dedicated professional.

Elizabeth's extensive experience and expertise provide her with a deep understanding of the unique needs and challenges faced by schools, teachers, students, and their families in special education. Her primary goal is to ensure that educators of students with disabilities receive the necessary training, knowledge, and support to inspire students and unlock their full potential. By providing the appropriate supports, services, accountability, and encouragement, students with disabilities can thrive academically and socially, opening doors to increased opportunities and promising futures.

Actively contributing to the advancement of special education practices and methodologies, Elizabeth Pratt serves as a facilitator at the Council for Exceptional Children. Her unwavering passion for equitable outcomes and inclusion in education, combined with her extensive knowledge, positions her as a trusted resource and advocate for students with special needs.

Elizabeth's visionary leadership and exceptional qualifications position GIMO Consulting as a leading provider of specialized services and support in the field. With a clear vision, GIMO Consulting is poised to revolutionize special education services and empower educators to create inclusive learning environments that foster the success of all students.

Andrea Watkins Cropper, M.B.A

Andrea Watkins Cropper is a highly qualified and experienced individual who brings immense value to GIMO Consulting. Her diverse range of experience, including educator, industry liaison, adjunct faculty, and business faculty roles, demonstrates her deep knowledge and expertise in the education sector.

Andrea maintains a successful track record in forging partnerships, implementing initiatives, and delivering impactful results highlights their ability to drive positive change within special education programming. Additionally, her strong academic background, including an MBA in International Business and dual degrees in Psychology and Finance, showcases her well-rounded skill set and understanding of the intersection between education and business. Andrea's expertise and dedication to the education and business sector contribute significantly to GIMO Special Education Services & Consulting's goal and mission of transforming special education services.

Patricia Boone, M.A.T

Patricia Boone is a highly experienced education consultant with a passion for empowering students and supporting educators. With a strong background as an educator. She holds a double major in Child Development and Education, along with a Master in Education. Patricia brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her work at GIMO Consulting.

Throughout her career, Patricia has demonstrated a deep commitment to student success and academic growth. She has worked closely with diverse student populations, tailoring her teaching methods to meet individual needs and learning styles. Patricia's hands-on experience in the classroom has equipped her with a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities in K-5th grade education.

As an education consultant at GIMO, Patricia utilizes her extensive knowledge of curriculum development and instructional strategies to support schools and educators of students with disabilities. She collaborates with administrators and teachers to develop comprehensive curriculum frameworks that align with state standards and promote student engagement and achievement.

Patricia's expertise extends beyond curriculum development. She is skilled in implementing effective assessment strategies and using data-driven approaches to monitor student progress and inform instructional decisions. Her keen understanding of differentiating instruction allows her to support educators in creating inclusive and personalized learning environments.

Patricia's dedication to educational equity and her belief in the potential of every student drive her work. She is committed to ensuring that all students, regardless of their backgrounds or abilities, have access to high-quality education that unlocks their full potential.

Chloe Elizabeth

Chloe is an exceptional individual who embodies the spirit of academic excellence, leadership, and compassion. Throughout her high school years, Chloe maintained an impressive 4.0 average, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to knowledge and achievement. As an active member of the Beta Club and the Honor Society, she consistently exemplified integrity, dedication, and a strong work ethic.

With a natural aptitude for technology and a deep understanding of its potential, Chloe served as the treasurer for the Computer Science Club, fostering a community of passionate learners. Her role allowed her to contribute her organizational skills and financial acumen to promote technological literacy among her peers.

During the challenging times of the pandemic, Chloe's compassionate nature shone brightly as she initiated an online tutoring service through her local church. Recognizing the struggles many students faced with the transition to online learning, Chloe selflessly dedicated her time and expertise to provide free tutoring, ensuring that no student was left behind. Her initiative not only showcased her leadership but also her commitment to supporting and uplifting others during difficult times.

Chloe's outstanding academic achievements, leadership roles, and commitment to service perfectly align with GIMO Consulting's mission to impact the lives of students with disabilities. Her relentless pursuit of knowledge and her passion for technology make her a valuable asset in leveraging innovative solutions to create inclusive educational environments

Join forces with our EXCEPTIONAL team at GIMO Consulting and empower our mission to revolutionize special education services. With their extensive experience in the education industry, proven track record of successful initiatives, and deep understanding of instructional design and e-learning, GIMO Consulting is poised to ultimately make a profound impact in the lives of students with disabilities.

We are thrilled to have you here as we embark on an exciting journey towards making a real impact in the field of special education. Our mission is clear: to empower students with disabilities, support educators, and create inclusive learning environments. But we can't achieve our goals without your support. By donating, you have the opportunity to be part of something extraordinary. Together, we can break barriers, unlock potential, and change lives. Join us as we strive to reach our crowdfunding goals and make a lasting difference in the lives of students and educators. Here are the goals we are determined to achieve with your generous support: 

 

1. Increase Revenue: 

Our first goal is to increase our revenue, enabling us to expand our reach and provide even more specialized services to students with disabilities. With additional funds, we can enhance our programs, hire more experienced professionals, and ensure that every student receives the individualized support they deserve.
 

2. Strengthen Marketing and Outreach Efforts: 

The funds we raise will be utilized to develop a robust marketing plan, strengthen our branding, and enhance our social media presence. We will leverage these resources to reach a wider audience, engage with educators, and showcase the value of our services. By increasing our visibility and influence, we can attract more schools, secure partnerships, and create a positive impact on special education programming. Join us in our mission to empower teachers, enhance special education programming, and transform the lives of students with disabilities. Your support will play a vital role in driving positive change and ensuring every child receives the quality education they deserve.
 

3. Expand Client Base and Impact:

 We aim to expand our client base by reaching out to more schools, districts, and educational institutions. By doing so, we can extend our expertise and support to a wider range of students, helping them thrive academically and socially.


 

4. Enhance Professional Development:

We believe in continuous learning and growth. By investing in professional development opportunities, we can equip our team with the latest knowledge and skills in special education. This will enable us to stay at the forefront of best practices and deliver high-quality services to our educators. With your support, we will provide comprehensive and high quality professional development opportunities to equip more educators with knowledge and the tools necessary to create an engaging and inclusive learning environment for students.

 

5. Research-based Curriculum, Interventions, Assessments, and Online Digital Resources:

We recognize the importance of digital resources in today's educational landscape. With your contribution, we are committed to developing research-based curriculum, templates, and materials that provide educators and organizations with practical strategies, organizational templates, case management templates, lesson plans, and instructional materials to effectively teach students with disabilities and develop appropriate Individualized Education Plans. These resources will be easily accessible and empower educators with the tools they need to foster an inclusive classroom environment AND students receive the supports and services needed to graduate and gain independence after graduation.

We anticipate reaching our initial crowdfunding goal of $15,000, we are excited to introduce our stretch goals to enhance our community initiatives even further.

Reaching our first stretch goal of $16,500 will allow us to adopt a local school, providing the necessary resources and support to create a more inclusive and welcoming atmosphere for students with disabilities.

By partnering with Florence Crittenton, a renowned organization dedicated to empowering young women, we aim to make a lasting impact on the lives of students facing unique challenges and provide them with additional educational opportunities.

Achieving our stretch goals will enable us to implement specialized programs, workshops, and mentoring services that address the diverse needs of students, fostering their personal growth and academic success.

Through your generous contributions, we can create safe spaces, offer guidance, and empower students with disabilities to overcome obstacles, unlock their potential, and thrive within their educational journeys.

Every dollar raised beyond our original goal will go directly towards these community initiatives, amplifying our impact and making a difference in the lives of young individuals who deserve equal opportunities to succeed.

Join us in our crowdfunding campaign, and together, we can reach our stretch goals, transform schools into inclusive havens, and partner with organizations like Florence Crittenton to uplift and empower the next generation.

Community Initiatives: 

At GIMO Consulting, we are dedicated to making a positive impact in the community through two key initiatives:

 Community Initiative #1

Our first initiative aims to help transform a school into an inclusive learning environment for students with disabilities. Through this project, 

• We will provide essential resources and support to special education teachers. 
• We will organize a 2023-2024 back-to-school book bag and school supply giveaway for 200 students, ensuring they have the tools they need to succeed. A
• We will prioritize teacher well-being by encouraging self-care practices and provide support the one great whale every special education teacher would love to have but is not in the school budget nor can he/she afford.  
• We will sponsor one meal during Teacher Appreciation Week in the 2023-2024 school year.
• We will  provide classic, nonfiction, and STEM High Noon Books for an elementary and a middle school classroom. High Noon books are a great way for increase love of reading with students who have difficulty reading or those students who are not on grade level. 

 Community Initiative #2: Partnering with Florence Crittenton

We are look forward to collaborating with Florence Crittenton (2023-2024), an organization committed to providing comprehensive health, educational, and social services to young women and their families. By partnering with Florence Crittenton, we can extend our reach and support their education programming. Together, we will break intergenerational cycles of abuse, neglect, and low education while promoting healing and self-sufficiency.

Your support in our crowdfunding campaign will have a direct and impacting contribution to our community initiatives, as we strive to create inclusive schools and empower young women for a brighter future. The total cost for these initiatives amounts to $16,600. By joining us in this endeavor, you can make a significant difference in the lives of students with disabilities and those served by Florence Crittenton. Together, we can foster a more inclusive and supportive community that uplifts and empowers those in need. Your donation will be instrumental in bringing positive change to the lives of individuals who deserve equal opportunities and support. Let's make a difference together and create a more inclusive and promising future for all.

Thank you for considering joining us on this important journey to transform special education programming and support students with disabilities. Your contribution, no matter the size, will make a tangible difference in the lives of these students and their families. Together, we can help create inclusive learning environments, provide essential resources, and empower educators to meet the unique needs of every student.

Remember, your support extends beyond the monetary contribution. By spreading the word about our campaign and sharing our mission with your network, you become an advocate for inclusive education. Every voice that joins our cause brings us closer to achieving our goals.

Join us today in shaping a brighter future for students with disabilities. Together, we can break down barriers, foster their growth, and ensure they have the opportunities they deserve. Together, let's make a lasting impact on their lives, education, and overall well-being. Donate now and be a part of our transformative journey. Thank you for your generosity and belief in the power of inclusive education.