I met Saido during my first licensed teaching year at a charter school in Minneapolis. Saido was immediately invested in my experience, and supportive of my growth as an educator and professional. She made herself available to me, and not only when we were allotted time through our organization. Beyond this interpersonal core value, Saido is an amazing example of professionalism, engagement, and excellence across special education settings, disciplines, and represented cultures and histories. I could tell very quickly that Saido valued me as an associate and team member. Saido's mentorship style allowed me to bring real-time challenges to her, however, I was equipped to communicate them, without judgment or hesitation. I can safely say as a woman and educator of color, Saido served as a culturally relevant guide for me, with evidence of success from my perspective at the starting line. I continue to use Saido as a resource to this day!
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-Jessica Wilson, Special education teacher
