In this episode, Julie and Ginger invite a special guest, Bill Zee, into the studio. Bill is the Chair of the Education Law Group at Appel, Yost & Zee in Lancaster PA. Bill has over 15 years of experience in school and special education law. He is both an educator by degree and an early childhood trauma survivor. As a result, Bill is passionate about the journey of making schools trauma informed. Bill is also an ATN Board member making this one of the most diversified boards ever.

Bill was led to the field of special education law by first becoming an educator. He says that, “Educators made such a huge difference in my life and I always wanted to make that same difference.” He then transitioned into law with the goal of focusing on school law. Pennsylvania is leading the movement to have schools become trauma-informed. It is invaluable for educators to be knowledgeable of trauma informed language, understand that parents bring baggage, and be willing to acknowledge that parents are part of the team.

Pa is definitely one of the states we should be watching!