We shouldn’t gate-keep growth - in any capacity

Written by Jenelle McClenahen

When it comes to supporting students, no knowledge should be locked behind closed doors. Whether a child has dyslexia, receives occupational therapy, speech support, or simply needs a different pathway to success, every educator deserves access to the tools that make a difference. Growth should never be reserved for specialists alone, it should be a collective effort.

Why Gatekeeping Hurts Students

Too often, strategies for reading interventions, speech exercises, or behavior supports feel siloed in the hands of experts. While specialists play a vital role, classroom teachers and even peers can benefit from knowing the small, practical steps that help a student succeed.

What Should Be Shared With Everyone

Every teacher and staff member can use:

• Dyslexia supports: phonics-based routines, visual aids, or extra processing time.

• OT strategies: fine-motor practice, handwriting scaffolds, or movement breaks.

• Speech tools: modeling, visual cues, or practice in everyday conversation.

• Behavior supports: clear expectations, step-by-step goals, and positive reinforcement.

Why Open Access Matters

Gatekeeping these practices unintentionally limits progress. The more we share, the more opportunities students have to show what they are capable of. Growth isn’t about perfection, it’s about giving every adult in a child’s life the ability to support them meaningfully.

I know this firsthand. When my own son was waiting for services, I often felt stuck. Weeks went by while paperwork and scheduling were sorted out. Yet if I had been given simple strategies, whether for speech practice or ABA steps, I could have started supporting him immediately. Those small steps matter, and families shouldn’t have to wait for an “official” session to begin making progress.

A Collective Mission

Education is not a competition for who has the most expertise. It’s a shared mission. By opening access to strategies across roles and disciplines, we build schools where every student has a team behind them, and every teacher feels empowered to make a difference. Growth belongs to all of us.