About this episode

Sandra Taenzer reflects on her pioneering work in Early Childhood Special Education and her lifelong activism.

At 86, Sandra “Sandy” Taenzer reflects on a lifetime of innovation in Early Childhood–Special Education that began in the 1960s in Germany and still resonates today. Working in a large Illinois School District, Sandy helped initiate early childhood special education through a Federal “First Chance Grant” in 1972. She and a multi-disciplinary team championed “natural, play-based assessment and play as the basis for early learning” She also pioneered collaborative partnerships with school districts and agencies, building interdisciplinary teams to serve children and families more holistically. Since moving to Minnesota’s North Shore of Lake Superior in 2004, Sandy has become affectionately known as “Grandma Sandy,” volunteering through home visits, childcare centers, and one-on-one mentoring. Active with Arrowhead Indivisible, she speaks publicly about the Holocaust, sharing stories she heard firsthand from an older neighbor while living in Germany in her early twenties. Sandy warns that she now sees troubling parallels in today’s America. "I’ve been an activist all my life, working to ensure that every child has the chance to be their best self." - Sandra Taenzer Connect with…

People in this episode

Hosts: Gail Zelitzky, Catherine Marienau

Guest: Sandra Taenzer

Topics covered

• Early Childhood Education
• Special Education
• Activism
• Holocaust Education
• Mentoring
• Community Service

Keywords

• Early Childhood
• Special Education
• Activism
• Holocaust
• Mentoring
• Community Service
• Play-based Assessment

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Arrowhead Indivisible

Books & works: Educational Reform Act 1985

Places: Germany, Illinois, Minnesota’s North Shore of Lake Superior

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