In an academic administrative position, part of one’s role is to ensure the students are having a healthy school experience and making sure they have the tools they need to succeed. As the Director of Student Support Services for Michigan City Area Schools, Stacy Attar works hard to ensure the students of Michigan City, especially those with special needs, are happy and feel included.
Born and raised in Michigan City, after high school Attar attended Purdue University to obtain her bachelor’s degree. After trying out a few different fields, she settled on working special education and became a teacher in Maryland for 12 years. Then, she obtained a Master’s degree in school counseling at Gallaudet University. In 2012, she relocated back to her hometown of Michigan City and is currently working as the Director of Student Support Services.
“My goal is to fully integrate students with special needs into classes with everyone else,” Attar said. “The motivation for inclusion is that they learn so much more working alongside their peers with no disabilities. In an administrative role, I have the ability to make lasting changes for our students.”
Attar stated her passion for her field stems from her church experiences as a youth, where the priest would often have programs for people who are deaf and hard of hearing. She said she spent a lot of time getting to know people with disabilities and recognized the need to support them through their challenges.
“The biggest thing that motivates me during my job is seeing the endeavors and accomplishments of students with special needs,” Attar said. “In turn, helping them see what they are capable of as students and as human beings keeps me determined no matter the challenges that may arise.”
Attar stated that she wants to continue to improve the learning experiences of students with special needs in Michigan City and help them become a regular part of both their school and community activities on a regular basis.
“Being in a position like this is very rewarding for me,” Attar said. “I feel happy that I’ve been able to achieve some of my goals and serve the students of Michigan City.”