New LADSE instructor :::

Sheryl A. Wernsing, Ed.D. of Normal, Illinois will join the LaGrange Area Department of Special Education (LADSE) as its executive director beginning July 1, 2011. Currently, she is serving her eleventh year as the executive director of the Tri-County Special Education Association in Bloomington, IL. For the past three years, she has simultaneously served as an
adjunct faculty member at Illinois State University (ISU), teaching graduate level courses in special education administration.

Previously, Wernsing served seven years as the Tri-County assistant director, taught at ISU as an assistant professor, and was the assistant director for the Illinois Special Education Leadership Institute. She also served as a special education classroom teacher for approximately seven years in three different districts. She is an active member of the Illinois Alliance of Administrators of Special Education.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in Special Education from ISU, a master’s degree in Educational Administration and Policy from Stanford University -California, and a doctorate in Special Education from ISU.

Members of the LADSE Directing Board conducted an on-site visit, interviewing a total of 30 staff members, administrators and parents of the Tri-County Special Education District. “We found Sheryl to be well respected, knowledgeable, organized, trustworthy, and sensitive to the needs of students and parents,” said District 92 1/2 Superintendent and Chair of the LADSE Search Committee Jean Sophie, Ed.D. “Her colleagues said she is someone who leads with her head and her heart. She is a true leader and visionary,” Sophie added.

“I am very excited to be joining LADSE and anxious to continue the excellent work and exceptional student services offered by the organization. I understand the delicate balance in Special Education—integrating wants, needs, and requirements into educational programs that are effective for all students in every community. I look forward to working with LADSE’s team of professionals who serve the students of Lyons Township,” Wernsing said.

As executive director, Wernsing will lead and oversee LADSE, a special education cooperative serving 14 elementary and three high school districts in Cook and DuPage counties. In conjunction with the Directing Board, comprised of the 17 superintendents of its member districts, she and LADSE’s 325 employees serve approximately 4,000 students with disabilities, their families and their teachers. Wernsing encourages parents, teachers and community members to contact her and help her learn more about LADSE and the communities it serves.