Education Advocate Program

ESD 112 congratulates Student Transition Educational Program Services (STEPS) teacher Mallory Fleshman, who was named Teacher of the Year at the Together We Can conference in Longview, Washington last month. The annual event celebrates special education and transition services across southwest Washington.

Fleshman has been part of the STEPS program since 2016, working with students with disabilities to help them develop job, life, self-advocacy and independence skills they need to thrive after high school. She prioritizes understanding each student’s vision for their future and tailors her teaching to help them achieve it.

"Mallory's recognition at the Together We Can Conference is a meaningful honor for both the STEPS program and ESD 112," said Jeanette Forman, STEPS program administrator. "It highlights the strength of a program dedicated to helping students with disabilities build real-world job skills and independence, and it reflects the impact of a team committed to student success. Most importantly, it shines a light on what's possible when educators believe in their students and provide the tools they need to succeed. It's a point of pride for the entire community."

This year, STEPS serves 37 students from seven school districts in the ESD 112 region: Longview School District, Kelso School District, Toutle Lake, Castle Rock High School, Home of the Rockets, Kalama School District, Wahkiakum School District and La Center School District.

Read more about the recognition in the ESD Newsroom: www.esd112.org/news/steps-teacher-mallory-fleshman-honored-at-together-we-can-conference/