Breaking Barriers: How Alexandria Speller is Fighting for Special Education Equity Through School Choice
Alexandria Speller didn’t always know she wanted to be a special education teacher. But during her early years in the classroom, she discovered something extraordinary: the power of unlocking potential in students who needed a little extra support. Unlike traditional classrooms where students often coasted through material, she found that children with learning differences truly appreciated her efforts.
“The best moments were when I saw their faces light up,” she recalled. “When a student who struggled finally grasped a concept, their excitement was so genuine. That’s what made me stay in special education. I wanted to be part of that moment for more kids.”
Raised in a family of educators, Alexandria had long understood the importance of education, but it wasn’t until she saw firsthand the impact she could have on students with disabilities that she knew this was her calling. Working in Title I schools, she learned the struggles families faced in finding the right educational fit—especially those with special needs.
As a special education teacher in public and charter schools, she dedicated 13 years to ensuring students with learning differences had the support they needed. But despite her passion for education, she knew something was missing.
“I’ve always believed education isn’t cookie cutter,” she said. “Every child learns differently, and families deserve the right to find the best environment for their child.”
That belief led her from the classroom to the frontlines of school choice advocacy. Today, Alexandria works at the grassroots level in North Carolina, helping families navigate the complex education landscape and access options that fit their children’s needs.
Alexandria’s journey into school choice wasn’t just professional—it was personal. When her eldest son started school, she realized that the public school in their district wasn’t the right fit for his academic needs. Though she had spent her career in public and charter schools, she saw how a different learning environment could help her son thrive. Private school offered him a more rigorous curriculum and a setting that challenged him academically, reinforcing her belief that school choice is essential for all families, regardless of income.
Though she had always been aware of charter and private schools, she didn’t fully grasp how choice programs like North Carolina’s Opportunity Scholarship could change lives until a close friend introduced her to it. That friend, who was also part of a parent advocacy group, showed her how the program provided tuition assistance, making private education accessible to families who previously thought it was out of reach.
“I’ve worked with so many families who never even knew these scholarships existed,” Alexandria said. “They thought they had to choose between a better education and putting food on the table. School choice bridges that gap.”
But as Alexandria dove deeper into the world of educational choice, she noticed a challenge—there weren’t enough private schools serving students with disabilities. It was a frustrating reality, one she saw play out time and time again. The very students who needed specialized attention the most often found themselves with the fewest options.
It’s a problem she’s determined to solve. Currently pursuing her doctorate, Alexandria is researching ways to make educational assessments more equitable and expand access to private schooling for children with disabilities. Her long-term goal? To open a private school specifically designed for students with special needs—one that is both high-quality and affordable.
“There are schools that serve kids with learning differences, but cost can sometimes be a barrier,” she said. “That’s why it’s important to continue expanding programs that make these opportunities more accessible to families, and I want to create a space where every child feels a sense of belonging and has the opportunity to thrive.”
Her research is already making an impact. Alexandria works closely with families to advocate for policy changes that would require private schools accepting scholarships to provide more inclusive services. She also pushes for clearer pathways for parents to understand their rights and options when it comes to educating children with learning differences.
As an advocate, Alexandria spends her days helping parents understand their choices, assisting with applications, and connecting families with resources. Many of the parents she works with are grandparents raising grandchildren or families who struggle with literacy and filling out complex paperwork. She frequently organizes workshops and information sessions to ensure parents are empowered to navigate the system effectively.
“I saw this firsthand as a special education teacher,” she said. “So much of this work is about relationship building—helping families feel supported and empowered.”
For Black families, school choice is especially critical, Alexandria noted, because it provides access to schools that may offer better resources, culturally responsive teaching, or more rigorous academics. But it’s not without challenges. Misinformation and confusion around school choice programs remain obstacles for many families, making advocacy and education essential.
“School choice has always played an important role in expanding options for students with disabilities,” Alexandria said. “Many of the earliest programs were created specifically to serve students with special needs, and we need to continue building on that legacy to ensure every child has access to the education that best meets their needs.”
As Alexandria continues her work, she remains hopeful that with the right policies and advocacy, more families—especially those with children with disabilities—will have true access to the educational opportunities they deserve. Whether it’s through her research, grassroots advocacy, or her dream of opening a school, Alexandria is determined to help strengthen and expand school choice opportunities for families in need.
