School should be a place where every learner belongs.
Hello inclusionists,
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to be a guest on a podcast, I’ll let you in on a secret: I love it. If you have a podcast (even if it’s just you and your dog listening) don’t hesitate to reach out. I’ll probably say yes. My recent appearance on Will Parker’s Principal Matters podcast was one of my best experiences yet. Will has become a good friend over the years, and talking with him always feels like catching up with someone who just gets it.
We covered a lot of ground, but the heart of our conversation was this: all students are general education students first. It’s a simple idea, but it’s amazing how often it gets lost in the shuffle. We talked about what “general education” really means. It’s not just a classroom, but the curriculum, the life of the school, and the support that makes participation possible. If a student is in a general education setting but isn’t truly supported, that’s not inclusion. That’s just geography.
The timing of our conversation couldn’t have been better, or worse, depending on your perspective. The recent shake-up in the education department is a reminder of how fragile our progress toward inclusion really is. Policies change, leadership shifts, and suddenly the things we thought were settled are up for debate again. It’s a good time to have honest conversations about what it means for all children to belong, not just in theory, but in practice.
Of course, I shared my origin story. If you’ve heard me speak before, you probably know it by heart. But I keep telling it because it’s a powerful example of how skeptics can become believers in inclusion. I started out convinced that some students just couldn’t be included. Then a wise professor challenged me to create an inclusion plan for the student I thought was “impossible.” It worked, and it changed everything for me.
One reason I’m proud of this interview is that it lays out the basic reasoning for why inclusion matters. Access is only the beginning. You need access first, but real inclusive education means making school better for all learners, not just those with disabilities. When we design for the margins, everyone benefits. It’s not about lowering standards or making things easier. It’s about making learning possible for everyone.
So, what’s the takeaway? Inclusion isn’t just a policy or a placement. It’s a mindset and a practice. It’s about making sure every student is part of the curriculum, the community, and the life of the school, and that they’re supported to succeed. And yes, it’s about having conversations, even when things feel uncertain or fragile.
If you want to hear more, check out my episode with Will Parker. And if you have a podcast, don’t be shy. Invite me on. I’ll bring my best stories, my dad jokes, and a whole lot of passion for making schools better for every learner.
Until next time, keep the conversation going.
Tim Villegas
Director of Communications
Maryland Coalition for Inclusive Education
P.S. Me and Dr. Jen Newton had a great conversation about what we mean by “general education.” Check it out here.
Listen and resources
- Show notes: https://williamdparker.com/2025/pmp470-staying-committed-to-inclusivity-with-tim-villegas/
- William Parker: https://williamdparker.com/
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Think Inclusive Turns 13
We’re throwing a joyful, interactive birthday party for the Think Inclusive podcast, and for everyone who’s helped build this community.
Tuesday, December 2 from 7:00 to 8:30 PM ET on Zoom
Here’s what’s on the agenda:
- A game show: “Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me – Think Inclusive Edition”
- A spotlight interview with disability rights advocate Keith Jones
- Special guests: Jenna Rufo, Mark Crenshaw, and Diana Pastora Carson
- Interactive polls, Q&A, a custom meme giveaway, and donor shout-outs
- Live auto-generated captioning for accessibility
We also have two simple birthday goals. First, we’re aiming to raise $1,300, with donation tiers starting at just $13. Second, we want to welcome 130 new donors to the Maryland Coalition for Inclusive Education community. Every gift goes directly to MCIE to support inclusive education wherever it’s needed most. If you’ve ever been moved by a story on the podcast, this is a beautiful way to pay it forward for another learner and another family.
Secure your ticket to the party here!
If you’re the sharing type, use #ThinkInclusive13 to spread the word. A quick post about why inclusion matters to you can help someone else feel seen and invited in.
Let’s celebrate together, because this community is worth it.
Tim Villegas is an internationally recognized expert in inclusive education who joined MCIE as the Director of Communications in 2020. He has appeared on over 20 podcasts, presented at numerous conferences, and launched the Think Inclusive blog and podcast. Tim founded the newsletter The Weeklyish in 2020 and produced the audio documentary series Inclusion Stories in 2023. Since joining MCIE in 2020, he has led their communications and marketing efforts, drawing on his 16 years of experience as a special education teacher and program specialist.