15
VIDBE - Q Volume 63 Issue 1
Holli Luff
Beth A. Jones, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Special Education
Texas A&M University — Commerce
Beth.Jones@tamuc.edu
Meet the Author
My name is Beth Ashby Jones and my family has hereditary optic nerve atrophy (father,
sister, myself, and my two children). I earned my doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction with
a concentration in special education from Louisiana State University. I al so hold a Master of
Education in Educational Psychology, with specializations in special education and school
counseling, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies (graduated Cum Laude)
with a concentration in special education, both fr om Texas A&M University. I am currently an
Associate Professor and Graduate Program Coordinator at Texas A&M University - Commerce.
My practical teaching experience included working as a public school teacher for seven years,
in a grades 5 - 6 resource math classroom and then grades K - 6 resource reading language
arts/math classroom for three years. During five of those years, I served as the lead special
education teacher for her respective campuses.
Even given my familiarity with special education, I often find navigating the process for
my own children to be intimidating and require advocacy and education on my part. It can be
challenging to take on this role and maintain a positive relationship with school personnel. I am
hopeful that the tips below wil l serve to foster a positive school - family relationship.
Envisioning a Bright Path:
Tips for Famil ies and Teachers of the Visually Impaired