About AnchorED
In the World of Special Education, Experience Matters
Experience is not just years in the field; it is about leading teams, making decisions, managing programs and budgets, and carrying responsibility for outcomes.
I founded AnchorED after more than 20 years in leadership positions across district, charter, school-site, and virtual learning environments.
These roles have given me a practical understanding of how special education functions at every level. I have led IEP processes, built program systems, strengthened compliance, managed service delivery, guided staff and providers, responded to concerns and complaints, and made difficult decisions when student needs, budget constraints, staffing realities, and school obligations intersect.
AnchorED is built on the understanding that schools need clear direction, strong implementation, and steady leadership grounded in both the legal responsibilities and day-to-day realities of special education.
— Scott Michaelson —
Founder and Special Education Director
Professional Experience
Director-level experience leading special education programs, guiding IEP systems, managing provider coordination, addressing program concerns, and setting clear administrative direction for teams.
Director-level experience leading special education operations at the systems level, including compliance practices, service delivery, staffing needs, program implementation, and districtwide decision-making.
Executive-level experience with the unique realities of charter schools, including legal requirements, budgets, authorizer oversight, staffing structures, program growth, and board-level accountability.
Principal and Assistant Principal experience leading staff, managing day-to-day school operations, supporting students and families, and integrating special education into the broader instructional program.
Spearheading development and growth of virtual programs, including structuring remote service delivery, supporting flexible learning models, and maintaining communication and accountability across settings.
Creation of systems and procedures that improve workflows, build team capacity, monitor services, guide staff, and move special education work from planning to implementation.
Strengthening practices that reduce compliance exposure, address corrective action needs, and bring clarity and control to complex special education responsibilities.
Practical program decision-making that balances student needs, legal obligations, staffing realities, and responsible use of school resources.