From Dropout to Doctorate

From Dropout to Doctorate: 60 Years of Lessons in Education fromBoth Sides of the Desk tells the story of the education of a younggirl from the Midwest who drops out of high school and begins aconvoluted journey filled with tragedy and triumph, fraught withinsecurities, but bolstered by an innate determination to succeed. Motivated by instilled values of integrity and social justice, sheworks diligently to get back on track and stay there. Her hard workpays off, and she becomes an award-winning teacher, neurodiversityadvocate, parenting expert, and activist in an impoverished bordercommunity. From the cornfields of Illinois to the corn tortillas ofthe Mexican border, a high school dropout becomes a championof the poor and finds her niche in helping others succeed. Herjourney through educational institutions from elementary school tograduate school offers a behind-the-scenes analysis of what s rightand wrong with public education in America, highlighting the urgentneed for inclusive, neuroscience-informed practices. With sharpanalysis, bold truths, and lived experience, she delivers practicalrecommendations to build a more equitable, compassionate, andfuture-ready education system.