Empowering Independence Through Inclusion
The Texas Retired Teachers Association celebrates educators who go beyond instruction to transform lives. Nichol Lee, a Special Education Resource/Inclusion teacher at Dripping Springs Elementary, brings that mission to life through compassion, collaboration, and a deep commitment to student independence.
Nichol’s path into education began not in a classroom—but at home.
“My journey into special education began as a parent,” she shares. As the mother of twins with multiple disabilities, she spent years navigating ARD meetings and advocating for appropriate support. “Those meetings were often emotional… I remember constantly asking myself, why does accessing an appropriate education have to be this hard?”
That question became her calling.
“I realized that if it was this challenging for my own children—with a parent who knew how to advocate, it must be even more overwhelming for families without that support. That’s when I decided to finish my degree and step into the classroom myself.”
Today, Nichol brings that lived experience into her work. “What motivates me is the opportunity to be the advocate I once needed,” she says. “My students deserve access, dignity, and meaningful opportunities —and I’m committed to helping make that a reality.”
Building Inclusion Through Collaboration
Nichol is known on her campus for her collaborative approach to inclusion, working closely with general education teachers to support student success.
“Collaboration starts with understanding the student,” she explains. She provides teachers with clear, practical snapshots of each student’s IEP and walks them through how accommodations look in action. “Having a list is one thing, but knowing how to implement it effectively in a busy classroom is another.”
As a co-teacher, Nichol models these supports in real time—whether it’s using speech-to-text tools for writing or modifying assignments to focus on essential skills.
“My goal is to ensure that students can access grade-level content in a way that works for them,” she says. “Their learning might look different, but it still aligns with the same standards.”
For Nichol, inclusion is rooted in teamwork and flexibility. “It comes down to meeting students where they are—so they can grow, succeed, and feel confident.”
Real-World Learning, Real Confidence
Nichol’s impact is most evident in the independence her students build through real-world learning.
While teaching Vocational Career Education, she created hands-on experiences that mirrored real jobs, from managing cafeteria stations to practicing workplace expectations. “The goal was always independence,” she says. “We intentionally faded our support so students could take ownership.”
One student, after learning to safely use a box cutter, made an unexpected connection. “On his own, he realized those same skills applied to another part of his life—and he taught himself how to shave.”
Another powerful moment came after a grocery store simulation unit and a visit to H-E-B. Inspired by the experience, one student independently applied for a job, scheduled an interview, and was hired on the spot.
“She did it all independently… that moment meant everything to me,” Nichol says. “It showed that when students are given authentic opportunities, they gain the confidence to pursue real goals.”
A Future Full of Possibility
For Nichol, education is about far more than academics. She doesn’t consider herself a traditional classroom teacher; she believes in teaching through real-world experiences and creating opportunities that reflect life beyond the classroom.
“To me, a disability is just a word—it doesn’t define who a student is or what their future holds,” she says. “As a special education teacher, my role goes beyond advocating for my students’ needs. It’s also about helping them see their own potential—showing them that they can achieve what they set their minds to.
Nichol believes, “If we truly prepare students for real life, they won’t just leave school with skills—they will leave with independence, confidence, and a future they believe in.”
Through stories like Nichol’s, TRTA connects educators across generations through a shared commitment to students and the work that makes their success possible.
