163 - Beyond Placement: What Real Inclusion Looks Like with Tim Villegas
In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron sits down with Tim Villegas, Director of Communications for the Maryland Coalition for Inclusive Education and founder of the Think Inclusive podcast. Tim shares his personal journey from special education teacher to national inclusion advocate and unpacks what inclusion really means beyond placement. Together, they explore why leadership buy-in is essential, how belonging reframes divisive conversations around DEI, and why community sustains inclusive change. This conversation offers practical insights, hope, and clear reminders that inclusive education is not only possible—it’s already happening in powerful ways across the country.
Key Takeaways:
Inclusion Mindset - Inclusion is not just where students are placed, but an intentional mindset paired with daily practice.
Leadership Buy-In - Sustainable inclusion only happens when school and district leaders are fully committed.
Belonging Matters - Belonging reframes inclusion as a human need, not a political concept.
Systems Change - Segregation often persists because systems haven’t learned a better way—not because of ill intent.
Community Support - Staying connected with like-minded advocates is essential to sustaining inclusive work.
Tim Villegas’ definition of inclusion:
Inclusion is being intentional about creating spaces where everyone belongs and actively removing barriers that prevent full participation.
Tim Villegas’ Bio:
Tim Villegas is an internationally recognized expert in inclusive education and has been the Director of Communications at MCIE since 2020. With over 16 years of experience as a special education teacher and program specialist, Tim, a self-described inclusionist, has been a strong advocate for learners with extensive support needs to be included in general education settings.
He launched the Think Inclusive blog and podcast in 2012, producing over 200 episodes. Tim has also appeared on over 20 podcasts and presented at numerous conferences. In 2020, he founded the newsletter The Weeklyish and, in 2023, produced the audio documentary series Inclusion Stories.
At MCIE, Tim leads the communications and marketing efforts, leveraging his extensive background to promote inclusive education.
Connect with Tim Villegas:
Website: https://mcie.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/timvillegas78
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealtimvegas
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timvillegas/
Podcast: https://pod.link/583456652
SPAM© Count:
Host:
Yes
Current Guest:
Yes
Cumulative Guest Stats:
Yes - 69
No - 92
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Director of Communications - MCIE
Tim Villegas is an internationally recognized expert in inclusive education and has been the Director of Communications at MCIE since 2020. With over 16 years of experience as a special education teacher and program specialist, Tim, a self-described inclusionist, has been a strong advocate for learners with extensive support needs to be included in general education settings.
He launched the Think Inclusive blog and podcast in 2012, producing over 200 episodes. Tim has also appeared on over 20 podcasts and presented at numerous conferences. In 2020, he founded the newsletter The Weeklyish and, in 2023, produced the audio documentary series Inclusion Stories.
At MCIE, Tim leads the communications and marketing efforts, leveraging his extensive background to promote inclusive education.
