225 - Graduation Is Not The Finish Line! Are We Preparing Students for Life? - Dr. Jeremy Tiegerman

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron talks with Dr. Jeremy Tiegerman, psychologist and Chief Operating Officer of Tigerman, about disability inclusion, special education, and preparing young people for life beyond graduation. Jeremy shares how his mother's determination grew a small preschool program into an organization supporting hundreds of children and adults. They discuss parent advocacy, navigating complicated education systems, building independence through everyday life skills, and the importance of social-emotional learning. Jeremy also shares a simple but powerful message for creating a more inclusive world: practice patience, listen more, and never give up on people or possibilities.

Key Takeaways:

Access Creates Inclusion – Inclusion means giving everyone, regardless of ability, access to opportunities and the ability to participate and engage.

Parents Matter – Parents are essential members of the educational team and deserve to be respected, heard, and informed.

Question Authority – Parents shouldn't be afraid to ask questions, request explanations, challenge recommendations, and advocate for what works best for their child and family.

Beyond Graduation – Preparing students for adulthood means teaching practical life skills, building independence, and helping them navigate life beyond the school system.

Listen and Persist – Patience, active listening, and refusing to give up on people are powerful ways to create a more inclusive world.

Dr. Jeremy Tiegerman’s definition of inclusion:

Inclusion is giving everyone, regardless of functioning ability, the ability to engage, to have opportunity and to have access to those opportunities.

Dr. Jeremy Tiegerman’s Bio:

Dr. Jeremy Tiegerman, Psy.D., has spent most of his career at Tiegerman, a family of non-public, state-approved schools and community services in the New York City Metropolitan Area that offers residential, vocational, and day rehabilitation programs. Today, he serves as Chief Operating Officer of Tiegerman Schools and Tiegerman Community Services, carrying forward Tiegerman's mission of "teaching the extraordinary" by focusing on identifying children with language and autism spectrum disorders early and providing them with access to specialized educational programs. He studied Psychology at the University of Maryland for his bachelor's degree and completed his master's degree, Certificate of Advanced Studies, and Doctorate in School Community Psychology at Hofstra University. He advanced from School Psychologist to Principal to Program Director before becoming COO in January 2023. He is a licensed School Building Leader and School Psychologist certified by the New York State Education Department, and he also runs a private psychology practice in Syosset, NY.

Connect with Dr. Jeremy Tiegerman:

Website: https://tiegerman.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Tiegerman85

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tiegermanschools/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Tiegerman85

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremy-tiegerman-01473b17/

SPAM© Count:

Host:

Yes

Current Guest:

No

Cumulative Guest Stats:

Yes - 97

No - 126

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