A Day in the Life of a Special Educator

"Sense of belonging is about being able to be your authentic self in all spaces, including academic ones. Every child deserves that opportunity."

"As someone who immigrated from India in 1996, I understand the challenges these families face," Kalpana explains. "My own experience deeply informs my passion for this work and my teaching practice."

 

Meet Dr. Kalpana Galagali

Current Role: Special Day Class (SDC) Teacher, Borel Middle School, San Mateo, CA

• Experience: Special educator focused on culturally responsive teaching practices
• Education: Ed.D. in Special Education, San Jose State University
• Specialization: Fostering a sense of belonging for immigrant students and families, particularly Hispanic communities

Dr. Galagali recently presented her dissertation research at the California CEC's "Bridge to Belonging" Conference in February 2025 at CSU Northridge, where she shared insights on creating more inclusive educational environments for immigrant students and families.

 

Inside Kalpana's Classroom

Dr. Galagali teaches a combination of 6th and 7th graders with mild to moderate disabilities, including autism and learning disabilities. Her students stay with her for core subjects, joining general education classes for PE, electives, and sometimes math, science, or social studies depending on their individual goals.

Each day begins with mindfulness and yoga stretches, followed by a morning circle where students practice affirmations to build confidence. For English Language Arts, she uses a modified curriculum and weekly library visits. A speech therapist joins the class weekly to support students with speech goals.

Her math instruction builds from foundational skills to more advanced concepts using engaging platforms like Blooket and Zearn. Social studies comes alive through hands-on projects—students have built model temples while learning about India and celebrated diverse cultural holidays.

 

Beyond the Classroom

Dr. Galagali's contributions extend throughout the school:

• Leads school-wide mindfulness sessions twice weekly
• Runs the Mandala Club, teaching yoga and mindfulness practices
• Serves on the English Learner Advisory Committee (ELAC) and District ELAC
• Participates in the district's Equity and Inclusion Committee
• Acts as an ally for the Rainbow Club
• In recognition of her inclusive approach, she received the Inclusion Award in 2020.

 

Research That Transforms Practice

Dr. Galagali's dissertation explored the experiences of Hispanic students and families, focusing on their sense of belonging in school environments.

Her qualitative study involved interviewing 12 Hispanic families from Mexico, Chile, and El Salvador, working with interpreters to ensure that the families could express themselves fully in their native languages.

"The problem of practice I addressed was the lack of sense of belonging among lower-income Hispanic parents in the U.S. school system," Kalpana explains. "These families face numerous challenges including immigration status issues, cultural and linguistic barriers, and limited English proficiency."

 

In Her Own Words

What inspired your research focus? "My immigrant experience deeply informs my passion for this research. In 1996, my family immigrated to the United States from India. My son's schooling highlighted issues of language and cultural barriers despite efforts to integrate. Years later, as a teacher, these experiences shaped my approach and my advocacy for immigrant students facing similar challenges."

How do you define belonging in educational settings? "Belonging is the felt experience of connection to others, to a group, or to a place. It's about the sense of security and support that comes from being in a social unit where you are valued and accepted for who you are."

What recommendations do you have for schools? "My research identified several crucial strategies: providing communication in families' native languages, employing bilingual staff, offering flexible scheduling for school events, and creating opportunities for cultural celebration and recognition."

 

A Vision for the Future

Dr. Galagali is interested in exploring the diversity within Latin American communities and building stronger partnerships to reach families less comfortable engaging with the school system.

"The first thing is building trust. It doesn't happen immediately, but it's essential for creating meaningful connections."

She concludes with a guiding philosophy: "The African philosophy of ubuntu reminds us that 'I am because we are'—our individual experiences and success are intrinsically linked to our community and to each other."

 

Connect with Dr. Galagali

Dr. Galagali welcomes collaboration with fellow educators working to create more inclusive environments for immigrant students and families. She can be reached through the CACEC network.

________________________________________ This feature is part of CACEC's ongoing "A Day in the Life" series highlighting exceptional special educators across California. To nominate an educator for a future feature, please contact membership@calstatecec.org.