Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Stacy Brannon.
Dr. Brannon, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Born to two loving parents who were both in the Airforce, I was a force to be reckoned with. Both led long careers of service. They instilled in me the value of service, hard work, personal growth, and dedication to education. Growing up on an Airforce base in Abilene, Texas, I spent countless nights surrounded by books and stuffed animals, listening to my mother read bedtime stories. It wasn’t long before I began writing my own stories, inspired by my vivid imagination and my passion for helping others. As a child, I knew that I was destined to be a children’s writer. My first children’s book features a character named Ernest. Ernest was paralyzed in a tragic car accident as an adult but learned to navigate the world in his new body while advocating for people with disabilities. He became a state Commissioner of Disabilities and established an annual scholarship fund for individuals with disabilities who are making a positive impact on others’ lives. This story titled “GoldenDoodle Tails First Shots” has a significant impact for me because the character Ernie is based on my father. It is true testament of his spirit and fight and the power of my imagination uniting that has creative this addicting book series filled with imaginative twists and turns told from a unique perspective.
This story, along with the values instilled in me by my parents, inspired me to pursue a career in special education. I went on to conduct doctoral research in the field and wrote my first non-fiction book, Sweetheart of Special Education, based on my research findings conducted in Irving. The book explores the challenges and triumphs of students with disabilities and their families, as well as the dedicated educators who serve them.
Through my work, I continue to embody the values that were instilled in me as a child – service, hard work, personal growth, and dedication to education. I am an advocate for people with disabilities and a passionate writer, committed to using my talents to make a positive impact in the world. Like my parents, I want my life to be a testament to the power of imagination, perseverance, and the human spirit.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I was born into a life of challenges, but I’ve learned to navigate the twists and turns of the road called life. I’ve encountered numerous obstacles and setbacks, including bumps, potholes, crashes, fender benders, road closures, and the untimely deaths of both my grandmother and father. However, I’ve persevered and gained wisdom, direction, eyesight, and discernment along the way.
Losing my loved ones was particularly difficult and sent me on an emotional roller coaster. However, even as I grieved, I continued to move forward, seeking purpose in my pain.
My journey took an unexpected turn when my family and I were involved in a devastating car accident during a road trip celebrating my daughter’s senior year graduation. The accident left us with broken bones and other injuries that I still deal with today.
Despite the struggles I’ve faced, I’ve learned to view my challenges as “ugly gifts” that serve a purpose in my life. I understand that struggle is a part of the journey and has prepared me to better navigate the road of life.
Through it all, I remain resilient and determined, using my experiences to grow and develop into a stronger person. I continue to embrace the journey with open eyes and a willingness to learn from the bumps along the way.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am Dr. Stacy Brannon, a highly accomplished educator, and author specializing in special education and instructional technology. I earned my Bachelor of Arts in English/American Literature, with a specialization in Children’s Literature and Writing from UCLA. Later, I went on to earn three Masters’ degrees: Special Education Generalist (PreK-12), Curriculum & Instruction, and Instructional Technology, demonstrating my passion for education and my commitment to professional development.
Throughout my career, I have taught every grade level in a variety of specialized settings across four different states, including California, Hawaii, Nevada, and Texas. My expertise extends across the curriculum, and I have developed innovative programs such as an 18+Transition program, “Community Career Connections,” which received the Community Service Award for the city of Irving for two consecutive years. I also developed the “Inspire to Hire” program, which trains students with disabilities to become employed within their school district.
I completed my doctorate in Educational Organization Leadership with an emphasis in Special Education and Instructional Programming. My doctoral research has further enhanced my knowledge and skills in special education, and I have served on several school district leadership teams in several states, as well as a member on the State of California Commissioners Disability Board.
I am an adjunct professor in education for a private university in San Diego, California. I am also a non-profit co-founder for Special Education Collaborative Outreach (SECO), which has afforded me further insight into special education and education practices globally. Recently, the non-profit received the 2023 Global Humanitarian Outreach award for the training and resources offered to individuals with disabilities in Africa.
In my current role as a Digital Learning Technology Coach, I support elementary campuses in Irving ISD, offering innovative approaches to navigate curriculum and instruction to support all students, particularly those who need extra support. I was part of a team that developed a literacy program, “Switched On Learning,” which gained Irving ISD national attention. Verizon entered into a partnership and Switched on Learning is now the first-ever adaptive curriculum that uses switched-adapted toys along with books to teach early literacy skills.
My passion for literacy has led me to publish several books, including Sweetheart of Special Education and co-author of Gifts Unwrapped. My newest publication, Goldendoodle Tails, is a testament to the length I will go to make learning and reading engaging. I started my own book publication, Sow into you Publications, a Literacy Business Solutions-Based Concept founded on the idea of developing early literacy skills and teaching valuable real-world lessons through innovative new media combinations while globally discovering and developing new authors drawn from the targeted population of students that provide post-secondary employment.
I continue to instill the value of service to others and use my passion to fulfill my purpose of contributing to advancing the knowledge of ALL students’ skills to live and lead successful and meaningful lives. I am dedicated to creating post-secondary employment opportunities for students and fostering a stimulating literacy curriculum to target reading instruction globally. My commitment to education and my passion for literacy make me an asset to the educational community, and I continue to make a difference in the lives of countless students.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
Throughout my journey to success, I have been blessed with a multitude of supporters who have guided me, coached me, and even promoted me. Among these supporters are my parents, who have been my main cheerleaders. Although my father is now deceased, he played a major role in providing fatherly advice and guidance during my formative years. My mother, on the other hand, is my biggest fan, always there to lend her words of wisdom and support whenever I need it. Moreover, my family is equally supportive, and they actively participate in my events, which has been a tremendous source of motivation for me. Additionally, my Directors in Irving ISD have been instrumental in allowing me to use my innovative ideas to create and develop programs for the district while also trusting me to implement them effectively. And, I cannot forget to mention my colleague and President of Special Education Collaborative Outreach, and co-business owner of Sow Into You Publication who has been critical in molding and grooming me for the business world. Their unwavering support, encouragement, and guidance have been instrumental in my success, and I am grateful for their presence in my life.
Pricing:
- GoldenDoodle Tails First Shots (English/Spanish) $12.99
- GoldenDoodle Tails ebook $7.99
- Dog Plushies $25.00
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sowintoyoupublication.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goldendoodletails/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/Golddoodletails
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@goldendoodletails?_t=8bZij3W75IJ&_r=1
Image Credits
Gabriela Sierra
