Women Over 70: Aging Reimagined 372 Sandra Taenzer: Leading the Way In Early Childhood Special Education
At 86, Sandra “Sandy” Taenzer reflects on a lifetime of innovation in Early Childhood–Special Education that began in the 1960s in Germany and still resonates today. Working in a large Illinois School District, Sandy helped initiate early childhood special education through a Federal “First Chance Grant” in 1972. She and a multi-disciplinary team championed “natural, play-based assessment and play as the basis for early learning” She also pioneered collaborative partnerships with school districts and agencies, building interdisciplinary teams to serve children and families more holistically. Since moving to Minnesota’s North Shore of Lake Superior in 2004, Sandy has become affectionately known as “Grandma Sandy,” volunteering through home visits, childcare centers, and one-on-one mentoring. Active with Arrowhead Indivisible, she speaks publicly about the Holocaust, sharing stories she heard firsthand from an older neighbor while living in Germany in her early twenties. Sandy warns that she now sees troubling parallels in today’s America.
"I’ve been an activist all my life, working to ensure that every child has the chance to be their best self." - Sandra Taenzer
Connect with Sandy
Email: sft020939@gmail.com
Learn more about Sandy’s ground-breaking work. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library--Oral History Interview - Educational Reform Act 1985 Sandra Taen zer
https://presidentlincoln.illinois.gov/oral-history/collections/taenzer-sandra/interview-detail/
Thanking Our Sponsor: Plymouth Place, LaGrange Park, IL.
Discover the extraordinary at Plymouth Place—a vibrant community designed for active adults. Elevate your retirement living experience with tailored independent options, premier amenities, and a full continuum of care. Explore diverse living choices and embrace the joy of a life well-lived. http://plymouthplace.org
Recognizing the Age--Wise Collective: Women Over 70-Aging Reimagined has joined other women podcasters to amplify the voices of women over 50.
We shine the light on gerontologist Sally Duplantier, founder and host of My Zing Life, dedicated to helping older adults live their best lives longer. Her current Healthspan work focuses on improving health behaviors and mental well-being for vulnerable populations through community-based health coaching. https://sally@myzinglife.com