East Texas A&M University alumna Dr. Cynthia D. Lee will bring her experience supporting young children with disabilities to state policy discussions following her appointment to the Continuing Advisory Committee for Special Education.

Gov. Greg Abbott appointed Lee on Oct. 15. The committee provides policy guidance on special education and related services for children with disabilities in Texas.

“I hope to bring a practical, real-world perspective to the committee and help ensure that the needs of young children, their families, and the educators who serve them are represented in decisions made at the state level,” Lee said.

Her priorities include access to early intervention and individualized instruction that allows young children to learn through play and interaction with their peers whenever appropriate.

Lee, an educational diagnostician with Prosper Independent School District and president of the Texas Division for Early Childhood, earned her master's degree in special education and doctorate in supervision, curriculum and instruction at East Texas A&M.

“My graduate education at East Texas A&M provided me with a strong foundation in early childhood special education and helped shape the professional I am today,” Lee said.

For students interested in following a similar path, ETAMU's master's program in special education develops skills in assessment, individualized education plans and research-based interventions, with an educational diagnostician certification pathway available. The doctoral program in supervision, curriculum and instruction prepares educators for leadership through curriculum development, instructional practices and research, with concentrations including early childhood education.