Visionary Leadership in Action: Dr. Wendi Aghily’s Journey to Championing Inclusive Education
As Chief of Pupil Services and Special Education at Mt. Diablo Unified School District, Dr. Wendi Aghily exemplifies the kind of transformative leadership that blends lived experience, deep empathy, and systemic vision. Her story is rooted in personal purpose and has blossomed into a professional mission: creating inclusive, equitable education for all learners.
A Parent First, Always an Educator
“My greatest role in teaching was being a parent,” Dr. Aghily shares. “Being a stay-at-home mom was the highlight of my life, my proudest achievement, and the foundation of my educational philosophy.”
It’s from this early experience—nurturing and observing learning at home—that Dr. Aghily began to understand how education could be both deeply personal and profoundly universal. As a teacher of students with mild to moderate disabilities, she quickly discovered how critical it was to break down learning into “micro steps”—small, incremental concepts that unlock the learning process for every child.
“These little micro-learnings reveal what’s missing,” she explains. “They give educators clues about how to better support children—not just those in special education, but all students.”
This practice of slowing down and individualizing learning has guided Dr. Aghily’s entire career, from classroom teacher to district administrator to policy advocate.
Balancing Theory with Real-World Practice
Dr. Aghily is a passionate advocate for better teacher preparation—especially for those entering the field of special education.
“There simply aren’t enough hours in most teacher prep programs,” she says. “New teachers are often placed in classrooms as interns with limited training. They’re responsible for students while still learning how to teach."
Her solution? Ongoing, supportive training that lasts well beyond the first year.
“You’re still learning five, ten years in,” she adds. “We have to create a culture where it’s okay to ask questions, where support isn’t a ‘gotcha’—it’s a partnership.”
This philosophy is reflected in her work developing district-level supports, including mentorship from experienced specialists and compliance coaching to help new educators succeed without being overwhelmed.
Removing Barriers, Opening Doors: The Residency Program
One of Dr. Aghily’s most exciting current projects is the new Teacher Residency Program—a collaborative partnership between Mt. Diablo Unified and Saint Mary’s Kalmanovitz School of Education that provides a stipend-supported pathway to a teaching credential.
“This program is transformational,” she says. “It creates access for people who are heart-driven but financially shut out of the profession. When students see teachers who reflect their community, it changes everything.”
The program offers hands-on training in real classrooms, mentorship from experienced educators, and financial support—creating a more diverse and empowered next generation of teachers.
“I couldn’t be more excited,” she adds. “It’s an investment in our future that will pay dividends for years to come.”
The Real Challenges: Standardized Testing and Joy
For all the innovation in education, Dr. Aghily doesn’t shy away from the systemic barriers that remain—especially high-stakes tests like the CSET and RICA.
“I know exceptional educators who struggled to pass these exams. They built relationships, helped students grow—but couldn’t afford to keep retaking the tests,” she says. “We need to re-examine what success looks like and ensure we’re not excluding great teachers.”
And in the face of all the challenges? She reminds educators to find the joy.
“This work is supposed to be fun. You get to hang out with kids, hear their stories, share their world. If we don’t remember to enjoy that, we’ll burn out—no matter what role we’re in.”
Empowered Beginnings: Advice for New Educators
For aspiring teachers—especially those stepping into special education—Dr. Aghily offers advice that is both practical and profound.
“Be brave. Know your North Star, and follow it.” she says. “If you’re in this work to advocate for students with disabilities, then speak up when something’s not right. Even as a first-year teacher, you may know more about your students than anyone else on campus. Own that expertise.”
She also stresses the importance of community and mentorship: “Find a critical friend—someone compassionately honest—who can help you reflect and grow. And remember, as the adult in the room, it’s your job to grow faster than the kids.”
When it comes to choosing a first job after graduation, she urges candidates to look beyond salary numbers.
“It’s tempting to follow the highest offer, but think about your life as a whole. What’s your daily commute? What kind of support system will you have? Will your work environment feed your growth?” she asks. “Some people thrive in small districts with tight-knit teams, others in larger systems with more resources and colleagues. Figure out where you’ll feel supported.”
Her bottom line: “Money comes and goes. But your well-being, your community, your day-to-day joy—those are everything.”
Anchored Through Change
As someone who has weathered personal, professional, and systemic shifts in education, Dr. Aghily’s final reflection is both grounding and inspiring:
“Remember who you are. You can’t control what happens at the state or national level. But you can control how you show up—for your students, your colleagues, and yourself.”
She acknowledges the uncertainty in today’s educational climate, but encourages educators to
focus on their purpose.
“Life is full of pendulum swings. The good times are temporary—and so are the hard times. If you stay focused on your purpose, you’ll find your way through.”
It’s this steady sense of purpose—rooted in advocacy, joy, and community—that defines Dr. Wendi Aghily’s legacy as an educational leader and visionary.