Welcoming the Sunlight: A Conversation With Mary Kay Zabel and Robert Zabel

Abstract

Professors Emeriti Mary Kay and Robert Zabel share their reflections on their long and productive careers working with students and teachers. Their respective careers share much of the same history and complement each other. The Zabels share their advice with those entering the field and the challenges they see for the education of students with emotional/behavioral disorders.

Observations From the Architects of the Fields of Learning Disabilities and Emotional/Behavioral Disabilities

“…Specifically in regard to treatment of individuals with mental health problems, Robert Zabel observed, “They are considered bad and needing of punishment instead of education and treatment. Sadly, I think that reflects some prevalent views in our society about criminality and incarceration as treatments” (Teagarden & Kaff, 2018, p. 260).…”

“…We might be getting better at what we do, but when caseloads are doubled or tripled and support decreases, you can’t expect to provide the quality programs that these children deserve. (Teagarden & Kaff, 2018, p. 260)…”

“…Public education has always been about educating the whole child to participate in a democratic society, being informed, understanding, being able to cooperate, having social skills, “playing well with others,” those kinds of things. (Teagarden & Kaff, 2018, p. 260)…”

“…Frank Gresham observed that most school psychologists currently receive the bulk of their training in administering assessments to determine special education eligibility rather than focusing on mental health (Zabel et al, 2014). Both Don Hammill and Robert Zabel recognized that the move toward generic certification has had an impact on the identity of specialists in the field, noting that membership in respective professional organizations has dwindled (Chamberlain, 2010a; Teagarden & Kaff, 2018).…”

“…Mary Kay Zabel described this moment as, “The light of day, sunlight! Our kids are no longer in the attic, and they’re not in the basement” (Teagarden & Kaff, 2018, p. 258).…”