Why You Should Become an SESP: Insights from Those Who Serve

If you’re passionate about making a difference in the lives of students with special needs, becoming a Special Education Surrogate Parent (SESP) might be the perfect opportunity for you. An SESP gets to know a child who is experiencing state custody in the Child Welfare system, in order to represent their interests on the IEP team. In other words, they step into the role otherwise filled by a parent by serving as the educational decision-maker for the child.

Recently, Andrea Parker, Director of the Recruitment, Training, and Support Center (RTSC) interviewed several SESPs to hear about their experiences, motivations, and the impact this role has had on their lives and the lives of the students they serve. Their comments illuminated seven compelling reasons to become an SESP.

1. To Make a Meaningful Impact

One of the most compelling reasons to become an SESP is the opportunity to make an impact on a child’s life. SESPs often serve as the critical advocate for students who might otherwise not have a voice in their educational journey. Roxi Harvey, an SESP, shared how fulfilling it is to bring the student’s perspective into meetings, especially when that student may not be able to fully advocate for themselves. “Our children are deserving. Thank goodness we are here to uplift their voices,” Roxi says, highlighting the importance of ensuring every student’s needs are met.

2. To Empower the Next Generation

SESPs can play a crucial role in teaching students how to advocate for themselves, a skill that will serve them well beyond their school years. Edith Bazile views her role as a mentor, helping students understand their strengths and challenges while encouraging them to participate actively in decisions about their education.

“I try to teach self-advocacy – that they are a critical part of the conversation,” Edith explains. By becoming an SESP, you can empower students to take charge of their futures.

3. To Experience Deep Rewards

Jennie DunKley, an experienced advocate and SESP, describes the role of the SESP as “gratifying and frustrating at the same time.” She explained, “the challenges are real, but so are the rewards. We can find opportunities in the school and other systems so that kids do not fall through the cracks.”

Helping a student succeed against the odds and ensuring they receive the education they deserve brings immense satisfaction. It’s a chance to make a tangible difference in a system that can sometimes overlook the individual needs of students.

4. To Build Transformative Relationships

SESPs often develop strong, meaningful relationships with the students they serve. Edith described the excitement she feels as she gets to know the students she works with as an SESP. With younger students, she asks, “What do they feel good about? How about social connections and friends? What do you really enjoy at school?”

With older students, she enjoys helping them build self-confidence and a sense of autonomy. Recognizing the trauma that students have experienced in their young lives, she asks, “What does a healing pathway to your own self-advocacy look like?”

Always, she wants students to know, “Your education is so important and you have a bright future, regardless of what your current circumstances are.”

Roxi Harvey

Edith Bazile

Jennie DunKley

5. To Watch Students Grow

It is inspiring to witness students become more empowered over time. Roxi recounted the impact of supporting a 7-year-old student with limited verbal skills to join a team meeting and speak on her own behalf. She explained, “We have to listen to our children. All of them. When a student feels confidence to say what they think and feel, this is when we know there is growth.”

Building meaningful relationships with students is essential to helping them develop their own self-advocacy and self-determination skills.

6. To Grow Personally and Professionally, Yourself

Serving as an SESP offers abundant opportunities for personal and professional growth. The role requires you to continuously learn, adapt, and refine your advocacy skills. Jennie advises new SESPs to embrace this learning process, whether it’s memorizing timelines, studying procedures, or practicing "Collaborative Curiosity" to better understand a student’s perspectives. She emphasized that new SESPs don’t need to be perfect. “You are going to make mistakes - and that’s ok.” There is always space to “follow up and ask what something means for this particular child.” The training and support provided by FCSN ensure that you’re never alone in the learning process.

7. To Join a Supportive Community

When you become an SESP, you become part of a community of like-minded individuals who are committed to advocating for students. This network of support is an invaluable resource for guidance, shared experiences, and a sense of camaraderie.

Jennie credits the RTSC staff for the support they provide to SESPs. She shares, “I am so grateful to FCSN for providing help in my role, in the form of trainings and individual supports.”

Become an SESP

Serving as an SESP is more than just a volunteer opportunity—it’s a chance to make a difference in a student’s life, to empower them, and to grow both personally and professionally. The insights shared by current SESPs highlight the deep fulfillment that comes from advocating for students, the meaningful relationships built, and the lasting impact you can have.

If you have the time, passion, and commitment to see a child thrive, consider becoming an SESP. Learn more and apply today on the SESP Recruitment Training, and Support Center (RTSC) website.

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