Welcome to My Page

"I believe every student is capable of more than they realize."

I am in my third year as a Special Education teacher and have been part of the Scholar Academy family since 2018.

I provide specialized instruction, life skills support, study skills instruction, and push-in services. My goal is to help students access the support they need, build confidence, and develop the skills necessary for success in school and beyond.

I believe in being a safe, supportive, and consistent person for students while helping them recognize their strengths and what they are capable of accomplishing.

I have lived in Grantsville and Tooele my entire life and have been married to my husband, Josh, for 20 years. We have three boys—Gaven, Jaden, and Landen—who are the center of our world.

Outside of school, you'll usually find me cheering from the sidelines. I'm my kids' biggest fan and rarely miss an opportunity to support them at football games, wrestling matches, and other activities. I also love my four dogs—Daisy Mae, Dixie Rose, Winston, and Otis "Spudmeyer"—along with cacti, lizards, and spending time with my family.

I look forward to partnering with students, families, and staff to support student success.

🌵 A Few Favorite Things

🦎 Lizards
🌵 Cactus plants
🐾 Daisy Mae, Dixie Rose, Winston & Otis "Spudmeyer"
🏈 Football
🤼 Wrestling

My View

I believe every student is capable of growth. Special education is not about limitations—it's about providing the support, instruction, and opportunities students need to be successful. My goal is to help students build confidence, develop independence, recognize their strengths, and access the tools they need to reach their full potential.

What Students and Families Can Expect

For Students

Students can expect a safe, supportive, and encouraging environment where they are challenged to grow and build confidence.

Students can expect:

Clear expectations and routines
Patience and encouragement
Support with academic and life skills
Opportunities to learn and grow
A teacher who believes in them

For Families

Families can expect open communication and a collaborative approach to supporting their child.

Families can expect:

Respectful and professional communication
Collaboration when concerns arise
Support in understanding services and goals
A focus on student growth and progress

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I contact my child's general education teacher?

Your child's general education teacher is usually the best first contact for questions about:

Classroom assignments
Grades
Missing work
Class expectations
Daily classroom concerns
Upcoming projects or tests

Because they work with your child every day in the classroom, they can often provide the quickest answers regarding academic performance and classroom routines.

When should I contact Mrs. Draper?

Please reach out to me if you have questions about:

IEP goals and services
Specialized instruction
Accommodations and modifications
Progress toward IEP goals
Study skills support
Life skills instruction
Special education concerns

If you're unsure who to contact, feel free to reach out and I'll help connect you with the right person.

How will I know how my child is doing?

Communication may look different for each student based on their needs. Families can expect updates regarding progress, concerns, and celebrations throughout the school year. Formal progress reports are also provided according to each student's IEP.

How can I support my child at home?

One of the best ways to support your child is by encouraging attendance, helping establish routines, celebrating effort, and maintaining open communication with the school. Small, consistent support at home can make a big difference.

What if my child is struggling?

Please don't hesitate to reach out. When concerns arise, we work together as a team to identify supports, problem-solve, and help students be successful.

Does receiving special education services mean my child can't be successful in general education?

Not at all. Special education services are designed to help students access their education and build the skills they need to be successful. Many students receive support while actively participating in general education classrooms and activities.

How can my child become more independent?

Building independence is an important part of special education. We work on skills such as organization, self-advocacy, problem-solving, study skills, and responsibility to help students become confident and successful learners.

What if I have questions about my child's IEP?

I am always happy to answer questions and discuss your child's goals, services, accommodations, and progress. Parent involvement is an important part of the IEP process, and I value working together to support your child.