Savanna Flakes

Savanna Flakes is an international education consultant specializing in Universal Design for Learning, Technology Integration, Social Emotional Learning, Literacy, and Special Education. As an education consultant, Flakes has worked with school communities all around the world to build teacher leaders and support effective instructional practices for students with exceptionalities. Her prior instructional leadership roles include Administrator, Manager of Professional Learning, Master Educator, Technology Integration Specialist and Inclusion Instructional Specialist, coaching administrators and teachers on education technology tools and evidenced-based practices to engage students and provide meaningful access to rigorous curriculum. Flakes serves as a Professor at American University, training teachers on best practices to reach and teach learners with exceptionalities. Flakes has published instructional resources and books on Literacy Interventions for struggling readers, specially designed instruction, and differentiated instruction. She presents internationally on topics such as Universal Design for Learning, Technology Integration, Literacy and Language, Social Emotional Learning, and Special Education.

Flakes has received numerous honors and awards for her work on behalf of students with disabilities and in education such as a National Association of Special Education Teachers Outstanding Special Educator Award, a Sontag Prize in Urban Education Award, U.S. Department of Education-White House Outstanding African American Educator, The College Board Minority Professional Fellowship, and the Alexandria City Jaycee Public Service George Webber Award for Excellence in Education. She has presented workshops on instructional strategies for students with disabilities with the London International Council of Education, Council for Exceptional Children, Learning Disabilities Association of America, International Literacy Association, and National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. Flakes has been featured as a Keynote speaker for the Office State Superintendent of Education for the District of Columbia and a panelist with Dan Habib for the Down Syndrome Association of Greater Maryland, PossAbilities to Practical Applications. Flakes is distinguished as a TEDx Speaker on Inclusive Practices. Her TED Talk on "Inclusion and Fast Food: Designing a Meaningful Learning Experience" received numerous accolades for her innovative approach on the future of education. She is a guest blogger for Think Inclusive and authors an “Inclusion Corner” column for Multibriefs, in which she shares instructional strategies with teachers, parents, and students. She is working to utilize her education, training and passion to positively impact the lives of teachers, children, and families by coaching school communities on effective instructional and inclusive practices to reach ALL learners.

Flakes holds an Educational Specialist Degree from the University of Virginia in Curriculum and Instruction, Post-Masters Certificate from George Washington University in Leadership and Administration, and certifications in Remote Learning, Social Emotional Learning, Trauma, Mindfulness, and Emotional Intelligence. She is a National Board Certified Teacher (NBCTS), International Standards of Technology Teacher (ISTE), and a Google Certified Educator.

Flakes' new book, "Shaking Up Special Education: Instructional Moves to Increase Student Achievement" has been named one of the "100 Best-Selling Special Education Books of All Time."