SWREC Spotlight Newsletter- March Edition
Spotlight from our Executive Director
Instructional Specialist Spotlight
Spotlight on Professional Development Partners:
Lorie has been a partner and professional development provider for the SWREC for many years and is a fan favorite of the educators in the region. Lorie combines her deep knowledge of special education law and her experiences as a special education director and creates meaningful and interactive professional development opportunities.
Lorie has over thirty years of experience in the field of special education. During her years in public education, Lorie was a teacher for students with disabilities and a district level student services administrator for small, medium, and large school districts in Arizona.
As an attorney, Lorie focuses on supporting school districts and charter schools in the areas of special education and disability law. Before opening her own practice, she practiced school law in New Mexico for almost 5 years. During that time, she continued to support public schools in navigating the legal requirements of serving students with disabilities, under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Lorie has presented on special education legal issues at numerous conferences, including Arizona Council for Exceptional Children/Arizona Council of Administrators for Special Education (AZCEC/AZCASE), New Mexico School Psychologist Association, New Mexico School Boards Association, Arizona Charter Schools Association, and many individual Regional Education Cooperatives, school districts and charter schools across Arizona, New Mexico, and Wyoming
Lorie has been admitted to practice law and is a member of the State bars of Arizona, Colorado, Nebraska, New Mexico, and Wyoming, with admittance to practice before the New Mexico Supreme Court. Along with holding her Juris Doctorate, Lorie has earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Special Education, her master’s degree in educational administration and holds her superintendent, principal, and teacher licenses in Arizona.
"I want to give school administrators the tools and guidance to efficiently and effectively manage their day to day legal hurdles. I have walked a mile in their shoes and want to provide them the benefit of my miles." — Lorie Gerkey
Upcoming Trainings
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Growing Language Through Science
Date: 3/4/26 | 4:00-5:30
Type: Book Study / Virtual
Host: NM STEM Innovation Network
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SPED Directors' Academy
Date: 3/5/26 | 12:00-3:30
Presenter: Lorie Gerkey
Location: SWREC Training Room
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Register Now
Indigenous Education Convening
Date: 3/12/26 | Albuquerque
Location: Indian Pueblo Cultural Center
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Register Now
SWREC Leadership Academy
Date: 3/24/26 | 12:00-3:30
Lunch Provided: Includes Coaching
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Register Now
Early Algebraic Concepts
Date: 3/30/26 | 8:30-3:30
Grades: Kindergarten - Grade 3
Presenter: School Kit
We recently took a moment to celebrate the incredible heart of our organization: our staff! The theme of the day was "Thanks for Sticking With Us," featuring a fun cactus motif that reminds us how resilient and supportive our team is. From "sticking up for each other" to "sticking it out even when it's hard," the message was clear—we are better when we stick together.
The celebration was filled with great food and even better company. Staff enjoyed a delicious pizza lunch from Domino's and a beautiful, custom-made cactus cake complete with pink flowers and a "sand" base. One of the highlights was our "Sticker Station," where colleagues picked out inspirational stickers for themselves and shared ones of encouragement with their teammates.
Whether it was the kind messages written on the mirrors or the laughter shared over lunch, the day was a wonderful reminder of why SWREC is such a special place to work. To every member of our team: We appreciate you so much!