Leslie Gaiser, Director of Special Education on Influential Women

Influential Woman · Education

Leslie Gaiser

Director of Special Education, Boulder Valley School District

Boulder, CO

1Award received

Certifications · Degrees · Memberships

Degree Bachelor's and Master's (2000) Degree Educational Specialist Degree Cert Principal Administrator License Cert Director License Cert Educational Specialist Degree Cert Special Education Director License Cert Doctoral Candidate Member Council for Exceptional Children

Her Story

About Leslie

Leslie Gaiser serves as Director of Special Ed in Boulder, Colorado, marking her 26th year in education. She began her career as a teacher and progressed through multiple roles, including leadership positions, returning to the classroom in an intensive center, serving as a specialist, and ultimately advancing to her current directorship. Gaiser's expertise centers on autism, twice exceptionality, and learning disabilities. She co-authored a book on autism and giftedness, holds a principal administrator license, director license, educational specialist degree, and special education director license, and is a doctoral candidate defending in November. She is a member of the Council for Exceptional Children. Gaiser attributes her success to supportive leaders who encouraged her growth and her enduring passion for work that impacts children's lives. She advises professionals to seek new paths when passion wanes and draws inspiration from her brother's challenging educational experiences, motivating her to improve outcomes for other students.

Her Interview

Ten minutes with Leslie

01What do you attribute your success to?

Good leaders who encouraged me to do things I wouldn't have done otherwise, and my passion for the work because I believe it impacts the lives of children.

02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?

When you stop having the passion, you need to find something new. I find ways to keep the passion for the work.

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