Malory Turner
Malory holds a Master of Arts in Teaching in Special Education from Pacific University, a Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Sciences from Oregon State University with a concentration in Human Services, and a certificate in Childhood Studies from Bangor University. She is a Special Education Professional Learning Coach with Northwest Regional Education Service District in Hillsboro, Oregon. She supports educators across multiple counties by providing professional learning and technical assistance grounded in equity, inclusion, and evidence-based special education practices. With nearly a decade of experience in special education, Malory has served as a special education teacher, inclusion assistant, and instructional assistant in both school and community-based settings. This diverse background informs her practical, empathetic approach to coaching, mentoring educators, and facilitating meaningful professional learning. She is especially passionate about supporting teachers in developing high-quality IEPs and creating accessible, inclusive learning environments for all students. Her leadership in professional development has been recognized with the Noel Connall Instruction and Professional Development Award from the Oregon Education Association.
• Master of Arts in Teaching in Special Education
• Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Sciences with a Concentration in Human Services
• Brain Injury Fundamentals Certificate
• Childhood Studies Certificate
• Pacific University
• Oregon State University
• Bangor University
• Noel Connall Instruction and Professional Development Award
• Oregon Education Association Special Education Committee
• Oregon Association of Student Councils
• Special Olympics Oregon
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the guidance and support of my mentors, as well as the collaboration and inspiration of my peers. Learning alongside others, seeking feedback, and building strong professional relationships have shaped my growth and allowed me to contribute meaningfully to the field.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received is to focus on doing the work well rather than chasing titles. Building strong skills, maintaining integrity, and investing in relationships creates opportunities over time and leads to more sustainable, meaningful career growth.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the field of education is to acknowledge that the work can be challenging, yet deeply meaningful. Take time to explore different grade levels and areas of specialization to identify where your interests and strengths align, and commit to continually developing your skills within that area. It is also important to remember that there are many impactful roles within education beyond the traditional classroom, allowing you to support students, educators, and systems in ways that align with your passions and long-term goals.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in special education right now is balancing increasing compliance demands with the need to deliver meaningful, high-quality instruction for students. Educators are navigating staffing shortages, growing caseloads, and increasingly complex student needs, often with limited time and resources. At the same time, there is a significant opportunity to reframe special education as a collaborative, strengths-based system rather than a set of isolated procedures. By investing in strong IEP development, shared ownership across teams, and targeted professional learning, we can build more inclusive, sustainable practices that better support both students and educators.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are transparency, integrity, punctuality, and a commitment to continuous learning. I believe clear communication and follow-through build trust, while ongoing reflection and learning allow me to grow as a professional and as a person. These values guide how I show up in my work with educators, families, and students, and how I maintain accountability and balance in my personal life.