As executive director of the South East Consortium Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA), Shelly Ota is a trusted partner to the 11 LEAs in her county, as well as special education directors throughout the state who seek her counsel.

ACSA’s 2026 Special Education Administrator of the Year, Ota combines technical expertise with a deep commitment to student-centered decision-making to create more equitable outcomes for the learners she serves.

Ota has been an ACSA member since 2010 and currently serves as Region 8’s representative on the Council of Student Services and Special Education. She also began serving as a director of ACSA’s Special Education Academy in 2024–25.

A recognized authority and frequent presenter on special education topics including disproportionality and data-driven improvement, Ota learns from and contributes to state-level discussions. She shares that knowledge with school leaders through professional development, one-on-one conversations, and “The SELPA Slam” newsletter.

An expert on turning policy into action, Ota has launched alternative dispute resolution practices across the SELPA that resolve disagreements while preserving relationships with families.

She also helps families build their knowledge so they can better advocate for their students. She has even accompanied parents to Sacramento and Washington, D.C., to advance equity and inclusion for students with disabilities.

Working across complex systems and legal requirements, Ota collaborates with school districts, behavioral health, medical providers and child welfare agencies to find solutions for students with intensive needs. She is currently using the “System of Care” model mandated by AB 2083 to strengthen support for special education students, which will greatly benefit districts affected by historical disinvestment.

“This work will provide early intervention, reduce fiscal stressors on individual school districts and build an integrated community support plan that distributes resources more quickly and without added burden on to the education system and those it serves,” said Dr. Joann Vaars, director of Foster & Homeless Educational Services for Santa Clara County Office of Education. “The work Shelly has accomplished in our field is more than impressive. Shelly works tirelessly to not only serve students, families and districts today, she is working and ensuring the future is better.”

What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given? In my first year teaching I had an amazing principal who told me that everyone is replaceable in their job. I found it harsh, but I have learned that it is true. It motivated me to go the extra mile, strive for excellence, and also to make sure my job was not the only thing that defined my life. That advice, paired with what I consider the best advice I’ve ever been given — always stay true to who you are — have lingered in my mind throughout my career. Stay true to yourself is always the advice I give to others!

What are some life hacks that you would recommend for a new administrator? Sometimes the easiest solution is the best one, try not to overthink it.

You can’t do it alone — find your people (and make time for them).

Make time for yourself — even if you have to schedule it, and even if it’s only a few minutes.

Don’t be afraid to take risks.

What would people be surprised to learn about you? I think people would be surprised to learn that I did not really talk much until I was 5. I was a relatively quiet and shy kid, and I received speech services through most of elementary school. I am still very much an introvert, which surprises most people, since I am a pretty social person.

What’s the biggest challenge you’ve overcome in your current position? Self doubt. The world of special education is ever-changing with so many nuanced areas of gray. As an over-thinker, self-doubt will always be a challenge, but surrounding myself with other strong leaders, having an open mind and being curious helps!

How has ACSA supported you in your career? ACSA has provided me opportunities to meet other leaders and bolster my own leadership skills, both in my region and across the state. ACSA is a strong, supportive connector of opportunities, experiences and resources.

The theme for this year’s Leadership Summit is “You Belong Here: Leadership for Every Student.” What does belonging feel like for you, your staff or your students? To me, belonging is feeling safe, respected and valued for being an individual. I hope my staff and the students we serve continually strive to create that sense within our learning communities.