Natalie Amato-Zech

School Psychologist, mother of an amazing boy, awesome wife, runner and boot camper, who loves dogs, reading, learning, helping others, and the Minn. Vikings.

[Natalie Amato-Zech @AmatoZech]

Spent the weekend @SO_Illinois Summer Games. The athletes and coaches had a great time!!!

[CCSD59 Educational Services @CCSD59SpecialEd]

Today is Cop on Top at Dunkin'. Go grab some coffee, thank our officers, and consider donating.

[CCSD59 Educational Services @CCSD59SpecialEd]

Happy School Nurse Day 💙
Thank you to our incredible school nurses for your care, compassion, and dedication to our students and staff. You make a difference every single day! ✨
#SchoolNurseDay

[Natalie Amato-Zech @AmatoZech]

At the happiest place on Earth, Springfield Il of course. Ran the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Half with my boy (who ran faster) and got the best family picture. 🎩

[Natalie Amato-Zech @AmatoZech]

Last long run before the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Half! 🎩

[CCSD59 Educational Services @CCSD59SpecialEd]

It is National School Social Work Week. 💙 We celebrate the vital role social workers play in supporting students’ mental health, strengthening families, and removing barriers to learning each day.

[Michael Strong @flowidealism]

If your child becomes a reader, about 80% of the education job is already done. That's my honest assessment after working in education for over thirty years. Everything else is secondary. Most parents think science education is important. Yes it is. But if you can't read the biology textbook, you're not going to learn biology.

Reading is the meta-skill that enables all other skills. History requires reading. Science requires reading. Even math increasingly requires reading as it becomes more sophisticated. The child who reads voraciously will figure out everything else. The child who doesn't will struggle with everything.

[Natalie Amato-Zech @AmatoZech]

💜 February is National Therapeutic Recreation Month! TR isn’t “just fun”—it’s purposeful recreation that builds real-world skills, confidence, and access for individuals with disabilities. Thankful to @WeAreWDSRA for creating spaces where this work—and this joy—can happen!

[Kevin DeShazo @KevinDeShazo]

When it's not fun.
When it's not convenient.
When you don't feel like it.
When you don't notice an immediate benefit.
When you're alone.
When you don't get credit.

Can you still show up and do the work?

Commitment is a choice, not a feeling.

[Barack Obama @BarackObama]

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. dedicated his life fighting for equity and justice. He taught us that even in the face of intimidation and discrimination, we must never stop working towards a better future – a lesson that feels especially relevant today.

Change has never been easy. It takes persistence and determination, and requires all of us to speak out and stand up for what we believe in. As we honor Dr. King today, let’s draw strength from his example, and do our part to build on his legacy.

[Illinois State Football @RedbirdFB]

From the desk of Coach Brock Spack

[Danny Steele @SteeleThoughts]

My oldest son hated reading; he hated writing; he really disliked English classes. 

But in 10th grade, English was his favorite subject. 

That’s the power of a teacher. 

I hope teachers never forget the difference they make in a student’s day… in a student’s year.

[Natalie Amato-Zech @AmatoZech]

Thankful for my colleagues and looking forward to returning to a New Year with them! Winter break starts now!

[Mrs. Berg, Mrs. Domnanovich & Mrs. Chance @IncFacilitators]

Last week we taught whole school lessons at Low focusing on the concept of fair vs. equal, and how we can be the example for others. Staff and students will use the whole school phrase: "Be the Example!" 🐯 @D59JulietteLow @CCSD59SpecialEd

[Mrs. Berg, Mrs. Domnanovich & Mrs. Chance @IncFacilitators]

We’re excited to announce Jessica Martinez and Mariah Arceo as our November/December Inclusion Influencers! 🌟 Their collaboration has created meaningful inclusion opportunities for a student in Jessica’s class. Congrats!🎉 @CCSD59SpecialEd @D59Rupley

[Natalie Amato-Zech @AmatoZech]

It is national special education day!

[CCSD59 Educational Services @CCSD59SpecialEd]

🌈 Happy Inclusive Schools Week! Every student belongs, every voice matters, and every classroom shines brighter when ALL learners are seen and supported. #InclusiveSchoolsWeek

[CCSD59 Educational Services @CCSD59SpecialEd]

On this day in 1975, IDEA became law, transforming public education for millions of students with disabilities. We’re proud to continue this legacy of access, equity, and opportunity for all learners. 💫 #IDEA #SpecialEducation #EquityInEducation

[Greg Berge @GregBerge]

A Hard Truth for Parents.

“If you do too much for your children, you are increasing your self-esteem by stealing theirs.” - Dr. Daniel Amen

Let them struggle.
Let them figure it out.

The best gift you can give your kids is the belief that they can handle hard things.