Longtime North Marion Educator Takes on New Leadership Role

By Jillian Daley

North Marion’s new Director of Special Programs believes passionately in best practices for individual programs for students who experience disability, and she has already served our School District for 17 years.

“It is truly an honor to work with students, families, and educators of the North Marion School District,” said Charyl Dyer, who moved into the Special Education Department leadership role on April 11. “Supporting students who experience disability is my passion, and I am excited and grateful to be returning to the Special Education Department as the Director of Special Programs.”

Not only is she deeply committed to the special education field, Dyer has leadership experience at North Marion schools. She has shouldered the role of Assistant Director of Assessment and Learning for the past year, stepping up as Teaching and Learning Coordinator in the prior year, and serving for three years as the Special Program Coordinator before that. Her background also includes devoting time at the Primary School as a Special Education Teacher and as a Learning Specialist, with duties including special education case management. She holds all the relevant experience for this role in this very community, a community she cares about and wants to invest her time in.

“I believe in being present, connecting with individuals and focusing on growth as foundational principles,” Dyer said.

Dyer certainly knows a great deal about special services and carries the credentials of a well- qualified leader. Dyer has earned her Principal License, PreK-12, from George Fox; her Master of Science in Early Childhood and Elementary Special Education from Western Oregon University; and her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, English to Speakers of Other Languages, from Western Oregon. 

She has also pursued additional professional training in areas including: trauma-informed care, special education law, and Interconnected Systems Frameworks, a way to add behavioral supports and interventions concerning mental health within school systems.

As a well-trained, educated, experienced educator, Dyer can readily take on a leadership role, especially one nestled so ideally within her area of expertise. However, she will be gifted with the chance to transition and grow, receiving support from Patrick McArthur, who has just left the position she now holds. McArthur will be staying on in the Special Education Department to support the Special Education Program. 

“She and Patrick will continue to work together to address this year's Special Education needs,” North Marion Superintendent Ginger Redlinger noted.

To share stories on North Marion, email Communications Specialist Jillian Daley at jillian.daley@nmarion.k12.or.us.