Chester Goad
Disability Advocate
Tennessee Tech University & Author/Speaker
Milestones
My road in life took a while to figure out.
I wasn't very interested in academics until I realized my ADD meant I'd have to learn differently.
Once I realized that I could learn in a different way, I started excelling in high school.
I was a first-generation college student, but I worked hard and became student government president.
After college, I became a high school teacher.
I realized that real educational change was being shaped by legislation and policy.
I began working for my local congressman, which helped me better understand policy, and people.
I co-wrote and helped pass the "Dyslexia is Real" law in Tennessee in 2014 - a proud moment.
Now I work as a disability advocate, at Tennessee Tech University, and on my own around the world!
Keep following my journey
Education
High School
Oneida High School
Oneida High School
Doctorate
Education/Teaching of Individuals in Early Childhood Special Education Programs
University of the Cumberlands
Education/Teaching of Individuals in Early Childhood Special Education Programs
University of the Cumberlands
Career
Disability Advocate
I communicate the importance of giving everyone an equal shot at leadership, learning and life.
Career Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Non-Profit Organizations
Writing
Communicating / Sharing Stories
Day to Day
My day job is at a university, where I work with students that have learning differences. I build relationships with them and make sure that they're granted equal access, both physically, and in terms of educational resources. No day is the same because I interact with such a broad spectrum of students and campus issues. Outside of that, I write almost every day, whether it's for my blog, or for larger publications like Edutopia or Huffington Post. I also do a lot of public speaking appearances.
Advice for Getting Started
Here's the first step for middle school students
If you have a passion for something from a young age, start getting involved in classes and organizations that are related to your interests. It also helps to be in student government or services clubs where you can get the chance to practice writing, public speaking, and the leadership skills necessary to be an advocate and change your world.
Recommended Education
My career is related to what I studied. I'd recommend the path I took:
Hurdles
The Noise I Shed
From Myself:
"I used to tell myself, you can't do as much as everyone else. You're at a disadvantage."
Challenges I Overcame
Learning Issues
First-Generation College Student
