Welcome to Bel Air Elementary Special Education Web Page
Let’s Learn Together
Browse our site to find out more about all that we have to offer. We will provide updates to our website monthly and as new information is available. Please feel free to email us or call us. Our contact information is available if you click the link under your teacher's name.
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We will connect with you to set up IEP meetings as they come up throughout the year and we will communicate progress and growth at these meetings as well as during communication nights and on progress reports 2 times per year. Let us know your communication preferences and we can keep you updated more frequently upon request.
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As we get more resources, we will provide links on our page as well. Check in the academics section for more information on links and academic resources as they become available.
Meet the Teachers
Our Staff
Passionate Educators
Kari Harris
Special Education Teacher
Mrs. Harris has previously worked in the Columbia Heights School District as a special education teacher and prior to that she taught special education in Forest Lake for two years. Her experience has Â
been at the elementary level. Mrs. Harris describes herself as a versatile and dedicated child advocate with a solid focus on the individual needs of students with special needs. She has been trained in identifying and addressing student needs to ensure that children will thrive and develop in an inclusive educational atmosphere.
Andrea Lahti
Special Education Teacher
Ms. Lahti has worked as an elementary special education teacher for the past three years at a St. Paul charter school while obtaining her Masters in Special Education. Ms. Lahti also has several years of experience working as an extended school year paraprofessional in the Anoka-Hennepin School District.
Ms. Lahti describes herself as a dedicated and resourceful special educator with wide-ranging experience in different disability categories, age groups, and linguistic and cultural backgrounds. She is committed to growing professionally and communicating effectively with students, parents and colleagues.
Emily O'Brien
Special Education Teacher
Mrs. O'Brien began her career as a general education classroom teacher, and then decided to pursue a Master’s of Arts degree in special education.  This past year she had the opportunity to work collaboratively with a special education director to support special education students in the general education classroom. Mrs. O'Brien describes herself as a teacher who believes in creating a positive classroom environment that is inclusive and welcoming. She also feels strongly about working closely with families to ensure the success of all students.