Marci Zeppegno is a Program Manager for Prevention and Intervention Services at the Humboldt County Office of Education (HCOE), where she leads efforts to support districts in transforming school climates. In this role, she serves as a trainer and coach in Universal Design for Learning (UDL), is a certified trainer with the International Institute of Restorative Practices (IIRP), and provides training and coaching in Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS). Additionally, she is a Region 1 Lead and a certified coach for California’s Multi-Tiered System of Support (CA MTSS). Prior to this position, Marci spent over 20 years as an Education Specialist, working with students from preschool through high school. She earned her M.Ed. from Cal Poly Humboldt.
The Prevention and Intervention Department at the Humboldt County Office of Education provides comprehensive support to districts within California's Multi-Tiered System of Support (CA MTSS), a framework that integrates academic, behavioral, social-emotional learning, and mental health initiatives through data-driven decision-making and continuous improvement. The team offers training, resources, and support to help districts expand and strengthen their MTSS efforts, with a strong focus on inclusion and equity. HCOE is dedicated to fostering equitable opportunities, cultivating positive school climates, and promoting inclusive discipline practices.
In partnership with Open Access, HCOE’s Prevention and Intervention team and the Humboldt Del-Norte SELPA offer UDL Immersion trainings and specialized Assistive Technology sessions. These efforts empower special and general education teachers to collaboratively design inclusive, flexible lessons that meet the diverse needs of their students. With a focus on strengthening capacity across the HCOE educational community, this initiative began with direct UDL coaching for participants, equipping them to take on coaching roles themselves. This model has expanded the reach and sustainability of UDL efforts, creating a culture of continuous learning and collaboration to enhance inclusive teaching practices. A key resource in this work has been the Open Access UDL Resource Flipkit, a practical tool for supporting educators in implementing UDL practices.
Additionally, Open Access and HCOE's Prevention and Intervention team are supporting Redwood Preparatory Charter School in becoming a UDL Showcase Site. Through ongoing professional development and coaching, staff have deepened their understanding of UDL strategies, creating an inclusive learning environment that demonstrates the positive impact of UDL on student outcomes.
Through UDL Immersion training and coaching, participants have been encouraged to focus on reducing barriers within the educational environment. This focus has fostered more inclusive spaces where all students, regardless of their abilities or backgrounds, have equal access to meaningful learning opportunities. Additionally, by emphasizing the principles of UDL, educators have gained a deeper understanding of learner variability and the importance of designing lessons that provide multiple pathways for Engagement, Representation, and Action and Expression. Educators are now equipped to reduce barriers, offer diverse pathways to learning, and foster environments where all students thrive.
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