By: Grace Oldt
Lee Bzdil, EdD is the supervisor of Special Education at the Capital Area Intermediate Unit. Lee is small in stature, with bright blue eyes and a kind smile. She is a very stylish middle-aged woman, thanks to her two daughters who she says always keep her up with the times. With a look of love and passion she tells me about her career, her life. Lee began her education at Lewisburg Area School District and didn’t travel far from home after graduating. Lewisburg, PA is home to Bucknell University and this is where Lee earned her bachelor’s degree in special education. Bucknell is a small private school located in the heart of downtown Lewisburg. It consists of beautiful, old buildings like the Rooke Chapel located atop a small hill next to the Christy Mathewson Stadium.
We are sitting in Lee’s cozy office with a large wrap around desk. There are few paintings on the walls but I notice that one is of a Lewisburg street lamp. Lewisburg is known for their street lamps, as there are no other towns with the same three bulb, cross shaped look to them. On a bookshelf there is a sign saying “Be the change you want to see in the world”. This quote proves true to Lee’s story. I sit across from her in a comfy armchair while she sits in her black computer chair.
“When I first entered college, I majored in psychology. I knew I wanted to have an impact in children’s lives and when I had to take a few education classes I immediately switched my major.” Says Lee. She then goes on to tell me that after graduating from Bucknell, she began substitute teaching at Mifflinburg Area School District and met Brittany, a high school student who had severe exceptionalities. Brittany was proving to be a very difficult student and it wasn’t until Lee was assigned to help that Brittany made progress. Lee was hired as a one on one Autism support teacher and says “I definitely had my work cut out for me.” As she looks off into the distance I can tell that she is picturing this story in her head.
She began, “On the second day that I was working with Brittany along with a paraprofessional and another teacher, she managed to pull the fire alarm. As I was standing outside waiting for the building to be cleared I remember thinking ‘I have to help this child find success’.”
Lee started working with Brittany in March and by August she went from only attending two hours of school per day to spending four hours in a work study program and the other four in an assisted living program. Lee saw great success in Brittany and gives it all to the fact that she solely focused on building a relationship with her rather than just being an educator.
Lee tells me that she then went on to run the special education program at Kelly Elementary in Lewisburg after administrators heard about her great achievements with Brittany. While working here, she earned her masters degree.
“Really I think I wanted to become an administrator so that I could reach and help even more students.” Lee tells me, “After earning my masters degree I became the director of special education for Juniata County and then Midd-West School District shortly after,”. After a brief pause and a look that told me fond memories were filling her brain, she goes on to say “I guess that wasn’t enough reach, I still wanted to do more for misunderstood children. While working at Midd-West, I studied online at Drexel University for my doctoral degree. And here I am!” 
Lee then mentioned that she had a zoom meeting to attend, but I was welcome to listen in if I’d like. I graciously accepted her offer for a chance at a sneak peak into her daily life.
“Good Morning!” Exclaims Lee, “I hope you enjoyed your weekend, how is *student’s name* doing this morning, everything go alright with transportation this morning?”
“This morning was okay,” replied the teacher on the other end of the call, “she is still having a rough time riding the van and puts up a fight when it’s time to put her seatbelt on.”
“Do you think that she would be more comfortable riding a bus so that she doesn’t have to wear a seatbelt?” Asks Lee.
“We have been seeing a good deal of improvement in her interactions with peers, going back to a bus could be helpful for her.”
“That’s wonderful news, let’s send out an e-mail to mom and work on getting that set up.”
The meeting continues in the same fashion regarding multiple students and teachers from the different districts that Lee oversees. On my way out of the tall, tan brick building I was able to talk to one of Lee’s co-workers, Jeramias Garcia. Jeramias works as an assistant administrator for Diakon Life Family Services. I asked him a few questions about Lee to gain an outside perspective.
“What stands out about Lee is her love for education and her desire to help every student that enters into the IEP (individualized education program) has everything they need to be successful. Her passions shine through in all of the hard work that she does for her students,” He tells me in admiration, “She has great leadership qualities and is an exceptional teacher, mentor, and coach.”
I leave the office with a feeling of inspiration and motivation. Watching Lee do what she loves is infectious. Teachers are not just “teachers”, they are the foundation of future generations. They don’t choose this career path for the money, they are genuine and down to earth people who have a desire to see good in their communities. Teachers truly are the change that they want to see in the world.
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