About us
We believe every student deserves to be understood.
Vital Literacy and Special Education Partners was founded on a simple conviction: that struggling students aren't failing — they're being failed by instruction that wasn't designed for how they learn.
Our mission
We partner with families and schools to provide the kind of specialized, evidence-based instruction, coaching, and advocacy that changes trajectories.
We work with ALL students, including those with specific learning disabilities, attention and behavioral challenges, and those diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. We also work alongside the adults in their lives — parents and caregivers navigating the IEP process, teachers looking for better tools, and school teams building more inclusive systems.
"Building Skills and Confidence Through Individualized Educational Support"
What guides our work
Evidence first
We use approaches that the research supports — structured literacy, explicit instruction and evidence based practices. We don't follow trends or short cuts.
Partnership over prescription
We don't hand families or school partners a plan and walk away. We work alongside you — explaining our reasoning, welcoming your input, and adjusting as we learn more about your individual needs.
Strengths as the foundation
Every student or special educator we work with has real strengths. We find them, name them, and build from them — because confidence is a prerequisite for all learning and success.
Honest communication
We tell families and schools what we actually see — not what's easiest to hear. Honest assessment, clear goals, and transparent progress reporting are non-negotiable.
Behind the work
Partnership, Compassion, Experience
Shawna M. Vital, M.Ed.
Founder & Lead Literacy Specialist
Level II Education Specialist; California Special Education Teaching Credential · Master of Arts in Education- Educational Leadership and Administration, California State University, Fresno.
Shawna founded Vital Literacy and Special Education Partners after more than 25 years in the special education field. Working as a Special Education Teacher, Special Education IEP Case Manager, and Special Education Program Specialist, she has worked directly with students ranging from TK-12th grade with diverse learning and behavioral needs. As the special education case manager for countless students, she has worked tirelessly advocating for students and families alike in the public school system. Vital Literacy & Special Education Partners is an effort that has been a goal of Shawna's for many years. She is excited to bring her depth of knowledge of special education and love of literacy together to serve students and special education programs.
Ready to talk about your student?
We offer a free 30-minute consultation for families and schools. No pressure — just a conversation about what your student needs and how we might help.