International Keynote speaker and workshop presenter
About Us
With over 40 years in special education, school leadership, and higher education, I work with K–12 school leaders and higher education faculty to support inclusive teaching and learning across settings.
Educators are increasingly asked to meet the needs of students across differences in race, culture, language, multilingual development, disability, neurodiversity, and identities. At the same time, schools must balance inclusive practices with the need for specialized supports, including substantially separate programming for students with more complex needs.
My work focuses on helping school leaders and educators design systems and instruction that account for learner variability from the start - across inclusive and specialized settings - expanding access and engagement while creating approaches that are realistic and sustainable.
Key Areas of Work
Keynotes & Workshops
Interactive, experience-based sessions that provide practical strategies educators can apply immediately. Topics include inclusive and culturally responsive practices, Universal Design for Learning, student mental health, autism, and supporting students with complex learning and social-emotional needs.
Consulting
Partnering with schools, districts, and organizations to design and strengthen programs across the full continuum of services, including inclusive and substantially separate settings. Work includes program design, systems support, mental health programming, transition planning, and compliance.
Key Areas of Work
Speaking & Workshops
Keynotes and professional learning sessions that connect directly to the realities of classrooms and schools. Signature topics include inclusive practices, Universal Design for Learning, autism, neurodiversity-affirming approaches, culturally responsive teaching, and supporting students with complex learning, behavioral, and mental health needs. Sessions are tailored to each audience and delivered on-site or virtually.
Consulting & Professional Development
Partnerships with schools and districts to strengthen special education programs, support staff, and improve systems. This includes tailored professional development, coaching, program review, and ongoing support.
Online Learning
Flexible courses and professional learning opportunities, including offerings eligible for Massachusetts PDPs, designed for individual educators and teams.
Approach
This work is grounded in a deep understanding of both inclusive practices and specialized programming.
Rather than adding more to educators’ workload, the focus is on designing systems and instruction that reduce barriers, support diverse learners more effectively, and create more manageable approaches for teachers and school teams.
Impact
Educators consistently note the practical, engaging nature of this work and its immediate application in classrooms and schools.
"Ms. Ferone has changed so many lives including mine. By never giving up on students, she showed us that we were worth so much more than we thought."
Celeste M.
former student, Madison Park HS
"If it weren’t for Ms. Ferone sticking by me and holding me accountable, I wouldn’t be the successful international basketball player I am today."
Raheem S
former student, Madison Park HS
"Janet is so empowering, so full of energy, so brave...and she does what she does with a heart full of love."
Helen Williams-Waldron
Teacher, Boston Public Schools
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