Gateway Online Academy of Ohio

Special Education

Welcome to Gateway Online Academy Special Education!

We’re Glad You’re Here!

Welcome to all of our students, parents, and Learning Coaches!

On behalf of the Special Education Department, we are excited to welcome you to Gateway Online Academy and the 2026–2027 school year. We are looking forward to a year filled with opportunities for growth, learning, connection, and success.

At Gateway, we believe every student has unique strengths, needs, and goals. Our team is committed to creating a supportive and personalized learning experience that helps students build confidence, overcome challenges, and take ownership of their education.

Meet Your Special Education Administrative Team

We’re excited to introduce the administrators who support our students, families, and staff throughout the school year.

  • Kristal Lockwood

    Special Education Coordinator

    Kristal is one of Gateway’s two Special Education Coordinators. She brings 22 years of experience in education, including 10 years as a high school Intervention Specialist and 12 years as a Special Education Administrator. This is Kristal’s fifth year with Gateway, and she is excited to continue supporting Gateway’s students and families.

    Kristal lives in Northwest Ohio. When she’s not working, she enjoys spending time with her husband, children, grandchildren, and dog. She loves watching football, baseball, and hockey and enjoys camping, traveling, and spending time outdoors.

  • Jocelyn Harper

    Special Education Coordinator

    We are excited to welcome Jocelyn Harper to the Gateway Special Education Department! Jocelyn is a newly licensed administrator with 11 years of experience in special education, including eight years working in virtual education as a middle school Intervention Specialist. Most recently, she served as a Transition Coordinator at OHDELA.

    Jocelyn lives in Northeast Ohio. When she’s not working, she enjoys relaxing with a good nap and spending time with her cat. She is excited to begin this new chapter with Gateway and looks forward to getting to know our students and families!

Supporting Every Student

At Gateway Online Academy, we understand that every student is unique. Our Intervention Specialists work closely with students, families, teachers, and other staff to provide specialized instruction and support based on each student’s individual needs.

Gateway follows federal and Ohio requirements to provide a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) to eligible students with disabilities. Our Special Programs Department works to identify students who may need special education services and provides the supports and services outlined in each student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP).

We are committed to helping students make progress toward their academic, graduation, career, and post-secondary goals.

You Are an Important Part of the Team!

Parents and Learning Coaches play an important role in student success. Your communication, encouragement, and involvement can make a meaningful difference in your student’s educational experience.

We encourage parents and Learning Coaches to:

  • Stay connected with your student’s teachers and Intervention Specialist.
  • Encourage your student to communicate regularly with school staff.
  • Check in on your student’s progress and school responsibilities.
  • Reach out when you have questions or concerns.
  • Encourage your student to ask for help when they need it.

We believe that strong partnerships between students, families, and school staff help students thrive.

Special Education in a Virtual School

Because Gateway is a virtual school, special education services and support may look a little different from those provided in a traditional school setting. Services may be provided through:

  • Online meetings
  • Phone calls
  • Email
  • Canvas messages
  • Virtual small-group instruction
  • One-on-one support
  • Other electronic communication

Regular communication is especially important in a virtual learning environment. Students are expected to communicate with their Intervention Specialist, check their school email and Canvas messages regularly, and participate in scheduled services and support.

Stay Connected With Your Mentor

Students will receive a welcome message or phone call from their Intervention Specialist and Mentor/Advisor as they begin the school year.

Mentor/Advisory time will once again be included on student schedules this year.

This required time gives students an opportunity to connect with their mentor and discuss important topics such as:

  • Graduation planning
  • Careers and future goals
  • Attendance
  • Academic progress
  • School engagement
  • Overall student success

Students can earn 0.25 credit for participating in Mentor/Advisory and are expected to connect with their mentor at least once each week.

If your student misses a call or is unable to connect with their mentor, please encourage them to follow up. We want students and families to feel comfortable reaching out when they need help.

There is always someone here to support you!

Let’s Make It a Great Year!

We are looking forward to getting to know you and working together throughout the 2026–2027 school year. Thank you for allowing us to be part of your student’s educational journey.

We are excited about the year ahead and all the opportunities it will bring!

If you have questions, concerns, or suggestions regarding your student’s educational needs or services, please reach out to us. We are here to help!

Contact Us

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Main office: (216) 304-5325
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