Superintendent Welcome

Tera Spangler serves as the 18th Superintendent, and the first Deaf Superintendent, of the Colorado School for the Deaf and the Blind (CSDB), bringing more than 25 years of experience in education and leadership for students who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing, Blind or Visually Impaired, and Deafblind. She is dedicated to creating environments where students thrive academically and socially, fostering confidence, independence, and a strong sense of belonging. 

Spangler began her career as a classroom teacher and has held numerous leadership roles at CSDB, including Preschool Director, Principal of the Family-Centered Early Education Program, and Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment. In April 2022, she was appointed Interim Superintendent and assumed the permanent role in January 2024. She oversees all aspects of school operations, strategic planning, and statewide outreach. 

Spangler holds an Education Specialist degree in Educational Leadership from Oakland University, a master’s degree in Special Education: Deaf and Hard of Hearing from the University of Northern Colorado, and a bachelor’s degree in Elementary and Special Education: Deaf and Hard of Hearing from the University of Nebraska Omaha. She has also completed additional training through Gallaudet University in ASL/English bilingual education approaches. 

Spangler’s transformative leadership centers on a forward-looking vision that recognizes and builds on student strengths, shaping learning environments intentionally designed for Deaf, Blind, and Deafblind students to reach their full potential.