Special Education Services

Director of Special Services, Dr. Tyrone Wheeler

Welcome to Hazel Crest School District 152.5 Special Services.

I am thrilled to serve as the new Director of Special Services, and to support our students, families, and staff in ensuring that every learner receives the services and supports they need to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Our department is committed to providing high-quality, compliant, and student-centered special education programming across all schools. As a district, we are focused on strengthening inclusive practices, improving service delivery models, and ensuring that students are educated in the least restrictive environment whenever appropriate. This work is grounded in collaboration, accountability, and a shared commitment to equity and excellence for all learners. Together with our educators, families, and community partners, we will continue to build systems that not only meet legal requirements but also foster meaningful student growth and achievement.

BIO

Dr. Tyrone Wheeler brings extensive experience in special education leadership, psychological services, instructional programming, and compliance oversight across diverse PreK–12 educational settings. Dr. Wheeler’s journey in education began in the very district he now serves in a leadership capacity. While completing his undergraduate coursework, he worked as a custodian in Hazel Crest School District 152.5. That early experience gave him a deep appreciation for school communities, the importance of every role within a district, and the collective effort required to support students’ success. He is honored to have returned to the district in a different capacity, now serving as a district leader committed to advancing educational outcomes for all students.

Dr. Wheeler began his career as a school psychologist, where he supported students through comprehensive psychoeducational evaluations, functional behavior assessments, and eligibility determinations for special education services. In this role, he worked closely with multidisciplinary teams to develop individualized education programs (IEPs), design behavior intervention plans, and support students’ academic, social-emotional, and behavioral needs. Building on his experience as a school psychologist, Dr. Wheeler transitioned into district-level and school leadership roles in special education. He has served as a special education program supervisor and related service provider manager of school psychology, where he supported compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), strengthened evaluation and placement processes, and guided schools in improving IEP implementation and instructional outcomes.

Throughout his career, Dr. Wheeler has collaborated with general and special education staff, related service providers, school administrators, and external agencies to design and implement supports that improve outcomes for students with disabilities. He has led initiatives to strengthen inclusive practices, reduce reliance on out-of-district placements, and expand in-district programming options. His leadership experience also includes oversight of special education staffing, professional development design and facilitation, and system-level improvements in referral, evaluation, and service delivery structures. He is especially focused on ensuring that data-driven decision-making informs instruction and placement decisions.

 Dr. Wheeler remains dedicated to building equitable, compliant, and student-centered systems that empower educators and improve outcomes for all learners.

Tyrone D. Wheeler, Ed.D.

Director of Special Services

Hazel Crest School District 152.5

708-335-0790 ext. 0068