William McDermott

Will McDermott started his career as a special education teacher in 2002. He then created and launched Hopewell Career Academy, a non-public special education school located in New Lenox, IL. Hopewell was an innovative approach to alternative education, being one of the first private therapeutic schools integrating academic standards, social-emotional learning, and career development for students with emotional disabilities. Mr. McDermott also started Bridgepoint Academy, another program in Illinois that focused on graduating students who needed transition services to meet their IEP transition goals and achieve their post-secondary outcomes. In 2013, while serving as principal of both Academies, he co-founded Hopewell Transportation (later acquired by First Student), which provided transportation to students with disabilities by integrating and implementing simple research-based interventions on the bus, creating a stronger public and private partnership with transportation companies and school districts. Mr. McDermott continues his work there, focusing on delivering students to school and back home emotionally ready to engage. He also founded and is currently the Chairman of the Board at Connect Academy, a K-8 school with early intervention and support for students.