top of page
IMG_2568.jpg

Dr. Katie Mitchell

Advocacy is leadership.

The rate of attrition for special education teachers is more than 3x that of general education teachers--and I'm on a mission to change that.

We need to stop the narrative that improved self-care will help prevent burnout and maintain talented teachers in this field. In reality, the factors that contribute to burnout are outside of the control of the special education teacher, but guess who can influence those factors... leaders! My research has focused on the specific indicators of administrative support that we can provide to special education staff to increase work engagement, leading to higher rates of retention, well being, and student achievement. I  share this learning with administrative teams in order to improve systems for special education staff. Ultimately, I want to end the current crisis of special education staffing facing our nation. 

​

Over the past 10 years, I've worked to support students, families, and school staff through special education leadership. I have experience teaching students in all 13 disability categories of IDEA and in a variety of settings including inclusion, Behavior Support Programming, and a TEACCH Structured Autism classroom. I developed a passion for early intervention and equitable access to services for families through my time as an Early Childhood Center Coordinator. As an assistant director of special education, I have identified potential growth areas to improve compliance indicator outcomes, system processes, and new teacher development. Through this role, I coach school leaders and staff to improve outcomes for special education students and families.

 

I also enjoy mentoring new special education staff through practical support. I serve as an adjunct professor for future Special Education Directors at the University of Indianapolis, teaching courses on Legal Issues in Special Education and Special Education Finance. I have presented at a variety of professional learning conferences including ICASE, NAEYC, IRCA, ISTE, ISTA, and more. I am a fierce advocate for student success. Through my visionary collaboration and relentless problem-solving approach, I support school administrators and special education staff to prevent burnout and increase student achievement. 

 

​

I live in Brownsburg, Indiana with my husband, Ben, and our two children, Lena and Xander.

 

Family and friends lovingly call our house the "family zoo" because of our love for all animals (especially reptiles!)

 

Life is always an adventure with the Mitchells!

Mitchell Family

Some of my professional development and support areas include: 

​

  • 1:1 or group coaching for new staff or newly certified staff

  • 1:1 or group coaching for special education administrators

  • Compliance Indicator Support

    • Data review, needs identification, and action planning for example

    • Program placement alignment processes to support LRE goals 

  • Grant development that supports students with unique behavioral and academic learning needs​

  • IEP development, review and feedback​

  • Retention of special education staff through systemic approaches

  • Special education department audits to identify needs and align goals

  • Special education department goal alignment 

    • This includes achievement data review, needs assessments, and working alongside special education and district leadership to identify department goals and subsequent areas of need. 

    • Financial review and feedback on reduction of cost while maintaining positive outcomes for students

  • ​Staff training in high needs areas

    • This includes the development of Paraprofessional Training resources as needed

    • Coaching for systematic behavior support development

    • Co-teaching structures and supports

bottom of page