Special Education Spotlight Series for Administrators

Allison Posey is a curriculum and design specialist at the Center for Applied Special Technology (CAST) and the author of Engage the Brain: How to Design for Learning That Taps into the Power of Emotion. Before her work at CAST, she was a life science teacher in middle school, high school, and community college settings, teaching genetics, anatomy, physiology, biology, neuroscience, and psychology. Posey received a degree in Mind, Brain, and Education from the Harvard Graduate School of Education.

Andratesha Fritzgerald is a former teacher, curriculum specialist, and administrator who is now the Director of Human Resources, Diversity and Equity in a large urban school district. As an international speaker, presenter, and facilitator, Andratesha exhibits audacious perseverance calling on organizations to evolve into inclusive antiracist safe zones for all learners. She is the founder of Building Blocks of Brilliance Educational Consulting Firm, and the author of Antiracism and Universal Design for Learning: Building Expressways to Success.

Anne E. Mickey focuses her education law practice in special education law at Sands Anderson. Prior to practicing at law firms, Anne worked for an education policy and advocacy organization founded by the former Chancellor of D.C. Public Schools. Anne also previously worked at the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights participating in federal civil rights investigations. From these experiences, Anne has been able to help many districts see legal facets from many angles and gain the insight and action steps they need for successful solutions.

Brandon K. Wright is a partner in the firm of Miller, Tracy, Braun, Funk & Miller, Ltd. Brandon focuses his practice on school law, having developed a particular interest in the field of special education, due process, and cooperative school districts. He regularly speaks at local, state, and national conferences on special education. He has served as an Adjunct Faculty Member at Southern Illinois University, as well as at Eastern Illinois University. Brandon currently serves as the Chair of the Executive Committee of the Illinois Council of School Attorneys. Brandon holds both a Juris Doctor and a master’s degree in educational administration.

John is a leading school law practitioner and lecturer, representing schools throughout the country. John has litigated hundreds of IDEA and Section 504 cases. In addition to his practice, John serves as an adjunct professor of law, and has lectured to thousands of educational professionals across the country.

Jose Martín is a partner with the school law firm of Richards Lindsay & Martín. For over 30 years, Martín has focused exclusively on matters involving the education of students with disabilities under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504. He is a graduate of the University of Texas and the University of Texas School of Law. He has tried cases at the due process, district court, and court of appeals levels. He currently serves as a contributor to the national LRP web-based publication Special Ed Connection and presents numerous sessions on disabilities laws to audiences at local, regional, state, online, and national conferences.

Judy Heumann is an internationally recognized disability rights activist and instrumental contributor to the passing of Section 504 and IDEA. Judy is the Special Advisor for International Disability Rights at the U.S. Department of State, the co-founder of the World Institute on Disability (WID), featured in Crip Camp (Winner of the 2020 Documentary Award at the Sundance Film Festival), featured in TIME's 100 Women of the Year, and is internationally recognized in the disability rights community for her phenomenal work throughout her career.

Dr. Katie Novak is an internationally renowned education consultant, author, adjunct professor, and former Assistant Superintendent of Schools. Katie has more than 19 years of experience in teaching and administration and has written eight books, including UDL Now!, Equity By Design, and UDL and Blended Learning. Katie helping districts across the country implement Universal Design for Learning (UDL), Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), and universally designed leadership. Katie's work is featured in many publications, including Edutopia, AMLE Magazine, the Huffington Post, ASCD Education Update, and School Administrator.

Nate is a recognized thought leader with expertise in raising achievement and improving equity for students with disabilities despite tight resources. He frequently speaks at national conferences and has authored several books including “Six Shifts to Improve Special Education and Other Interventions,” published by Harvard University Press. As a consultant, he has helped over 250 districts in 28 states better serve students with special needs and reduce inequities and systemic racism. As former superintendent he led an effort to reduce the number of students reading below grade level by 65% and decreased the special education achievement gap by 66%.

Sowmya Kumar has worked across the country at the school, district, and regional levels. As part of this work, she served as the Assistant Superintendent of Special Education for one of the largest school districts in the nation, ensuring quality services for students with disabilities. Sowmya is now an educational consultant and President of Systemic Special Education Support. She supports school districts examine and improve special education through systemic and sustainable practices, and continuous improvement planning.