New Special Education Program Director

School of education dean Mike Lovorn is pleased to introduce and welcome Katie Nelson as the new program director of special education.

 

For nearly a decade, Katie has served as a devoted educator, passionate about ensuring that diverse and disabled learners have equal access to general education instruction and curriculum. As a dual-licensed educator, Katie transferred between general education and special education instruction in virtual, hybrid, and traditional classroom settings. For the last six years, Katie has been serving as a special education teacher to students across Minnesota using remote technology and virtual learning systems. As a remote educator, Katie shifted her instructional methodology to employ innovative educational technology and virtual learning management systems to practice evidence-based pedagogy. Additionally, Katie remotely designed, implemented, and monitored individualized learning plans for mild/moderate cross-categorical learning-disabled students in grades K-12.

Katie holds a bachelor of arts in teaching social studies from the University of Minnesota Duluth and a master of science in special education with a specialization in autism spectrum disorder from Southwest Minnesota State University. In addition to her general education social studies teaching license, Katie is a licensed academic and behavioral strategist. With a deep passion and appreciation for learning, as well as a desire to remain current on trends, issues, research, and practices in special education, Katie is pursuing an education doctorate with a concentration in Special Education.

Welcome to Saint Mary’s, Katie. We’re glad you’re here!