Katie Wienke
Tuscola,Illinois
Summary
Dynamic Special Education Administrator with over 20 years of dedicated experience advocating for student well-being, driving systemic change and enhancing professionals in special education careers. Proven expertise in presentation skills, relationship building, confidential consultation, policy interpretation, and collaborative resolution which fuel the development of effective strategies that enhance student outcomes. Demonstrated leadership in promoting equitable access and creating inclusive programs that fosters supportive school & community climates, while earning district & statewide recognition for contributions to education. Passionate about empowering students, families and educators, striving to create transformative educational experiences.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Special Education Administrator
Champaign Unit 4 School District
07.2023 - Current
- Build strong relationships across the district and community, navigating tough situations with a calm, solution-focused approach while serving as a liaison between students, families, school staff, and community agencies to foster collaboration and wraparound supports: Focus is Early Childhood - High School Students (10,000+ students/2000+ employees)
- Oversee coordination of university levels interns for related services preparation and recruitment events for department
- Advocate for students with disabilities and their families, ensuring equitable access to education and services
- Ensure compliance with ADA, FERPA, IDEA, Section 504 regulations and district policies
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to develop, review, and implement IEPs and 504 Plans that meet individual student needs
- Step in to troubleshoot challenges, finding realistic workarounds when barriers come up
- Supervise and support special education teachers, paraprofessionals, and related service providers across the district
- Coordinate and deliver professional development and training for staff on legal compliance, instructional best practices, behavior management, and inclusive education; create and deliver trainings, resources, and communication that help staff feel confident and supported in their roles
- Lead and facilitate staff meetings, IEP meetings, and district-wide initiatives focused on improving outcomes for students with disabilities
- Monitor and analyze special education data to support student achievement, compliance, and continuous improvement efforts
- Provide consultation and coaching to general and special education staff on differentiated instruction and accommodations
- Manage multiple initiatives across schools, keeping projects moving forward while working closely with staff, families, and district leadership
- Conduct evaluations and performance reviews of personnel in alignment with district expectations
- Support staff by providing guidance on special education processes and compliance, helping ensure things are done the right way
- Provide ongoing professional development to staff that consists of administration, teachers (general and special education) related service providers, teacher assistants & other district support staff
- Keep projects organized and on track by coordinating people, timelines, and responsibilities across different buildings and teams
- Serve as district trainer, providing staff instruction on safe crisis prevention, de-escalation techniques, protective strategies and trauma-informed behavioral supports
- Wrote curricula for emerging Special Education Teacher preparation program and serve as district representative active in recruiting special education staff
- Look at what’s working (and what’s not), then build practical solutions that improve services, systems, and overall outcomes for students
- Lead difficult conversations with teams and stakeholders to gather input, problem-solve, and make clear, informed decisions
School Social Worker
Tuscola School District #301
08.2003 - 07.2023
- Served as a confidential resource for students and families experiencing academic, behavioral, and personal concerns
- Responsible for coordinating and leading Social Work Interns and practicum students through university placements
- Led coordination of 504 Plans, facilitating meetings and ensuring compliance with policies and required accommodations
- Delivered conflict resolution support for students, staff, and families through direct counseling, restorative practices, and family mediation
- Developed and led district-wide initiatives, including the Help-A-Child Program, Tuscola Traits Program, and Warrior Store
- Provided ongoing feedback to administration on student trends and policy gaps, helping improve access, safety, and overall educational experience
- Acted as a liaison for community services, including alternative placements, residential care, and behavioral health referrals
- Represented the district at community events, professional trainings, and education boards; routinely served as building administrator when needed
- Coordinated community resources to strengthen student support services and increase family engagement
- Facilitated individual and group counseling sessions to address student mental health needs
- Developed and implemented intervention plans tailored to diverse student populations
- Conducted assessments to identify social, emotional, and behavioral challenges
- Provided crisis intervention services during emergencies to ensure student safety and continuity of support
- Trained staff on mental health awareness and effective communication strategies
- Created safe, supportive environments for students in crisis by providing immediate support and appropriate referrals
- Collaborated closely with teachers, administrators, parents, and outside agencies to design and implement effective intervention strategies
- Developed and delivered professional development workshops focused on social-emotional learning and mental health awareness
- Assisted parents in navigating the special education process to ensure accurate identification and appropriate service provision
- Connected families with community resources for housing, healthcare, and financial assistance
- Promoted student success by removing barriers to learning through targeted interventions and case management
- Identified barriers to student self-sufficiency and developed relevant IEP goals and transition plans
School Social Worker
Springfield School District 186
08.2006 - 06.2007
- Provided conflict coaching and supportive services to students across two schools
- Engaged families in problem-solving processes and connected them with community resources
- Partnered with RTI teams to identify and mitigate systemic barriers to student success
- Provided case management services, counseling, education and life-skills training to diverse, at-risk student population.
- Led professional development sessions for faculty on mental health awareness, enhancing staff's ability to support students.
- Enhanced student well-being by developing and implementing individualized support plans.
- Built solid and trusting rapport with children and families, fostering trust and communication to meet case needs.
Attendance Specialist & Educational Liaison
Champaign/Ford Regional Office of Education
02.2000 - 08.2003
- Mediated attendance-related conflicts between families and schools, advocating for student reintegration
- Created and implemented support programs for homeless and underserved youth
- Collaborated with courts, state's attorneys, and school officials to develop individualized student plans
Education
Master of Science - Educational Leadership
Eastern Illinois University
05-2014
Master of Social Work - School Social Work
University of Illinois
05-2003
Bachelor of Science - Human Development and Family Studies
University of Illinois
05-1998
Associate of Arts - Mass Communications Public Relations
Parkland College
05-1996
Skills
- Coordinate education programs across multiple locations
- Lead implementation of trauma-informed, adversity-responsive practices across programs, ensuring alignment with current best practices and evidence-based service delivery standards
- Develop and facilitate professional development to strengthen family engagement and partnership strategies, including parent leadership, staff–family relationships, community collaboration, and culturally responsive practices that support family wellbeing
- Turn research and data into practical, real-world solutions
- Deliver engaging training and technical assistance district & statewide; present in university level classes regarding special education careers
- Write clear reports, and proposals that drive action
- Build strong partnerships across schools, departments, university connections and communities
- Advance competitive, integrated employment pathways, developed curriculum for special education preparation class
- Navigate Illinois State Board of Education and various other agencies & systems with confidence
- Provide trusted guidance through conflict resolution, agency navigation and crisis support for staff and families
- Advocate effectively for students and families
- Support equity, inclusion, and compliance (ADA, FERPA, Title IX)
- Coordinate stakeholders, timelines, and project logistics
- Known for engaging presentations and strong cross-team collaboration
- Collaborative & team-oriented leadership - as well as individual initiative
Certification
- Illinois State Board of Education Professional Educator License (Social Worker & Administrator)
- Therapeutic Crisis Intervention Certified in Ukeru - Trainer
- Illinois Licensed Clinical Social Worker Eligible
- Wraparound Services Certified DCFS
- Field Education Supervisor Social Worker
Timeline
Special Education Administrator
Champaign Unit 4 School District
07.2023 - Current
School Social Worker
Springfield School District 186
08.2006 - 06.2007
School Social Worker
Tuscola School District #301
08.2003 - 07.2023
Attendance Specialist & Educational Liaison
Champaign/Ford Regional Office of Education
02.2000 - 08.2003
Master of Science - Educational Leadership
Eastern Illinois University
Master of Social Work - School Social Work
University of Illinois
Bachelor of Science - Human Development and Family Studies
University of Illinois
Associate of Arts - Mass Communications Public Relations
Parkland College
Leadership And Recognition
- Selected to represent Champaign Unit 4, while partnering with the University of Illinois College of Medicine (videos: https://www.champaignschools.org/article/1918819)
- President, Tuscola Education Association (elected by peers)
- Featured as Regional School Social Worker, EFE #330 Video Series
- Friends of Education Award – Illinois Education Association (elected by peers)
- Frank Itzen Award – University of Illinois - Outstanding Internship
- Board Member – Douglas County Regional Prevention Group