KIM MARIE BRUESSEL
Summary
Educational leader specializing in special education and transition services with a focus on instructional innovation and compliance. Expertise in developing structured teaching systems and standardized assessment rubrics that enhance instructional consistency. Proven ability to lead teams in creating effective programs that support the success of students with disabilities.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Special Education Teacher & Transition Program Leader
Mukwonago Area School District
01.2025 - Current
- Lead instructional programming within the Aspire 18-21 Transition Program while redesigning systems that increase student independence, improve staff consistency, and strengthen community partnerships.
- Redesigned the Aspire Transition Program using evidence-based TEACCH instructional practices.
- Developed a comprehensive transition scope and sequence aligned with Wisconsin Essential Elements.
- Created standardized assessment rubrics and progress-monitoring systems to improve instructional consistency and student growth.
- Designed structured teaching systems that significantly increased student independence while reducing staff prompting.
- Established and expanded community employment partnerships supporting authentic vocational experiences.
- Led transition-focused IEP meetings involving multidisciplinary teams, outside agencies, and families.
- Mentored paraprofessionals and collaborated with related service providers to improve instructional consistency.
- Presented recommendations for long-term program redesign to district leadership.
Special Education Teacher & Building Leadership Team Member
School District of Waukesha
01.2023 - 01.2025
- Provided instructional leadership while serving students with autism and other disabilities in inclusive and specialized settings.
- Appointed member of the Building Leadership Team.
- Delivered professional development on autism, inclusion, restorative practices, suicide prevention, and internet safety.
- Trained and supervised educational assistants supporting students with disabilities.
- Verified compliance for Wisconsin Forward Exam accommodations and Dynamic Learning Maps participation.
- Mentored new teachers and collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to improve student outcomes.
District-Wide Special Education Coordinator
Racine Unified School District
01.2019 - 01.2023
- Provided district-level leadership supporting specialized programming for students with significant disabilities across 24 classrooms in 13 schools, serving students from preschool through transition age.
- Reported directly to district special education leadership while partnering with principals, teachers, related service providers, and families to improve programming, ensure legal compliance, and strengthen instructional systems across the district.
- Directed district-wide programming for students with significant intellectual and developmental disabilities.
- Collaborated with building principals to improve instructional quality and student outcomes.
- Facilitated complex IEP meetings, manifestation determinations, and problem-solving teams.
- Conducted compliance audits ensuring adherence to IDEA, Wisconsin DPI regulations, and district procedures.
- Developed district procedures supporting instructional consistency and legal compliance.
- Planned and delivered district-wide professional development.
- Served as district specialist in autism programming, inclusive practices, and behavioral supports.
Special Education Teacher
Milwaukee Public Schools
01.2013 - 01.2018
- Member, School Learning Team
- Member, Building Improvement Committee
- Mentor Teacher
- Led Autism Awareness initiatives
- Developed inclusive instructional supports
Special Education Teacher
Elmbrook School District
01.2011 - 01.2013
- Instructed students with moderate and severe disabilities, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to ensure effective transitions and individualized support.
Education
Master of Science - Exceptional Education
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
WI, USABachelor of Arts - Child Psychology
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
WI, USASkills
- IEP management
- Transition programming
- Transition assessment
- Evidence-based practices
- Compliance auditing
- Special education law
- Instructional leadership
Executive Highlights
- District-level leadership supporting 24 specialized classrooms across 13 schools
- Wisconsin Director of Special Education & Pupil Services License (#80)
- Wisconsin Principal License (#51)
- Extensive expertise in IDEA, Section 504, ADA, and Wisconsin DPI compliance
- Program redesign and systems implementation
- Staff supervision, coaching, and professional development
- IEP facilitation and conflict resolution
- Budget planning and Medicaid reimbursement
- Transition programming and community partnerships
- Autism, behavior, and inclusive practices expert
- Governor-appointed member, Wisconsin Council on Autism
- Four-time statewide conference presenter
Affiliations
- Wisconsin Council on Autism
- Autism Society of Wisconsin
- Council for Exceptional Children
Websites
Certification
- Director of Special Education & Pupil Services, #80
- Principal, #51
- Lifetime Cross-Categorical Special Education Teacher, #801
State Leadership And Professional Service
- Governor-Appointed Member, Wisconsin Council on Autism, Advise state leadership regarding autism services, educational programming, and policy recommendations affecting individuals with autism and their families.
- Statewide Presenter, Autism Society of Wisconsin Annual Conference, 01/01/23-12/31/26, Autism, Emotional Regulation, Structured Teaching, Trauma-Informed Practices, Evidence-Based Supports
Core Leadership Competencies
- District Leadership
- Student Services Administration
- Special Education Administration
- Strategic Planning
- IDEA Compliance
- Section 504
- ADA
- Wisconsin DPI Regulations
- Staff Supervision
- Program Evaluation
- MTSS
- Professional Development
- Crisis Response
- Transition Programming
- Policy Development
- Family Engagement
- Community Collaboration
- Change Management
- Budget Development
- Medicaid Reimbursement
Timeline
Special Education Teacher & Transition Program Leader
Mukwonago Area School District
01.2025 - Current
Special Education Teacher & Building Leadership Team Member
School District of Waukesha
01.2023 - 01.2025
District-Wide Special Education Coordinator
Racine Unified School District
01.2019 - 01.2023
Special Education Teacher
Milwaukee Public Schools
01.2013 - 01.2018
Special Education Teacher
Elmbrook School District
01.2011 - 01.2013
Master of Science - Exceptional Education
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Bachelor of Arts - Child Psychology
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee