Mary Rathmann, Ph.D.
Summary
Special Education Leader with a comprehensive background in IDEA compliance, special education programming, educator development and retention, and data-driven decision-making. Skilled in conducting research in special education settings, supervising and evaluating educators, analyzing curricula, and implementing effective training procedures across diverse educational settings. Experienced in leveraging AI-driven tools to enhance instructional strategies, streamline data analysis, and support teacher development. Committed to innovation, advancing program outcomes beyond compliance, and driving meaningful improvements in student achievement within special education.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Clinical Assistant Professor
University of Louisville
08.2023 - Current
- Develop and teach coursework in special education curriculum, instructional methods, and transition services for undergraduate and graduate students, prioritizing interactive and engaging instructional strategies such as asynchronous learning enhancements, AI integration, and real-world application assignments.
- Supervise, evaluate, and mentor pre-service teachers, Alternative Certification candidates, and Louisville Teacher Residency (LTR) students through classroom observations, instructional coaching, and structured feedback, while also providing practicum and student teaching supervision focused on lesson plan development, differentiation, systematic instruction, and IEP writing.
- Support program and course development by aligning special education coursework with IDEA requirements, professional educator standards, and state licensure expectations, serving as an MSD content expert in curriculum redesign and program alignment efforts to enhance teacher preparation and instructional quality.
- Design and implement evidence-based instructional strategies and assessment tools to improve special education teacher preparation while consulting and collaborating with local education agencies to support special education teacher recruitment, retention, and professional development.
- Lead special education recruitment initiatives, including outreach to high schools, paraeducators, and alternative certification candidates to strengthen the special education teacher pipeline, while also establishing and maintaining partnerships with school districts to improve teacher preparation, induction supports, and ongoing mentorship for new educators.
Director of Special Education
Cumberland Therapy Services, Inc.
09.2017 - Current
- Creatively accommodated learning, content, and scheduling strategies to meet the needs of students with disabilities at a school level
- Developed and managed instructional materials; oversaw school compliance records for district/state reporting; created systems and processes when their were gaps
- Interpreted and analyzed academic data to maintain student development and retention and to ensure that all special education students were on track to reach post-secondary outcomes/goals
- Led and managed triweekly child study teams and professional learning communities which developed the skill set of Gateway educators by providing ongoing training on accessing technology, analyzing research-based instructional methods, implementing progress monitoring with fidelity, and improving the writing of Transition IEP's, etc.
- Coached and evaluated 15 special educators to improve teaching techniques in both traditional and hybrid/virtual learning models and strived to professionally develop all staff and to build the capacity of the employees as a whole in a turn-around high school
District Special Education Consultant
Aurora Public Schools
12.2018 - 08.2020
- Resolved special education problems, improved operations and provided exceptional client support
- Worked with building administrators and staff to understand needs and provide supports and service
- Designed, implemented and managed successful training programs to meet department and school needs.
- Performed classroom evaluations to assess teacher strategies and effectiveness
- Monitored and evaluated educational programs to maintain high-quality performance objectives and standards
- Trained teachers on effective teaching techniques, classroom management, strategies and behavior modification.
- Directly supported a continuum of schools within my network, including Elementary, Middle, High School, and College (Technical school).
Special Education Support Partner
Denver Public Schools
08.2016 - 12.2018
- Maintained contact with parents to address concerns and needs of children and provided resources for children outside of school district.
- Coordinated with outside state agencies to acquire services for special needs children
- Supported teachers and administrators in implementing strategies to meet educational and behaviorally needs of students with IEPs.
- Strengthened special education operations by aligning processes to capitalize on new educational trends.
- Conferred with educators to identify current classroom concerns and diversify instructional strategies.
- Resolved conflicts and negotiated mutually beneficial agreements between parties.
Education
Ph.D. - Curriculum And Instruction, Special Education
University of Louisville
Louisville, KY05-2024
Bachelor of Science - Special Education
University of Kentucky
Lexington, KY05-2011
Ed.S. - School Counseling
University of The Cumberlands
Williamsburg, KY05-2020
Skills
- Student records management
- Child development
- Elementary education
- Middle school education
- Secondary education
- Post-secondary education
- Special education
- Disability assessment testing
- Project organization
- Policy and procedure adherence
- Group facilitation and presentations
- Academic administration
- Student achievement
- Policy development and enforcement
- Staff Development
- Instructional leadership
Additional Information
Itinerant Early Childhood Special Educator/Child Find, Denver Public Schools, Denver Colorado
September 2014-2016
Evaluation Coordinator, District of Columbia Public Schools, Washington DC
September 2013-2014
Mild-Moderate Special Education Teacher, Department Chair, Fairfax County Public Schools, Fairfax, VA
September 2007-2013
Affiliations
Council for Exceptional Children- Elected member of Executive Board (Secretary from 2016-2017)
Timeline
Clinical Assistant Professor
University of Louisville
08.2023 - Current
District Special Education Consultant
Aurora Public Schools
12.2018 - 08.2020
Director of Special Education
Cumberland Therapy Services, Inc.
09.2017 - Current
Special Education Support Partner
Denver Public Schools
08.2016 - 12.2018
Ph.D. - Curriculum And Instruction, Special Education
University of Louisville
Bachelor of Science - Special Education
University of Kentucky
Ed.S. - School Counseling
University of The Cumberlands
Similar Profiles
Lila StreichLila Streich
Student Teacher at University of LouisvilleStudent Teacher at University of Louisville
Jerome BullockJerome Bullock
Police Officer at University Of LouisvillePolice Officer at University Of Louisville
Aries WebbAries Webb
Program Assistant at University of LouisvilleProgram Assistant at University of Louisville