Kathy Clapsaddle has been a champion of special educators for over 20 years. She has used her passion and experience serving pre-service educators and district professionals as the slightly nerdy, yet enthusiastic, special education voice at lead4ward since 2016. Kathy serves a wide range of educators, including teachers, speech therapists, related service providers, assessment staff, and special education leaders. She feels strongly that intentional and authentic instruction – for both educators and students – is the key to meaningful growth for all.

Kathy has served on the faculty at Texas Tech University and The University of Texas and has supported districts as an Education Specialist and Special Education Coordinator at Education Service Center Region 13. She developed content for the Texas Statewide Leadership for Autism training modules and was on the Editorial Review Board for EBP Briefs. She has implemented innovative professional learning in the areas of instruction for students with disabilities, effective inclusion, IEP development, and integration of assistive technology into the classroom.