Emily Rustman

Dr. Emily Rustman serves as an Adjunct Professor of Education at Bethel University since 2019 while concurrently holding the position of Director of Special Services for Westonka Public Schools, demonstrating dual commitment to academic instruction and K-12 administrative leadership in special education.

Her academic credentials include:

• B.S. in Communication Sciences & Disorders from Minnesota State University (2006)
• M.S. in Communication Sciences & Disorders from Minnesota State University (2008)
• Ed.D. in Educational Leadership & Administration from St. Cloud State University (2017)

Her research focuses on developing specialized programs for students with disabilities through integrated frameworks of social-emotional learning, strategic organizational planning, and systems theory. She champions collaborative approaches among educators to cultivate growth mindsets and establish high expectations across diverse learner populations, with particular emphasis on early childhood intervention models and positive behavior support systems.

Scholarly output centers on communication disorders in developmental conditions like Williams Syndrome and critical administrative issues including workplace bullying among educational leaders. Her recent presentations reveal evolving expertise in Pyramid Model implementation, PBIS integration, and evolving legal frameworks under Minnesota's READ Act.

Professional engagement includes:

• Chair of Minnesota Special Education Advisory Panel (2022–present)
• Administrative Representative on Minnesota Pyramid Model Implementation Team (2018–present)
• Executive Board Member of Westonka Healthy Community Collaborative (2024–present)

She maintains active membership in key organizations including American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, Minnesota Administrators for Special Education, and Minnesota Association of School Administrators to advance evidence-based practices across educational settings.