Jill Choate

Dr. Jill Choate serves as Associate Professor in the Department of Teacher Education at Fort Lewis College since 2015, specializing in behavioral intervention, inclusive education, and teacher preparation for special education settings. Her expertise directly informs the Teacher Licensure program where she teaches courses on students with disabilities, behavior management, and differentiated instruction.

Her academic credentials include:

• Ph.D. in Special Education Administration, University of Texas at Austin (2012)
• M.A. in Special Education, University of Nebraska-Lincoln (1996)
• B.S. in Elementary/Special Education, University of Nebraska-Lincoln (1992)

Dr. Choate's work centers on translating 21 years of K-12 special education experience into effective teacher training. She emphasizes practical strategies for inclusive classrooms and behavioral support systems, grounded in her dual Colorado licenses for teaching and administration.

Professionally active in the Council for Exceptional Children, Kappa Delta Pi, and state/national education associations, she bridges academic theory with community engagement through service on the First United Methodist Church school board, Manna Soup Kitchen volunteering, and Boy Scouts leadership in Durango.