Kathleen Briseno

Kathleen Briseno serves as Professor of Special Education and Program Leader for Special Education at Concordia University Chicago's College of Education. With over twenty years of professional experience spanning special/general education teaching, school administration, behavioral specialization, and educational consulting for schools, agencies, and law firms, she provides expert guidance to the Illinois State Board of Education and State of Illinois on special education policy.

Her academic credentials include:

• EdD in Teaching & Learning from Northern Illinois University
• MSEd in Curriculum & Supervision from Northern Illinois University
• BAEd in Special Education & Elementary Education from Northeastern Illinois University
• AA in Educational Studies (Minor in Humanities) from Wright College
• Post Graduate Work & Administrative Internship from Loyola University

Dr. Briseno's research centers on improving educational outcomes through teacher preparation, special education law, early intervention, behavior management, and data-driven instructional practices. Her expertise in creating instructional coherence bridges theoretical frameworks with classroom implementation, particularly emphasizing the 'whole child' approach to education. She actively develops strategies for integrating social-emotional learning with academic standards while addressing systemic challenges in special education.

Her publication portfolio reveals consistent focus on critical special education issues including twice-exceptional learners, Response to Intervention frameworks, teacher well-being, and family-school collaboration. The works demonstrate evolving emphasis on holistic educational models that balance state standards with individual student needs, while addressing contemporary challenges like bullying prevention and college transition support for students with disabilities.

Notable honors include:

• Volunteer of the Year from Oak-Leyden Developmental Services (2020)
• ILASCD's Whole Child Award (2019)
• Three-time Part-Time Faculty of the Year from College of DuPage (1997, 2008, 2009)
• ISBE's Those Who Excel Award (2011)
• Multiple recognitions including Who's Who listings and Rotary International Education Honor

As Golden Apple Scholar Liaison, IRB Committee Member, and Council of Exceptional Children Faculty Advisor, Dr. Briseno mentors future educators while serving as dissertation reader and administrator mentor. Her community engagement spans DuPage County Regional Office of Education, DuPage Family Disability Network, and Special Olympics, reflecting commitment to translating research into practical support for families navigating educational systems.