Kathryn Rusnak

Dr. Kathryn Rusnak serves as a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Educational Studies within Purdue University's College of Education. She concurrently holds roles as Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Coach, Research and Evaluation Coach, and Student Services Team/MTSS Director at Tindley Accelerated Schools in Indianapolis since 2018, while previously teaching as an Adjunct Professor at Indiana University School of Education (IUPUI).

Her academic credentials include:

• Ph.D. in Education from Indiana University School of Education, Indianapolis (2024)
• M.Ed. in Secondary Education with urban focus from Indiana University School of Education, Bloomington (2017)
• B.S. in Education from Indiana University School of Education, Bloomington (2001)

Dr. Rusnak's research centers on equity-driven special education practices, emphasizing family-school collaboration and classroom management strategies. Her work directly addresses systemic barriers through actionable frameworks for educators navigating sensitive topics like gender identity, cyberbullying, and discriminatory policies.

She pioneers interactive educational tools via the Midwest & Plains Equity Assistance Center (MAP EAC), developing "choose your own adventure" scenarios that model equitable decision-making in real-world classroom conflicts and policy challenges.

Her publication trends (2021-2022) reveal a concentrated focus on crisis-responsive equity interventions, particularly around LGBTQ+ inclusion in sports, pandemic-era school reopening, and digital citizenship. These works consistently bridge theoretical social justice principles with practical classroom applications through innovative multimedia formats.

No scientific awards are documented in her current professional profile.

Dr. Rusnak's advising activities include mentoring K-12 educators through coaching roles at Tindley Accelerated Schools and Indianapolis Public Schools, though doctoral student supervision isn't specified. Her MAP EAC collaborations indicate grant-supported development of equity resources, though specific funding details aren't provided.

She leads school-based MTSS teams at Tindley Accelerated Schools while co-creating national equity frameworks through the MAP EAC partnership, demonstrating integrated practice between K-12 systems and higher education research.