Skip to main contentSkip to main navigationSkip to footer content

Campus Directory

FACULTY AND STAFF

Kate McConnell

Title:Assistant Professor
Office:Warde Academic Center
Phone:773-298-3435
Email:mcconnell@sxu.edu
Department:Education

Biography

Kate McConnell earned her first master's degree in language, literacy, and specialized instruction from DePaul University and a second master's degree in school administration and supervision from Loyola University Chicago. 

Before joining the Saint Xavier University faculty, she served as vice president at ADAC Advocacy, where she traveled nationwide assisting public and private school families in navigating the IDEA Child Find process. In that role, she supported administrators in developing inclusive education systems and collaborated with state and local education agencies to provide equitable services for students with disabilities enrolled in private schools. 

McConnell has also served as director of inclusive education for the Archdiocese of Chicago and is especially proud of her 10 years teaching students with disabilities in Chicago Public Schools. A first-generation college graduate herself, she is passionate about mentoring and teaching Saint Xavier's students—especially fellow first-generation scholars. 

Education

M.Ed. in Administration and Supervision 

Loyola University Chicago (2020) 

M.Ed. in Language, Literacy and Specialized Instruction 

DePaul University (2001) 

Areas of Specialization

  • Community and Family Engagement
  • Curriculum Design and Literacy Instruction
  • SEA, LEA and School Administration Support
  • Data-Based Instruction
  • Equitable Services Advocacy
  • Special Education Advocacy
  • Teacher Preparation 

Certification/Licensure

  • ISBE Licenses 
    • Type 03 (Elementary/Middle Grades) 
    • Type 10 (Special Education Birth to 21 years old)  
  • ISBE Endorsements 
    • Principal 
    • Teacher Evaluator 
    • Learning Behavior Specialist 
    • Social Emotional Disorders 
    • Middle School Language Arts 
    • Middle School Social Science 
  • HarvardX Certification 
    • Data Wise: A Collaborative Process to Improve Learning and Teaching 

Chair Specialized Clinical Interests

  • Program Coordinator for Early Childhood and Special Education 

Courses Taught

  • EDGSP 403: Introduction to Special Education
  • EDGSP 445: Special Education Seminar
  • EDGSP 520: Characteristics of Students with Disabilities
  • EDGSP 525: Methods of Teaching Students with Disabilities
  • EDU 388: Reading Strategies for Diverse Learners 

Presentations/Publications/Productions

  • Presentations/Workshops: 
    • "Cooking Up Success: 10 Ingredients to Creating a Delicious and Inclusive Classroom"
    • "Data: It's Not a Four-Letter Word"
    • "From Impact to Insight: Learning in their Shoes"
    • "Serving the Needs of All Students: A Tracy Family Foundation and Quincy Catholic Schools Initiative"
    • "Treasure Hunting through the U.S. Department of Education's Latest Guidance on IDEA"
    • "What's the IDEA? And What Can it do For You and Your Students"