Dr. Katie M. McCabe is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Teaching and Learning. Katie earned her Ph.D. in Special Education with a minor in Qualitative Methods in Education from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2021. In her dissertation research, she utilized narrative inquiry to examine how the context of rural schools influences least restrictive environment (LRE) decisions for students with disabilities. Katie’s scholarship focuses on the implementation of inclusive practices for students with disabilities who require extensive support needs. She is specifically interested in building capacity to make inclusive education decisions in rural schools. Prior to her doctoral training, Katie worked for six years as a special education teacher in rural elementary schools. Katie’s approach to teaching incorporates an intersectional lens and identification of ableist practices which limit access to the general education content and context for students with disabilities. By incorporating place-based pedagogy, Katie works to prepare special educators to be leaders in inclusive education and advocates for students with disabilities across school locales. Katie has taught graduate and undergraduate courses in special education and has served as a supervisor for students in teacher preparation programs. Katie received a Master’s degree in Inclusive Education from Syracuse University in 2013 and a Bachelor’s degree in Childhood and Special Education from St. John Fisher College in 2010.