Dr. Kathryn Fishman-Weaver serves as the Executive Director of Mizzou Academy, the K-12 lab school at the University of Missouri. This impactful school serves approximately 7,000 students annually from over 60 countries. Kathryn’s role has given her invaluable experiences in school leadership, cultivating global professional learning communities, leading educational conferences, and engaging in extended on-site work with international schools.

Kathryn began her teaching career as a special education teacher in Oakland, CA. Since then, she has taught and led programs in special education, gifted education, English language arts, and teacher preparation. She holds a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis, a Master’s in Special Education, and a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology.

A prolific and celebrated author, Kathryn has written numerous books in education including, Wholehearted Teaching of Gifted Young Women (2018), When Your Child Learns Differently (2019), Brain-Based Learning with Gifted Students (2020), Connected Classrooms co-authored with Stephanie Walter, a book series on Teaching Women’s and Gender Studies in the middle and high school classroom co–authored with Jill Clingan, and Wholehearted School Leadership (2025). She is currently working on a new book on action research in the high school classroom. Kathryn is a sought-after speaker on inclusive practices in schools and her work has been referenced by the U.S. Department of Education.

In her Associate Teaching Professor role, she teaches courses on community engagement, classroom culture, inclusive practices, and action research. Kathryn also advises doctoral students on their dissertation work. Locally, she is an active volunteer on issues related to food insecurity and youth advocacy, this includes her work as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for youth navigating the foster care system.

When she isn’t in the classroom, her favorite place to be is the water. Kathryn is a distance swimmer, adult swim instructor, and stand-up paddleboard (SUP) enthusiast.

Certifications and Degrees:

• B.S. Sociology | M.Ed. Special Education
• Ph.D. Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis
• K-12 Cross-Categorical Special Education
• K-12 Gifted Education | 7-12 English Language Arts
• Elementary School and Secondary School Administration
• Mental Health First Aid, Medical First Aid, and CPR Certification
• United States Masters Swim Coach
• Adult Learn-to-Swim Instructor

Areas of Expertise

• School Leadership
• Neurodiversity and Inclusive Classrooms
• Curriculum Development
• Youth Participatory Action Research (YPAR)
• Educator Professional Development