Sookyung Shin
Special Education Expert
As a devoted parent, educator, and tireless advocate for children with disabilities, Dr. Shin brings a unique blend of personal experience, academic excellence, and a passion for systemic change to the forefront of the special education landscape.
With a doctorate in special education from the University of Kansas, Dr. Shin has dedicated her academic journey to understanding the intricacies of special education and the implications of IDEA on ensuring FAPE, striving to make a lasting impact on the lives of children with disabilities. What sets Dr. Shin apart is her personal journey as a parent of a child with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities along with medical complexity. This experience has provided her with an unparalleled understanding of navigating the education, healthcare, and social service systems while also appreciating the daily challenges faced by parents, caregivers, and most importantly, the children with disabilities themselves. This firsthand perspective has fueled her unwavering commitment to advocate for systemic changes at the local, state, and national level.
Dr. Shin’s advocacy work extends beyond the walls of academia. They have been the driving force for systemic changes in policies and practices. For over 20 years, she has served on various executive boards and advisory councils while working relentlessly to ensure that every child with disabilities has access to a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment (LRE).
One of Dr. Shin’s most notable achievements has been her dedication to facilitating collaborative partnerships between families and school districts. She believes that a dynamic and meaningful IEP is not just a document but a pathway to realizing the potential of every child with disabilities. Dr. Shin has worked diligently to bridge the gap between parents and educators, fostering an environment where mutual trust,
understanding, respect, and collaboration thrive.
Dr. Shin is a beacon of hope for families and educators alike. Her vision is one of a future where children with disabilities receive the support and opportunities they are entitled to, where policies are not just words on paper, but pathways to brighter futures.
Her unwavering commitment to build community through diversity, equity, and inclusion has resulted in countless success stories, where children have flourished in inclusive educational settings. Dr. Shin stands as an example of how the personal, the academic, and the advocacy can converge to create a more inclusive and
compassionate world for children with disabilities.
