Education Insider proudly presents the Top 10 Directors of Special Education - 2026, recognizing leaders who provide strategic oversight and guidance to ensure educational institutions effectively serve the needs of students, educators, and families. These professionals oversee academic planning, operational management, resource allocation, and community engagement initiatives while fostering environments that support learning, innovation, and continuous improvement. Their leadership helps schools navigate evolving educational challenges, strengthen institutional performance, and create meaningful opportunities for student growth and long-term success.
Top 10 Directors of Special Education - 2026
Andrew Meierding View Profile
Director - Special Education, Minneapolis Public Schools
Andrew Meierding is Director of Special Education at Minneapolis Public Schools, where he oversees K-12 special education programs across one of Minnesota’s largest urban school districts. A former special education teacher who has spent more than a decade within the district, his career reflects a steady progression from classroom practice to system-level leadership focused on equitable access and instructional consistency.
Tarlesha Wayne View Profile
Senior Director of Special Education, Anchorage School District
Tarlesha Wayne serves as Senior Director of Special Education Compliance and Operations at Anchorage School District. Her career spans more than two decades across special education, school leadership and student support services. Having worked as a teacher, principal and district leader, she now oversees compliance responsibilities tied to special education and Section 504 services while supporting districtwide systems that affect students with disabilities.
Amanda Bernowski View Profile
Director of Special Education, Groveport Madison School
As Director of Special Education at Groveport Madison Schools, Amanda Bernowski oversees services for students aged 3 to 22 with a commitment to ensuring every learner receives the support they need to succeed.
