Kathryn Fishman-Weaver serves as the Executive Director of Mizzou Academy. She began her teaching career as a special education teacher for a public K-8 school in Oakland, CA. Since then, Dr. Fishman-Weaver has taught and led programs in special education, gifted education, English language arts, and teacher preparation. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology, a Master’s degree in Special Education, and a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis. She is the author of three books in education, Wholehearted Teaching of Gifted Young Women (2018), When Your Child Learns Differently (2019), and Brain-Based Learning with Gifted Students (2020). She has a fourth book under contract, co-authored with Stephanie Walter on culture and connection in the blended classroom.

Dr. Kathryn Fishman-Weaver’s work has appeared in numerous publications and been referenced by the U.S. Department of Education. She supports the University of Missouri’s teacher education program by coordinating required courses on culturally responsive teaching and the Honors College in advisory work with the Missouri Scholars Academy. Prior to her appointment as Executive Director, she served for five years as the Director of Academic Affairs and Engagement for Mizzou Academy during a period of rapid international growth. She has lectured and led professional development sessions around the world. Dr. Fishman-Weaver is also an avid local volunteer on issues of food insecurity and youth advocacy.

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 and Secondary Administration

Areas of Expertise

• School Leadership
• Neurodiverse Classrooms
• Communications
• Professional Development
• Youth Participatory Action Research (YPAR)