Katherine Chrusz is the Director of Graduate Special Education Programs and an Assistant Professor of Education at Centenary University, where she leads with vision, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to inclusive education. She oversees the Master of Arts in Special Education, the Teacher of Students with Disabilities (TOSD) certification, and the Learning Disabilities Teacher Consultant (LDT-C) licensure programs—providing future educators with the tools and mindset necessary to support all learners.

With licensure as a school administrator, principal, supervisor, and teacher, Katherine has served in multiple capacities across both rural and urban school systems at the elementary and secondary levels. Her extensive experience includes developing district-wide initiatives, school-based programming, and individualized learning plans designed to elevate outcomes for underserved populations. Her collaborative approach and equity-centered leadership have made a lasting impact on school communities throughout New Jersey.

A proud alumna of Seton Hall University (B.A.) and Centenary University (M.A. in Special Education), Katherine has returned to Centenary to complete her doctoral work, with research focusing on the implementation of restorative practices and the power of teacher-student relationships in fostering academic success and engagement.

Katherine is a key voice in institutional governance, serving on Centenary’s Institutional Review Board (IRB) and Faculty Senate (At-Large). She has successfully transitioned all graduate special education programs to an online format, ensuring accessibility and flexibility for today’s educators. Most notably, she developed a 36-credit Master’s in Special Education program that enables students who already hold a TOSD certification to earn their LDT-C license in conjunction with a graduate degree—a program that has expanded pathways to advanced certification across the state.

Her teaching spans both undergraduate and graduate levels, with a focus on behavior management, inclusive instructional practices, and evidence-based interventions. In addition to her academic work, Katherine actively collaborates with schools, districts, and advocacy organizations to advance professional learning and promote equity in educational practice.

Katherine Chrusz is widely recognized not only as an outstanding educator, but also as a changemaker in the field of special education—dedicated to ensuring that every student has the opportunity to succeed.