Awards

Part-Time Teaching Award - 2024

About Cassandra Cole

Professor Cassandra "Sandi" Cole is an experienced and enthusiastic part-time educator beloved by her students and renowned for her commitment to applying her real-world professional experiences to inform classroom instruction. She began teaching classes at the Indiana University School of Education part time in 2004 in addition to her on-going administrative work serving as the Director of the Center on Education and Lifelong Learning at IU Bloomington, which she began in 1997. Professor Cole also maintains a special connection to the IU School of Education as a four-time alumnus and as the current Director of the Special Education Leadership Program, where she has continuously served for over 16 years. She also serves in the Office of Vice Provost for Research as an Associate Research Scientist.

Professor Cole began her career as a Special Education teacher at Brown County Jr-Sr High School where she developed a strong commitment to supporting under-represented groups and on emphasis on the value of special education in society. She heavily emphasizes those experiences and her exceptional background in educational leadership in the classroom, as noted by the numerous glowing recommendations from her students. Her strong focus on students--their recruitment and development, has helped the Special Education program at IU Bloomington prosper where other programs have struggled. She has been an important mentor for students, serving on dissertation committees and challenging students through rewarding coursework with real-world implications.

For her efforts, Professor Cole has had the privilege of speaking at the Indiana University School of Education Graduation Convocation in 2019 and was a previous recipient of the Outstanding Leadership and Contribution to Education Award in 2018. With a strong dedication to her students, Cole has made significant, lasting contributions to Special Education and Indiana University.