Mary McConnell, Ph.D.

District Continuous Improvement Consultant

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Dr. Mary E. McConnell has spent more than four decades as an educator and continues to be a lifelong learner. Her background is in special education, and she has worked in various roles at the building and district level. She joined the KC-RPDC in January 2010. During her tenure at the RPDC she has been a consultant for School-Wide Positive Behavior Supports, a SPED Improvement Consultant, and a part of the District Continuous Work (DCI), formally known as the Collaborative Work, where she has been involved since 2012. 

Mary is a recognized expert in teaching and learning practices and supports that effectively improve student learning outcomes. In her current position at the KC-RPDC, Mary enjoys working with administrators and teachers, supporting them in the District Continuous Improvement Work (DCI). She is excited about the work and its positive impact on teacher and student performance.

Mary has received numerous recognitions and awards and has published several articles addressing ways to work effectively with diverse learners. She has presented at various local, state, and national conferences. During her time at the RPDC, Mary has worked closely to support teachers and administrators in many area districts. Mary is the author of three books, including Functional Assessment: A Systematic Process for Assessment and Intervention in General and Special Education Classrooms. Mary earned her Ph.D. in Special Education from the University of Kansas. Mary is a mother and grandmother with a deep compassion and commitment to improving the learning outcomes for all students. She enjoys learning new things, shopping, attending plays and musicals, and spending time with family and friends.