Dr. Ruby L. Owiny is an assistant professor of special education at Minnesota State University, Mankato in the Department of Special Education. Previously, she was an associate professor at Trinity International University in Bannockburn, IL. She was also the director of the Division of Education, and director of the Access Program, which supported students with autism as they worked toward their bachelor’s degree. She is an associate and curriculum coordinator for 2Teach, an educational consulting company which provides training for school personnel in research-based strategies to improve outcomes for students in today’s inclusive classrooms. Prior to these roles, Dr. Owiny taught elementary education and special education for learners with learning disabilities, emotional and behavior disorders, developmental delays, autism, and intellectual disability in Lexington, KY, primarily in Title 1 schools.

Dr. Owiny received her Ph.D. from the University of Kentucky and has published on the implementation of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and evidence-based practices. Her most recent co-authored work will be available in early 2024, a book on the high-leverage practices, The Practical Guide to High-Leverage Practices in Special Education: The Purposeful “How” to Enhance Classroom Rigor. She recently began co-authoring an introduction to special education textbook for undergraduate and graduate programs who are preparing special educators entitled, Special Education in Today’s Diverse Classrooms: Meeting the Needs of Students with Exceptionalities. She is also preparing two manuscripts based on two research projects she conducted - lesson implementation using UDL in the classroom and using simulation to train pre-service teachers to conduct and implement functional behavior assessments and behavior intervention plans. She frequently presents on how to meet the needs of students with disabilities through inclusive practices. Finally, Dr. Owiny is active in the Council for Exceptional Children, leading the workgroup that supports the student teacher support network and is also active in the Teacher Education Division (TED) of CEC and is a former president of TED (2021).

With this professional experience and expertise, Dr. Owiny works with caregivers to ensure their child receives instruction using best practices according to their needs from a well written, well designed IEP, tailored to the individual needs of their child.

Memberships

Council for Exceptional Children (CEC)

Teacher Education Division (TED) of CEC

Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA; NOTE: membership as an advocate only)

National Association of Special Educators (NASET)

Certifications

IL Early Childhood (Birth to 3 years)

IL Special Education, LBSI (Preschool - Transition)

KY Elementary Education (K - 6)

KY Special Education, LBD (K - Transition)

Currently working toward: Board Certified Advocate in Special Education (B.C.A.S.E.; expected certification by August 2024)