Paula K. Mueller

Paula Mueller is a training specialist with the Illinois Center for Transition and Work at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC). Paula has over 29 years of experience working with students who have a diverse range of disabilities. These experiences encompass a range of settings, including schools, home, and the community. As a former special education teacher and transition specialist, Paula began her career teaching in a therapeutic day school and later in a special education cooperative, where she developed a community-based transition program for students aged 18 to 22 years, focusing on work-based learning opportunities. Most recently, Paula served in an administrative position as the Director of Special Education Support Services through the Madison County Regional Office of Education. While there, Paula coordinated transition and vocational services as the Youth Services Coordinator for the Secondary Transition Experience Program (STEP). Paula has been a member of the STEP Advisory Committee and various sub-committees. Paula has also served as a member of the Madison County Transition Planning Committee for 21 years and served as the chairperson of the committee for 14 of those years. Throughout her career, Paula has also presented at numerous local, state, regional, and national conferences and workshops on various topics related to transition and work-based learning experiences. Paula has focused her career on developing meaningful work-based learning experiences, including Youth Apprenticeships for high school students.

Education

• Graduate Studies: Director Special Education – Southern Illinois University Edwardsville - 2014
• M.S: Educational Administration & Leadership. – McKendree University - 2013
• Graduate Studies: Transition Specialist – Illinois State University - 2009
• Undergraduate Studies: Special Education – Southern Illinois University Carbondale – 1998
• Undergraduate Studies: Special Education – Southern Illinois University Edwardsville - 1997
• B.S.: Elementary Education– Southern Illinois University Edwardsville – 1989

Certifications/Endorsements

• Professional Educator Licensure – 1989
• Early Childhood Approval - 1999
• Learning Behavior Specialist 1 – 2008
• Learning Behavior Specialist II – Transition – 2009
• General Administration – Type 75 – 2013
• Director Special Education – 2014