Elisabeth Kutscher

Dr. Elisabeth Kutscher is a Visiting Assistant Professor of Special Education and Disability Studies. Her research agenda emphasizes the development of strength-focused environments that support youth and youth adults with disabilities in pursuing and experiencing fulfilling lives and personal wellbeing. She believes in the application of mixed methods approaches to understand multiple dimensions of complex educational experiences. Currently, her research focuses on amplifying student voices to develop youth-centered understandings of the K-12 factors supporting college participation and persistence.

Prior to moving to the DC area, Dr. Kutscher was special education teacher and assistant principal in New York City. She has worked with children and youth with disabilities from kindergarten through young adulthood, including students with learning disabilities, emotional or behavioral disabilities, autism, intellectual disabilities, and multiple disabilities. Dr. Kutscher views disability as a dimension of human diversity and values the strengths and creativity of youth and their families; she is committed to working for equity in the life experiences of youth with and without disabilities. In addition to her teaching experience, Dr. Kutscher is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst.