Sara Self-Maddox currently serves as Section Chief for IDEA Dispute Resolution in the Office of Exceptional Children at the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. Prior to joining DPI, Sara was the Director of Exceptional Children and AIG programs for Chatham County Schools. Her 25-year career in education spans multiple roles, including special education teacher, general education teacher, EC program facilitator, curriculum coach, and assistant principal.
Sara holds a B.A. in Elementary Education from East Carolina University, an M.Ed. in Curriculum Development and Supervision from NC State University, an M.S.A. from Campbell University, and an M.A.Ed. in Special Education from Western Carolina University. She also earned a certificate in Racial Equity Studies from ECU and is pursuing a doctorate in Organizational Learning and Leadership at UNC-Chapel Hill. Beyond her professional life, she volunteers as state alumnae chair for Delta Zeta, is therapy dog handler with the Alliance of Therapy dogs, an avid reader, and the proud mother of three daughters.