Takiyah McCathern is a seasoned education leader with over 20 years of experience in special education and administration. She currently serves as an assistant principal, where she has led successful school turnaround efforts, improving student outcomes and boosting teacher retention through strategic systems and instructional leadership.
A graduate of Appalachian State University and NC Teaching Fellow, Takiyah holds a master’s degree in special education from the University of Phoenix and completed her administrative training as a NC Principal Fellow at Western Carolina University. She is also a RITASEE Scholar and is completing her doctorate in educational leadership, focusing her research on improving access to the general curriculum for students with complex support needs in rural communities.
Takiyah has presented at state and district conferences, coached educators pursuing National Board Certification, and partnered with universities on grant-funded projects. In addition to her school leadership, she is the founder of SpedKeys Consulting, where she provides professional development, coaching, and resources for special educators.