Austin Independent School District announced the selection of the new Executive Director of Special Education, Dr. Akweta Hickman. The Director is responsible for ensuring success for every child and provides leadership in developing a collaborative culture within the Department of Special Education.

Dr. Akweta Hickman has been working for more than two decades as an educator of which 15 years have been in district leadership roles. Her career has focused in organizational leadership with a specialization in special education.

Hickman has a Doctorate in Educational Leadership & Policy Studies with a specialization in Special Education from Tarleton State University.  A Masters’ Degree in Educational Organization & Administration from Dallas Baptist University and Bachelor of Science in Education from University of Central Arkansas.

For the past three years Hickman has worked for the DeSoto Independent School District as the Executive Director of Special Education. Within two years she guided a team who improved student performance on indicators of the Performance Based Monitoring Analysis System for students with disabilities.

Prior to DeSoto ISD she worked for Crowley Independent School District as the Elementary School Special Education Coordinator.

“I’m extremely excited and pleased with our selection of Akweta Hickman,” Associate Superintendent of Academics and Social and Emotional Learning Lisa Goodnow said. “We are fortunate to get a person with the depth and breadth of experience and knowledge in Special Education.”

Hickman will oversee the Department of Special Education with 63 staff members and others that offer related services. She will administer and appraise development and improvement of curricula and special education programs for compliance with District, State, and Federal rules and regulations; reviews curriculum and program content.