April 16, 2021
IN APPRECIATION OF AN EXCEPTIONAL CAREER
In 1979, Cathy Dofka walked into her first classroom in Indiana. This summer, after 42 years, she will leave her position as Director of Exceptional Student Education and begin her retirement. Starting out as a teacher of students with special needs, Cathy maintained the idealism of her early career as she became a formidable advocate for students. It was not long before her knowledge and deep understanding of learning interventions took her career into leadership as a Staffing Specialist, Supervisor, and then as Director of ESE. Determined, persistent, and vocal, Cathy has earned respect from organizations throughout the state who value her incredible depth of experience and understanding of Exceptional Student Education. I congratulate her on a career to be proud of and offer my wishes for a happy, healthy and long retirement!
- John Stratton
I will miss Cathy as a friend and mentor. Her knowledge of special education and student services is unmatched. She dedicated her entire professional life to helping students with disabilities and those who teach them. I wish her a long and well-deserved retirement.
- Jill Kolasa, Director of Student Services
Cathy has dedicated her life to supporting special education students. We will absolutely miss her extraordinary body of knowledge but I am also excited for her to enjoy family, friends and hobbies.
- Lisa Cropley, Executive Director of Student Support Programs
State and local leadership experience:
- President - Council of Administrators of Special Education
- Board member - Early Learning Coalition
- Member - St. Pete College Advisory Board