Ms. Rushing first worked as a classroom teacher and reading specialist for six years in France, Texas, and Maryland. She has a Master’s in Education, in Teaching in addition to a Juris Doctorate of Law. Her background in education has helped her learn how to design and deliver instruction to meet the needs of diverse audiences and understand first-hand the issues that may arise in classrooms and schools. She taught Gifted and Talented students for Johns Hopkins University’s Center for Talented Youth. Ms. Rushing also worked as the sole IDEA Legal Specialist for the Oregon Department of Education from 2011-2015 where she coordinated IDEA Dispute Resolution services and worked extensively with state complaints, mediation, and due process hearing matters. Ms. Rushing has also worked as an enforcement attorney for the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights, where she worked extensively with Section 504, Title II, Title VI, and Title IX . Ms. Rushing currently serves as a Special Education Hearing Officer for the Vermont Agency of Education and as an IDEA Mediator for the Ohio Department of Education- Office for Exceptional Children. She also works with IDEA investigations for the Washington Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction. She enjoys working with parents, districts, and government professionals to ensure high quality special education dispute resolution services are offered, that disputes are resolved efficiently, and that legal compliance requirements are understood. She is also a member of the Academy of Court Appointed Neutrals and is available to assist with litigation matters including: discovery disputes, privilege review, corrective action plans, and settlement administration. Ms. Rushing particularly enjoys working on complex matters related to large school districts, students with dyslexia and reading disabilities, civil rights issues, and cases involving twice exceptional or gifted and talented students. When she isn’t working in education law, you can find her hiking, reading, listening to music, or enjoying time outdoors.