Meet the Faculty

Katherine C. Sacca

Dr. Sacca is the first member of the Exceptional Education Department to receive both the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching and the Buffalo State President’s Award for Excellence in Teaching. This recognition reflects her background in special education and general education instruction as well as school district administration, areas within which she holds a New York State Education Department Permanent Certification. Dr. Sacca is also cross-listed faculty with the Educational Leadership Program that leads to certification for future school administrators. She assists several programs from more than 30 disability related agencies in Western New York and has recruited hundreds of volunteers to work with children and adults with disabilities.

Dr. Sacca has given over 250 keynote speeches and staff development presentations locally, regionally, and nationally. She incorporates brain research in her teaching and presentations to increase student learning. The BSC Carnegie Academy for the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning published an example of Dr. Sacca’s creative incorporation of research-based practice in Strengthening Education through Research and Collaboration found online at http://www.buffalostate.edu/orgs/castl/scholarship.pdf. She consults with employers and businesses on how to manage compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Her research focuses on assessment of equal access to programs, employment, and sites for people with disabilities, including recently injured veterans, as well as humor in personal management of acquired disability.