Special Education Spotlight Series for Administrators

Alefia E. Mithaiwala represents school districts and educational agencies in all matters, including administrative trials, federal appeals, resolution meetings, expulsion hearings, mediations, and responses to Office of Civil Rights complaints, Department of Education compliance complaints, and Uniform complaints. She practices preventative law by consulting and training school staff on various IDEA, discipline, ADA, and Section 504 matters, and was instrumental in creating Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud & Romo’s Section 504 and ADA Procedures Manual. Ms. Mithaiwala has over 15 years of diverse experience in the field of education and education law. She received her Masters of Education degree from Harvard University Graduate School of Education in 2002, with an emphasis on special education policy. In 2003, she worked with the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, to draft regulations for the 2004 amendments to IDEA.

Andratesha Fritzgerald is a nationally and internationally recognized keynote speaker, educational consultant, and thought leader in Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and equity-centered school transformation. With over 25 years of experience, Andratesha brings powerful insight to the intersections of instructional design, anti-oppressive practices, and leadership development. She is the author of Antiracism and Universal Design for Learning: Building Expressways to Success (CAST, 2020) and winner of a Benjamin Franklin Award from the Independent Book Publishers Association.

Known for energizing workshops and compelling keynote sessions, Andratesha invites educators, leaders, and communities into honest reflection and bold redesign. Her work centers around data-informed decision-making, dismantling systemic barriers, and designing learning environments where every member of the learning community can thrive. She has served extensively in education as a teacher, curriculum specialist, administrator, and director.

Andratesha is a book nerd, Jeopardy enthusiast and imagination expert who loves writing and dreaming out loud with her husband, two children and committed educators who believe in academic success for all. She is the co-founder of Building Blocks of Brilliance Educational Consulting Firm. Andratesha brings both strategy and soul to every space. Prepare to be provoked, challenged, and inspired.