Stephen Kwiatek

2026 Eldon J Gardner Teacher of the Year Award Nominee

Emma Eccles Jones College of Education & Human Services | Special Education and Rehabilitation Counseling

Stephen M. Kwiatek, Ph.D., is an assistant professor of special education in the Department of Special Education and Rehabilitation Counseling. He earned his bachelor and master’s degrees in special education from Illinois State University, and he earned his doctoral degree in special education from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Then, he was a postdoctoral research associate at the Illinois Center for Transition and Work at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Stephen’s experience as a high school special education teacher fostered his commitment to high-quality instruction and removing barriers to learning, and it continues to shape his approach to college teaching, research, and service, all of which focus on preparing youth with disabilities for meaningful and independent adult lives. As someone who did not initially experience success in college, he is intimately familiar with the importance of supportive learning environments, clear expectations, and instructional practices that recognize students’ potential while providing the structures they need to thrive.

Stephen’s work is grounded in a collaborative approach that prioritizes partnership, shared responsibility, and learning alongside others. His teaching, mentorship, and scholarship emphasize shared learning, practical problem-solving, and community-based knowledge, recognizing that meaningful and lasting educational change grows from authentic relationships. Since starting at USU, Stephen has taught eight unique undergraduate courses, primarily required for special education licensure. He also recently started teaching a doctoral-level course to support students from six disciplines in developing effective and reflective teaching practices for undergraduate and graduate education.