Tara Rinehart
Dr. Tara Rinehart has had the opportunity to lead at many levels in education. Dr. Rinehart has been in MSD of Wayne Township as an Assistant Director and now the current Director of Special Services since 2011. She was an Elementary Principal in North Montgomery School Corporation prior to her move to the urban setting. Her previous experience includes work at the Indiana Department of Education as the State Response to Intervention Specialist as well as an Exceptional Learners specialist with Special Education Complaints, Disproportionality and the opportunity to influence the reauthorization of Article 7. Prior to joining the Indiana Department of Education, Dr. Rinehart was a Special Education Department Chair and teacher for the Brownsburg Community School Corporation. She has also taught Special Education K-12 in Arizona and Iowa.
She graduated with her PhD and EdS from Indiana State University’s Wednesday Residency Program, her MS in Educational Administration from Butler University’s EPPSP program, and received her Bachelor of Arts in Special Education from Arizona State University. In addition, she holds a K-12 Mild Intervention License, an Intense Intervention License, a Building Level Administrator license, and a Superintendent license. As the Child Advocacy Network (CAN) for the Indiana CEC Executive Board since 2014, then President-Elect for the last two years, and now President, Dr. Rinehart has been able to lead as a board member in strategic planning and legislative advocacy in Washington, D.C. She also provides leadership through providing presentations around the nation and has published in the Journal of Special Education Leadership. She works alongside the Indiana Department of Education in the creation and implementation of the New Educator Institute, which allows all new special education teachers a CEC membership along with tools for their first year. She is a true advocate for students, educators, and families at the school, community, state, and national level. She is a mom to three amazing children and married to her biggest supporter, Scott Rinehart who all have encouraged her every step of the way.
Dr. Rinehart is an innovative educational leader and advocate in an exemplary school system that encourages all students and staff to learn the skills and acquire the knowledge necessary for them to reach their full potential. As a lifelong learner who is compassionate, caring, and advocates for all students, she also serves as a mentor to colleagues from around the district, state, and nation. As a student-centered coach, she challenges stakeholders to create opportunities and successful experiences for ALL individuals. As an advocate, her belief that all students deserve an inclusive educational experience that supports them in meeting their individual goals and dreams while reducing racism and ableism in our schools and society. When you hear these accomplishments, there is no debate that she has demonstrated her knowledge, skill and sensitivity in advancing the opportunities, life potential, and achievement of children and/or adults with disabilities, (2) often goes above and beyond what is normally expected in her profession, and (3) serves as a role model and inspiration to her students, teachers, colleagues and community. A colleague stated, “Dr. Tara Rinehart is an amazing educator, administrator, and innovator in education. She fully supports and promotes inclusion for ALL students. She cares deeply about all students, staff members, schools, and stakeholders. During my years working with Dr. Rinehart I have grown immensely. She is knowledgeable of best practices for all students and continues to grow mightily as she continues her commitment and work toward inclusive educational experiences for ALL students. I am inspired, motivated, and encouraged daily by the opportunities I have to work with her.” A principal stated, “In her 11 years in the district, she has been instrumental in changing the way that restraint and seclusion is viewed and has worked diligently to help her staff become well versed in the area of trauma informed care in an effort to provide a better learning environment for all students. She is approachable and down to earth, and an expert in cultivating relationships, which makes working with her a wonderful opportunity.”
Another colleague said, “Publications, presentations, workshops, panels, and service represent Dr. Rinehart.  She is always willing to help, mentor, lead and be involved when someone needs assistance.  She works with those inside the district, in the state and around the country. And she does it all with passion, integrity and pure joy! Dr. Rinehart’s resume is outstanding.  Her accomplishments are numerous, but what is not seen on a resume is her interaction with students; especially with students whose voices are not being heard. Watching Dr. Rinehart interact with a student in a crisis is like watching magic happen! She models for teachers, parents and most importantly she models for students through kindness, acceptance and understanding.”
It is our pleasure to present Dr. Tara Rinehart with the 2022 Outstanding Administrator of the Year.