Spotlight on Barbara Kestenbaum

Barbara Kestenbaum, who has teaching certifications in special and general education, as well as certifications as a School Administrator and Supervisor and School District Administrator, has dedicated over 40 years to a career of teaching and leading high-quality programs for students with disabilities.

She began in upstate New York as a teacher and after returning to the New York metropolitan area, Barbara has worked as a Curriculum Director, Principal, Special Education Director, and Adjunct Instructor in the areas of curriculum design/implementation, inclusion strategies, and research-based instructional practices for students with special needs.

During her many years in education, Barbara developed an expertise in effective instructional design, behavior management strategies, literacy, and specially designed instruction, which includes identifying a student’s strengths and needs to recommend supports based on their individual profile. As a former special education teacher and administrator, Barbara is as comfortable working directly with students or coaching teachers on-site, as she is addressing groups on best practices in education.