Dr. Patrick Mies

Biography

Patrick Mies works as an Intermittent Lecturer at the University of Michigan Marsal Family School of Education. His primary focus is on working with prospective general education teachers to help them understand the unique learning and social-emotional needs of students with disabilities, which are undoubtedly included in classrooms. He contends that strategies work for all students, irrespective of whether they are in “general” or “special” education. He is passionate about creating inclusive learning environments predicated on respect and high expectations. Additionally, his professional interests include organizational structures, culture, and climate within schools and school districts, as well as building capacity to work effectively in these settings. His professional experiences include teaching special education at the secondary level, specifically in a Resource Room and a Cross-Categorical Center Program at the high school level, focusing on students with mild to severe disabilities. Currently, he serves as a principal at the Western Wayne Skill Center in Livonia Public Schools, providing education and training for students ages 18-26. Furthermore, he is involved as a Board Member of the Living Learning Enrichment Center and has previously served as a Board Member for the Community Opportunity Center, a non-profit housing corporation for adults with disabilities. Over the past ten years, he has also volunteered with Michigan Prisons under the Archdiocese of Detroit. Whenever possible, he likes to draw from his professional experiences and volunteer work to help prospective teachers understand abstract material.

Research Interests