Farewell & Thank You with Dr. Ilene Schwartz
As Dr. Ilene Schwartz prepares to retire from the University of Washington in August 2024, we want to celebrate her incredible career and contributions. Since joining the UW special education faculty in 1991 and becoming the director of the Haring Center for Inclusive Education in 2007, Dr. Schwartz has been a leader in applied behavior analysis (ABA), autism, inclusion, and sustainable educational interventions.
She founded Project DATA, a model preschool program for children with autism, at the Experimental Education Unit in 1997. This program is still in operation at the Haring Center. Dr. Schwartz, earned her Ph.D. from the University of Kansas and is a board-certified behavior analyst (BCBA). Her dedication to providing high-quality education for all children is truly inspiring.
Join us in honoring Dr. Ilene Schwartz by enjoying her insights and reflections in the following Q&A.
Could you share a brief reflection on your time at the College of Education?
I have experienced a lot of change over my 33 years at the College of Education. I have worked for 5 deans and across the different leaders I have been impressed by the support that I have received to work every day to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities through preparing professionals (e.g., behavior analysts, researchers), conducting research, and providing service in the community.
What achievements or contributions are you most proud of during your time here?
I am most proud of Project DATA and my graduate students. Project DATA is a school based program for young children with autism. When we developed this program in 1997 we wanted to be sure that all children with autism, regardless of background or ability, had access to a high quality program. Working with my doctoral students over the last 3 decades has taught me so much and has been a lot of fun.
What will you miss the most about working at the College of Education?
I will miss working with our incredible team at the Haring Center. We have worked hard to create an inclusive community that is welcoming to all. This is not just about children with and without disabilities and their families, but staff, graduate students, faculty, and all employees.
What are your plans or aspirations for the future?
I retire on August 31 and leave for France on September 2!!
Is there a message or piece of advice you would like to share with your colleagues and the College community?
Inclusion, kindness, welcoming, and belonging are not just words that should be applied to early childhood programs. We need to work with everyone at the College of Education, regardless of background or beliefs, to create a world in which everyone can participate, everyone belongs, and everyone feels valued.
