Dr. Abedin is a visionary founder, educator and experienced leader with over 25 years of knowledge and practice in inclusive education, and an expert in understanding the needs of students with various developmental and learning profiles. She is a life-long learner and educator who has a demonstrated history of teaching, designing innovative school programs, school leadership, coaching, and providing inclusive education consulting services.

In 2011, she designed the Creative Minds International (CMI) program based on research and best practices in inclusive education. With support from the D.C. Public Charter School Board and a small group of like-minded parents and education experts, Dr. Abedin founded, led and grew the CMI Public Charter School from 2012-2019 to serve over 550 students from preschool through eighth grade.

Under her leadership, the CMI model became well-known for providing holistic and innovative educational programming, along with a continuum of services, to support the social-emotional and academic needs of students with various learning profiles within an inclusive school setting.

Under Dr. Abedin’s leadership, CMI received the national TASH Inclusive Education Award, and became the first public school to achieve accreditation in the innovative International Primary Curriculum (IPC). The School was rated among the top charter schools based on indicators of positive learning environments and student social-emotional supports. The School’s special education students and students of color outperformed their peers in Washington D.C. public schools in academic growth and achievement.

Currently Dr. Abedin teaches inclusive education courses as Lead Clinical Faculty in Special Education in the City Teaching Alliance (CTA) Master’s program at American University. Through IEC consulting, she also supports parents, schools, and organizations implement inclusive practices, such as Universal Design for Learning (“UDL”) principles to enhance educational opportunities for neurodiverse students.

To realize IEC’s vision of inclusive education, Dr. Abedin continues researching and routinely collaborating with like-minded organizations, colleagues, and expert consultants on education projects that support parents, teachers and schools in creating holistic, inclusive, and high quality educational opportunities.

Memberships and Collaboration:

American Educational Research Association (AERA)

Comparative and International Education Society (CIES)

Global Campaign for Education, Inclusive Education and Early Childhood Care and Education Community of Practice

Inclusive Education Initiative, World Bank

The University of Maryland International Education Policy Alumni Group

The DC Special Education Cooperative