2026 CASE Conference

Dr. Frederick Abernathy
Former Director of Special Education
Colbert County Schools


Dr. Fred Abernathy has served in the field of education as an educator, coach, administrator, adjunct professor, and Director in the State of Alabama. He served as a Director of Special Education. In addition, he oversaw Section 504’s and the Gifted Program. He served in Decatur City Schools for 22 years as an educator, basketball coach, and administrator. His education background consists of the following: (1996)- Advanced Diploma- Deshler High School (1998)- Associate in Arts Pre-Secondary Education from Northwest- Shoals Community College (2000)- BS. Ed. in Collaborative Education ( K-6) Athens State University, (2002)- M. Ed in Collaborative Education ( 6-12) from Alabama A&M University, (2007) Ed.S in Collaborative Education ( 6-12) from Alabama A&M University, (2012) Ed. D in Executive Leadership from Lincoln Memorial University, and (2014) M.Ed in Instructional Leadership from University of West Alabama. He graduated from the Alabama Superintendent Academy, a prestigious one year program that selects individuals in collaboration with the University of Alabama and Alabama State Department of Education. In addition, he is a graduate of the inaugural Special Education Leadership Institute (SELI) program through the Council of Administrators of Special Education ( CASE). Also, he serves as an adjunct professor with the University of West Alabama (2013- Present), West Georgia University ( 2020- Present), and The University of the Cumberlands ( 2023- Present). He has served on the Board of Directors through CLAS AAPASS and has served as President of CLAS AAPASS. He serves on the CASE DEI committee. His wife is an educator in Decatur City Schools in Alabama and they have one child, Avery. He enjoys spending time with his daughter and wife as well as running, working- out, watching sports, movies, and reading interesting educational books and journals.

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