Special Education

The Cocke County School System Special Education Department supports local schools in identifying and providing appropriate services to students with disabilities within the district. In partnership with parents, staff, and students, the district provides special education and related services based on instructionally appropriate individual education programs.

The Cocke County Special Education Department is committed to forging and maintaining relationships with families and community agencies to ensure the implementation of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act. Special Education services are available to students with disabilities between ages 3 and 22. Through the district’s Child Find efforts, students are assessed for and identified under the categories of Autism, Deaf-Blindness, Deafness, Developmental Delay, Emotional Disturbance, Functional Delayed, Hearing Impairment, Intellectual Disability, Intellectually Gifted, Multiple Disabilities, Orthopedic Impairment, Other Health Impairment, Specific Learning Disability, Speech or Language Impairments, Traumatic Brain Injury, and Visual Impairment. Beginning at age 3, the district is committed to creating and supporting inclusive environments, services and programs that offer educational opportunities for all students through post-secondary transition.

Department Directory

Special Education Supervisor
Dr. Ronald McCarter
423-623-1336 ext 2025
[email protected]

Special Education Coordinator
Whitney Laws
423-623-1336 ext 241
[email protected]

Administrative Assistant
Amy Sprouse
423-623-1336 ext 2024
[email protected]

School Psychologist
Dr. Carolyn Wade
423-623-1336 ext 2025

Gifted Education Teacher
Brooke Burchette
[email protected]