About me
Dr. Julie Sidarous is an award-winning educator and researcher specializing in culturally responsive teacher preparation and special education. She holds a doctorate in Curriculum, Advocacy, and Policy from National Louis University and brings extensive experience in building pre-service teacher self-efficacy, supporting diverse learners, and strengthening family and community engagement in high-need schools.A former Chicago Public Schools special education teacher, case manager, and instructional coach, Dr. Sidarous draws on deep classroom and leadership experience to inform her work in higher education. For nine years, she taught in National Louis University’s CPS residency programs, where she co-designed and implemented a culturally responsive curriculum centered on meaningful reflection, intentional student relationships, and collaborative partnerships with families and communities.Her commitment to excellence in teaching has been recognized with the NLU Excellence in Teaching Award and El Premio Águila (The Eagle Award) for her support of Latina/o/x students (in both 2024 and 2025). Dr. Sidarous currently serves as Assistant Professor of Special Education in the National College of Education, where she continues her work in advancing equity-driven teacher preparation.
