Sherri Coats serves as the Program Director, Special Education Services for the Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE). In 2021, Sherri enjoyed three days of retirement from a public school and quickly went to work at the OSDE to continue her work advocating for students with special needs. In this role, Sherri and her team provide technical assistance and professional development related to compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and improved student outcomes to educators, administrators, and parents, ensuring a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) for all Oklahoma students.

For over 30 years, Sherri served as a special education teacher and then as Director of Special Education Services. She holds a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in Special Education from East Central University, Ada, OK. She holds additional certifications as a psychometrist and elementary principal.