Heidi Goger is an educator, advocate, and a Director of Special Education Policy and Practice at the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), dedicated to advancing disability rights, educational equity, and inclusive opportunities for students with disabilities. A graduate of Georgetown University, Heidi brings extensive experience spanning classroom instruction, district leadership, network-wide special education administration, policy, and advocacy. She served as a District Representative in the Chicago Public Schools Office for Students with Disabilities and as Director of Special Education for the Summit Public Schools network across Northern California, where she contributed to advancing special education practices and supporting students with diverse learning needs.
At AFT, Heidi leads and advances initiatives that translate research, law, and policy into practical resources and professional learning opportunities for educators, families, and school communities. Her work focuses on IDEA and Section 504, inclusive education, student well-being, and the recruitment and retention of special educators. Through her writing, policy leadership, professional development, and advocacy, she champions systemic change that strengthens educator capacity and expands meaningful access to education for every learner. Grounded in the intersection of disability rights, civil rights, and Disability Pride, Heidi works to ensure that inclusion is not simply an aspiration, but a reality for students, families, and educators.
