Deirdre K. Mithaug received her B.A. in Psychology from the University of Washington in 1992. In 1993, she received an M.A. in Behavioral Disorders from Teachers College, Columbia University. In 1998, Dr. Mithaug received her Master's of Philosophy in behavioral disorders and a Ph.D. in special education from Teachers College, Columbia University.

Dr. Mithaug has worked as a special education teacher in both private and public schools in NYC from 1993-1998. After receiving her Ph.D., she took a position as assistant professor of special education at Eastern Illinois University where she taught courses in applied behavior analysis, introduction to special education, inclusion and collaboration, and practicum/student teaching. In 2000, Dr. Mithaug moved back to NY and is currently an associate professor and program coordinator of special education at St. John's University. She is currently teaching classes in behavior management, research, and practicum at the graduate level.

(June 1999) Winner of $2500 Council of Faculty Research Grant Award for Summer Research Project on “The Effects of Choice Contracting on Prospective Special Education Teachers’ Use of a Student-Directed Learning Strategy,” Eastern Illinois University.

Mithaug, D. E., Mithaug, D.K., Agran, M., Martin, J. E., & Wehmeyer, M. Eds. (2002). Self-determined learning theory: Predictions, prescriptions, and practice. Erlbaum Publishers.
Mithaug, D. K. (2002). “Yes Means Success: Teaching Students with Multiple Disabilities How to Be Independent in the Classroom.” TEACHING Exceptional Children. Vol. 35 (1). pp. 22-27.