COLE WHITAKER
About Cole
Cole's Experience
Cole Whitaker has been an educator for his entire adult life, beginning his teaching career at just 19 years old in the field of cosmetology. Licensed in Cosmetology, Esthetics, and Nail Technology since 2002, Cole trained at the Gene Juarez Academy, where he also completed their Instructor Training Program. After a year of teaching there, he transitioned to working behind the chair before returning to education full-time.
From 2004 to 2015, Cole held multiple leadership roles at Northwest Hair Academy, including Instructor, Director, Instructor Trainer, and Curriculum Leader. He later served as Education Lead at Paroba College from 2016 to 2021. Throughout his 20+ years in the beauty industry, Cole developed a deep understanding of vocational education and a passion for learner-centered teaching.
Cole’s experience in the beauty industry was instrumental in shaping his approach to teaching. He received training from leading educational organizations such as Paul Mitchell, Pivot Point, Milady, and Success Signals. Working with a highly diverse student population—including many with learning differences and disabilities—fueled his commitment to inclusive, accessible education. He has also spent several years training and mentoring new instructors, further deepening his expertise in pedagogy.
When one of the schools he worked for closed, Cole took the opportunity to return to school with the goal of teaching at the community college level. Motivated by a desire to support students who struggle with traditional learning environments, he chose to study psychology—focusing on memory, cognition, and learning.
During this time, Cole was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. This diagnosis brought clarity and insight into his own learning and teaching style. He credits his neurodivergence with his ability to break down complex concepts into manageable, digestible steps—an approach that resonates with many of his students.
In 2023, Cole earned his Master of Science in Psychology. Following a year of experience as an instructional assistant at the middle school level, he joined Bellevue College as a faculty member in the Neurodiversity Navigators program. In this role, he continues to champion inclusive education and provide meaningful support to neurodivergent learners.
About Us
Cole's Mission
As an autistic and dyslexic educator, I bring both personal insight and professional commitment to supporting neurodivergent students. I understand firsthand how traditional learning environments can present challenges for students who think and process differently. My approach is rooted in flexibility, empathy, and the belief that neurodivergent minds bring valuable perspectives to the classroom.
I strive to create learning spaces that honor different ways of thinking, communicating, and engaging. This includes offering multiple means of participation, providing clear and consistent structure, and encouraging students to advocate for the accommodations they need. I also work to normalize neurodiversity by integrating discussions about learning differences into the curriculum and modeling inclusive practices.
Ultimately, I want all students, especially those who have felt misunderstood or overlooked in other educational settings, to leave my classroom with a renewed sense of confidence and the tools to thrive both academically and personally.