KU Special Education

11/14/2025

At this week’s Teacher Education Division, KU SPED Graduate, Dr. Adam Carreon presented his work at 6 different presentations! Dr. Carreon is an assistant professor at Georgia Southern University!

11/12/2025

We’re proud to celebrate KU faculty presenting at ! Our team is leading sessions on critical topics such as AI integration, behavioral supports, and self-determination strategies. Highlights include Teaching Decision-Making for Behavioral Intervention Selection with Kathleen Tuck and Kelsey Smith, and Virtually Possible: Supporting Rural Educator Capacity Through Technology-Enabled Coaching Partnerships with Lauren Bruno and Karrie Shogren. KU continues to drive innovation and equity in education.

View the schedule.

11/12/2025

The University of Kansas is making a big impact at ! KU faculty are presenting on transformative topics like AI in education, inclusive practices, and teacher preparation. Featured sessions include Teachers’ Beliefs and the Transformation of Instructional Practice with Lisa Dieker, Maria Hugh, and Ana Paula Martinez; the keynote panel Preparing Special Educators in a Time of Uncertainty with Jamie Basham; and Leveraging Open-Source and AI Tools in STEM and Teacher Education led by Lisa Dieker, James Basham, and Eleazar Vaquez. KU is proud to lead conversations on equity, advocacy, and innovation in special education.

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11/12/2025

KU faculty are shaping the future of education at ! From AI-powered tools to strategies for equity and advocacy, our experts are sharing research that matters. Don’t miss sessions like The Impact of AI on All Learners, Self-Determined Educators, and Preparing Educators to Promote Self-Determination. These presentations highlight KU’s commitment to inclusive practices and preparing educators for tomorrow’s challenges.

View the schedule.

11/04/2025

We are thrilled to announce that Dr. Lisa Didion has been selected to receive the prestigious Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) 2026 Outstanding Student Chapter Advisor Award!

This national award recognizes up to three college/university CEC Student Chapter Advisors each year who demonstrate exceptional leadership, student engagement, and a deep commitment to advancing the field of special education. Awardees are honored for going above and beyond in supporting their student chapters and in nurturing students’ educational, personal, and professional growth.

Dr. Didion will be formally recognized at the CEC 2026 Awards & Recognition Luncheon at the annual convention in Salt Lake City, Utah.

The KU Department of Special Education celebrates Dr. Didion for revitalizing our CEC Student Chapter and creating exciting opportunities for our students—especially our undergraduates—to become the most knowledgeable, compassionate, and highly prepared special educators they can be. Her leadership has sparked energy, participation, and pride in our program, and we are grateful for the impact she is making on the next generation of educators.

Congratulations, Dr. Didion—this honor is incredibly well deserved!

10/28/2025

Interested in a fully-funded PhD in special education? Drs. Zagona and Kurth are recruiting PhD students for the fall of 2026! If you are interested in leading systemic change, supporting special education personnel, and improving outcomes for children with disabilities and their families, please contact us to learn more! The next informational session is November 6! Please visit our website for more information and contact us if you have any questions!
https://specialedu.ku.edu/academics/special-education/phd/funding-opportunities

10/22/2025

Are you passionate about special education leadership and interested in a fully funded PhD Program? Drs. Zagona and Kurth are recruiting four PhD students to start in the fall 2026! Come to an upcoming informational session or contact us for more information!

09/29/2025

09/24/2025

Myriam Wilkes, an MSE autism graduate, is about to embark on a new chapter in her academic journey. She’s set to pursue a Doctor of Education degree in Leadership and Learning in Organization at Vanderbilt University. Despite leaving Kansas University, Myriam’s heart still belongs to KU. She’s keeping her KU spirit alive with a big “Rock chalk, Jayhawk!”

09/23/2025

Our graduate, Dr. Adam Carreon, an assistant professor at Georgia Southern University, was recently nominated and awarded the Jack Miller Faculty Award for Research! Adam was nominated for this award by his peers in the College of Education!

Congratulations Adam!

The Jack Miller Faculty Awards are given annually to recognize Georgia Southern University College of Education (COE) faculty for demonstrated excellence in the areas of teaching, service, and scholarship. Awards are given in each area.