Department of Special Education at the University of Illinois

09/11/2026

Congratulations to Drs. Tarconish and Zarate, as well as the other faculty in our college.

Investing in our own.

We’re proud to announce that 11 faculty members have earned promotions for 2026-27. Additionally, Stephanie Toliver received the Campus Distinguished Promotion, recognizing extraordinary work.

We’re pleased to have these educators at Illinois for years to come. More: https://bit.ly/4xKtzcw

08/21/2026

Save the date: September 17

Join us for the Goldstick Family Lecture in Communication Disorders at the U. of I. Philanthropy. Our featured speaker is Dr. Jennifer Kurtz of the University of Kansas.

More Info: https://education.illinois.edu/alumni/the-goldstick-family-lecture

07/22/2026

Developmental Therapist Needed to Volunteer as a Cooperating Professional

The early childhood special education program at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is seeking an early intervention developmental therapist to serve as a cooperating professional for a master's student.

You MUST work near Champaign-Urbana OR do primarily live video visits from anywhere in Illinois.

The practicum is for 20 hours/week from August 24 to December 9.

This is a great opportunity to build your mentorship skills and help train the next generation of early childhood special education professionals!

Please email [email protected] if you are interested or have questions.

07/02/2026

Huge congratulations to Dr. Abby Hardy on successfully defending her dissertation entitled "Trauma-Informed Practices for Students with Intellectual Disabilities" 🎉

She defended her dissertation on 6/29/26. Her committee included her advisor, Catherine Corr, and members Michele Schutz, Marie Channell (Speech and Hearing Sciences), and John Keesler (Indiana University Bloomington).

Your perspective and commitment to this work matter and our field is stronger and better because you’re in it!

06/29/2026

Congratulations to Dr. Misty Krippel for successfully defending her dissertation on Thursday, 6/25/26.

It was titled: Learning Landscapes: Perspectives from Caregivers and Educators.

Her committee included her advisor, Micki Ostrosky, and members Meghan Burke (Vanderbilt), Abby Allen, and Jessica Hardy.

06/29/2026

Congratulations to Dr. Elaine Gilmartin for successfully defending her dissertation on Wednesday, 6/17/26.

It was titled: Effectiveness of Continuing Education Professional Development: Behavior Analyst Partnerships with Latino Families.

Her committee included her advisor, Amber Ray, and members Jennifer Cromley, Meghan Burke (Vanderbilt), and Hedda Meadan (UNC-Charlotte).

06/15/2026

Please share!

Early Intervention Certificate
Start a Career or Advance Your Knowledge in Early Intervention
Online, 6-12 Credits
Courses Approved by Illinois Provider Connections
Open to Undergraduate, Graduate, and Non-Degree-Seeking Students
For more information, contact Jessica Hardy at [email protected].
https://ecse.education.illinois.edu/early-intervention-certificate

05/28/2026

Corr Reflects on Experience in the Emerging Research Leader Academy May 12, 2026 2:15 pm by Orion Buckingham Share on Facebook Tweet Email Images Catherine Corr, associate professor C&I SPED, was a member of the 2025-26 Emerging Research Leaders Academy (ERLA). In a recent article from the Interdisc...

05/27/2026

Congratulations to our award winners!

05/21/2026

The College of Education celebrated Dr. Cheryl Light Shriner and her 29 (and a half!) years of service to the Department of Special Education! Here she is flanked by Dean Chrystalla Mouza and Department Head Matt Lambert.