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Marcia Thomas, Ed.D.Clinical Instructor in Special Education 103D Canevin Hall |
Courses Taught
Historical and Legal Foundations of Special Education (U)
Characteristics of Persons With Disabilities (U)
Critical Issues in Special Education (U)
Educated Citizenry: Academic Adaptations (U)
Persons With Disabilities (G)
Curriculum Perspectives, Issues & Adaptations K-12 (G)
Early Intervention Support (G)
Practicum in Special Education (G)
Internship in Special Education (G)
Education
Ed.D. Special Education
Major: Special Education Teacher Training
George Washington University, Washington, DC
M.A. Ed. Early Childhood Special Education
George Washington University, Washington, DC
B.S. Elementary and Special Education
Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY
Credentials
PA Special Education Instructional and Supervisory Certification
Why should a prospective student choose Duquesne University?
Duquesne University emphasizes the development of professional dispositions, ethical values and social justice in addition to the development of academic skills. Duquesne provides programs for future professional leaders who are committed to constructive social change.
What drew you to teach at Duquesne University?
I share the university’s focus on mission and service as well as academic integrity. In all of the education programs, theory is continually tied to practice through field experiences included as an integral part of all course work. Inclusion is viewed as a philosophy and disability as a form of diversity. My goal as a teacher educator is to prepare professionals who will be able to meet the needs of all students and who will live and think “inclusively.”
Research Interests
Assistive and Instructional Technology for children with high-incidence disabilities
Early Intervention Support
Clinical Supervision in Special Education
Current Projects
Partnership and liaison with St. Paul’s Preschool related to inclusion of young children with disabilities in community preschool settings. I provide evaluation services, staff development activities, parent and professional consultation and program coordination. The school serves as a professional development field site for the special education and early childhood programs.
Professional Affiliations
Council For Exceptional Children (CEC)
Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD)
National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)
Recent Speaking Engagements
Mazur, A., & Thomas, M. (2009). Strategies for Inclusion of Students Who are both Bilingual and Have Special Education Needs. Hawaii International Conference on Education. Honolulu: HI.
Positive Behavioral Supports (2008); Strategies for Inclusion (2009). St. Paul’s Preschool, Allison Park, PA.
Recent Professional Experience & Service
Clinical BackgroundInclusion Consultant, PA (1994 to present)
Adjunct Faculty, George Washington University (2002 to present)
Special Education Consultant, Geneva, Switzerland
Director of Special Education, Butler, PA
Assistant Director, Pace School, Pittsburgh, PA
Special Education Faculty, George Washington University, Washington DC
Assistant Director, St. John’s Development Center, Washington DC
Director, Person County Developmental Center, Roxboro, NC
Special Education Teacher, Emotional Support, Rockville, MD
Special Education Teacher, Learning Support, Lusby, MD
Recent Conferences & Trainings Attended
Summer 2009: Post-Doctoral experience; SPED 272, International Education & Policy Implications for American Educators; George Washington University; Costa Rica
Hawaii International Conference on Education (2009); Honolulu, HIRTII (2009)
Pennsylvania Department of Education, Pittsburgh, PA
Early Childhood Education and Technology (2008); National Association of the
Education of Young Children, New Orleans, LA
Early Intervention in Pennsylvania (2007); PA Department of Education, Pittsburgh, PA
