For International Women’s Day 2023 I posted a list of women whom I see as leaders among the professionals in special education. I’m doing the same this 8 March 2024. It’s a fine time to recognize people who are making the world a better place for kids with disabilities and their families.
This is a list of additional such super contributors. These people have helped in myriad ways by supporting, sustaining, and advancing special education. I admire them greatly and recommend that readers seek opportunities to learn from them.
Stephanie Al Otaiba, Southern Methodist University
Erin Barton, Vanderbilt University
Elizabeth Bettini, Boston University
Bonnie Billingsley, Virginia Tech
Mary Brownell, University of Florida
Diane Bryant, University of Texas
Mauren Conroy, University of Florida
Vivian Correa, University of North Carolina Charlotte
Ginevra Courtade, University of Louisville
Jean Crockett, University of Florida
Laurie deBettencourt, Johns Hopkins University
Chris Forlin, University of Notre Dame, Australia
Melinda Leko, University of Florida
Erica Lembke, University of Missouri
Allison Lombardi, University of Connecticut
Linda Mason, George Mason University
Krisen McMaster, University of Minnesota
Breda O'Keeffe, University of Utah
Susan Osborne, North Carolina State University
Jamie Pearson, North Carolina State University
Sarah Powell, University of Texas, Austin
Paige Pullen, University of Florida
Mandy Rispoli, University of Virginia
Karrie Shogren, Kansas University
Brandi Simonsen, University of Connecticut
Patricia Snyder, University of Florida
Emily Solari, University of Virginia
Elizabeth Talbott, William & Mary University
Melody Tankersley, Kent State University
Jessica Toste, University of Texas, Austin
Jeanne Wanzek, Vanderbilt University
Margaret Weiss, George Mason University
As I hope readers realize, this list is alphabetical by last name. The order doesn’t mean anything more than that. The person listed 17th on this list should not be seen as any more or less worthy than someone listed in another spot on the list. Please also do not assign any specific evaluation or merit to the fact that someone appears on this year’s rather than last year’s list. Last year’s list was weighted toward historical figures, though it was not composed of only people who have passed away.
As a matter of faith, allow me to say that I think there are many other women who are doing lots (and lots) of good things and deserve to be among those I’ve named in this or the previous year’s list. I recognize that my lists are tilted toward US professor; there are surely fine contributors in other areas of the discipline and in other parts of the world. Please feel welcome to add names of highly accomplished speducators in the comments.
For now, though, please join me in celebrating the contributions of special educators. These women have made and are continuing to do work that improves special education. Please join me in saying, “Thank you!”
Honored to be included in such an august group!