Women leaders in special education—redux

Here's another list of super contributors.

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!”