University of Connecticut
Special Education at UCONN
Ph.D. students in Special Education engage in a highly individualized program of study that includes coursework and applied competencies in four broad areas:
- Knowledge and Content
- Research and Scholarship
- University Teaching and Professional Development
- Service
Postsecondary Transition
Ph.D. students focusing on Postsecondary Transition engage in research and practice related to effectively supporting students with disabilities in their transition to, and success in, post-secondary life. Coursework and research experiences emphasize collaboration between secondary schools and postsecondary institutions and between Offices for Students with Disabilities and other campus services. The program also emphasizes person- centered planning, self-determination, the legal aspects of postsecondary services and secondary transition, and assistive technology.
University of Connecticut Faculty
Joseph Madaus, PhD
Tracy E. Sinclair, PhD, BCBA-D
Tracy E. Sinclair, PhD, BCBA-D
Dr. Joseph Madaus is a professor in the Department of
Educational Psychology in the Neag School of Education and past president of DCDT, and he
will serve as the lead for UConn. Dr. Madaus received the Teaching Promise and Teaching
Innovation award from the UConn chapter of the American Association of University Professors and is a Universi
Dr. Joseph Madaus is a professor in the Department of
Educational Psychology in the Neag School of Education and past president of DCDT, and he
will serve as the lead for UConn. Dr. Madaus received the Teaching Promise and Teaching
Innovation award from the UConn chapter of the American Association of University Professors and is a University Teaching Fellow, the highest teaching honor. He was the 2018 recipient of DCDT’s Oliver P. Kolstoe Award for significant lifetime contributions to the field of transition
and was the 2019 Distinguished Scholar recipient from the Neag School. He is the PI or Co-PI
on grants through the Office for Postsecondary Education, OSEP, the Jacob K. Javits Gifted and Talented Students Education Program, IES, and the Connecticut State Department of Education.
Tracy E. Sinclair, PhD, BCBA-D
Tracy E. Sinclair, PhD, BCBA-D
Tracy E. Sinclair, PhD, BCBA-D
Dr. Tracy Sinclair is faculty in the Department of
Educational Psychology and the Director of the Teacher Certification Program for College Graduates (TCPCG) in the Neag School of Education. Dr. Sinclair is also a Research Scientist with the Center for Behavioral Education and Research with expertise in transition and CRSP. She is a
Board-C
Dr. Tracy Sinclair is faculty in the Department of
Educational Psychology and the Director of the Teacher Certification Program for College Graduates (TCPCG) in the Neag School of Education. Dr. Sinclair is also a Research Scientist with the Center for Behavioral Education and Research with expertise in transition and CRSP. She is a
Board-Certified Behavior Analyst-Doctoral Level with over 12 years of classroom teaching experience in general education elementary, high school special education self-contained, and high school inclusive co-taught settings. She is currently President of DCDT; is an active member of the Diversity Committee for the Division on Developmental Disabilities and Autism;
and is the current Connecticut CEC President. On a personal note, Dr. Sinclair is a first-generation college graduate.
University of Connecticut ELEVATE Scholars
Larry Miller
Courtney Schaefer
Natalie Scheidt
Hi, I'm Larry Miller. I'm an ELEVATE Transition OSEP scholar from the University of Connecticut. My research interests include disability in postsecondary education. I'm specifically interested in mental health and identity as a function of self-determination. I'm excited to train future special educators in best practices around transition planning and implementation.
Natalie Scheidt
Courtney Schaefer
Natalie Scheidt
Hi, my name is Natalie Scheidt. I’m an ELEVATE Transition OSEP scholar from the University of Connecticut (UCONN). Currently I am interested in self-determination, dignity of risk, and how teacher mindsets impact outcomes for students with disabilities.
Courtney Schaefer
Courtney Schaefer
Courtney Schaefer
Hello, my name is Courtney Schaefer. I am an ELEVATE Transition OSEP scholar from the University of Connecticut. Currently, I am exploring transition services for individuals with emotional and behavioral disorders (EBD), as they move across K-12 education and into post-secondary environments, including employment, higher education, and i
Hello, my name is Courtney Schaefer. I am an ELEVATE Transition OSEP scholar from the University of Connecticut. Currently, I am exploring transition services for individuals with emotional and behavioral disorders (EBD), as they move across K-12 education and into post-secondary environments, including employment, higher education, and independent living. As a behavior analyst, I am particularly interested in the role of self-management interventions in promoting successful transition outcomes, including increased independence, engagement, and long-term stability. My research aims to examine how evidence-based, individualized transition planning can be implemented effectively to support youth with EBD and improve post-school outcomes.