Course Credits and References

 
 
 

Dana Sparkman

Course Author After 19 years as a professor and instructional designer, Dana Sparkman now works as an educational specialist for the Mayo Clinic and a freelance writer. She has a master’s degree in special education from Syracuse University and a PhD in elementary education from the University of Alabama, with academic concentrations in special education, K-6 mathematics, and educational research. 
 

Dr. Deirdre Mithaug

Course Instructor
Dr. Deirdre Mithaug (BA, MA, M.PHL, Ph.D.) is a leading educator in the fields of psychology, cognition, sociology, special education, disabilities, and teacher education. She has also worked professionally, consulted, and taught at the college level in the areas of psychology, special education, education policy, and teacher education. She holds a B.A. in psychology and two Master’s degrees and a Ph.D. in behavioral disorders and special education from Teachers College, Columbia University.  Dr. Mithaug has also worked as a special education teacher in both NYC public and private schools and as an Associate Professor at St. John's University. She has written and edited several articles on teacher education, social psychology, special education, and distance learning and conducted extensive research on children and adults with behavioral, physical and mental disabilities.