Faculty

Dr. Kimberley Davis, Associate Professor

"In order to have a greater impact on the students in schools, I pursued a career in higher education in an ongoing journey to prepare teachers to meet the needs of ALL students in the classroom."

Degrees Held:

M.Ed. in Educational Leadership – Southern Arkansas University, 2013
Ph.D. in Special Education – Southern University and A&M College, 2009
Master of Special Education – Southern University and A&M College, 2001
B.S. – Southern University and A&M College, 2000

Career Highlights:

Dr. Davis is certified in the states of Arkansas, Louisiana and Mississippi as an educational diagnostician, special education teacher (K-12), reading teacher, child search coordinator and supervisor of student teaching. She has 18 years of experience in the field of special education as a special education teacher (self-contained, resource, inclusion), educational diagnostician, special education coordinator, special education director, instructor and consultant. Her research interests include positive behavior support and interventions, response to intervention, reading strategies for struggling students, and improving social competence for students with exceptional learning and behavior needs. She is an active member of the Council for Exceptional Children and the current publication chair for the Division for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Exceptional Learners (DDEL) of the Council for Exceptional Children. She is also currently working with a team to implement tier three training modules on positive behavior interventions and support for the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) in the state of Arkansas.

Which online degree program(s) do you teach?

MSE in SPED – Instructional Specialist K-12

Which classes do you teach online?
SPED Academy: Foundations of Teaching Students with Exceptional Needs; Positive Behavior Interventions and Support
What do you want students to learn in your classes?
My philosophy of special education is, "If you don't know me, how can you teach me?" This philosophy is based on the premise that you must make an effort to know the academic, behavioral and social-emotional needs of students prior to providing effective instruction. It is my goal that all exceptional educators become "agents of change" for all students in their schools and community.
What advice would you give to those considering the online education degree programs?
This is your opportunity to fulfill your goals of becoming an exceptional educator. The MAT and MSE programs in special education are taught by highly versed professionals in special education who focus on linking theory to practice.
Why did you start teaching?
It has always been my desire to teach, but I decided to become a special educator when faced with the challenge of meeting the needs of students with exceptional learning and behavior needs. In order to have a greater impact on the students in schools, I pursued a career in higher education in an ongoing journey to prepare teachers to meet the needs of ALL students in the classroom.
What is the one book you think everyone should read?
“Other People's Children: Cultural Conflict in the Classroom” by Lisa Delpit

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Faculty

Dr. Kimberley Davis, Associate Professor

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