SPIDERS Scholar Feature: Andrea Smith
July 23, 2024
Andrea Smith is a SPIDERS scholar in the educational leadership doctoral program at 九色视频. Project SPIDERS stands for School-University Partnerships Influencing aDvocacy and Engaging Rural Special educators. This scholarship program for doctoral students is a partnership between the University of Oklahoma, University of Louisville and the 九色视频. Project SPIDERS prepares special education personnel who are well-qualified for, and can act effectively in, leadership positions in high need rural school systems.
Andrea earned her B.A. in special education and english and her M.Ed. in special education at the University of Florida. She is the instructional coach at Baker County High School where she also leads the Teacher Cadet program for students interested in careers in the field of education. She has taught elementary, middle school and high school, and has served as the principal of a school for students with learning disabilities. Some of her educational interests and passions include MTSS, beginning reading, literacy, teacher preparation, special education and instructional coaching.
What inspired you to pursue a doctoral degree in Educational Leadership through Project SPIDERS? I have a deep passion for preparing teachers to make a significant impact on student’s lives. Pursuing a doctoral degree offered an excellent opportunity to deepen my skills and knowledge in this area. Project SPIDERS, with its focus on educational leadership and innovative approaches, aligned perfectly with my goals, providing a unique and effective pathway to enhance my expertise and ability to support educators.
Describe the focus of your current research within the Project SPIDERS program? My current research focuses on several key areas: Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), literacy instruction and teacher preparation. Within the Project SPIDERS program, I am particularly concentrating on elementary reading instruction and intervention. Additionally, I am exploring the unique challenges faced by special education in rural schools and developing strategies to overcome these obstacles.
What are some of the challenges you have encountered or anticipate encountering in your research or work within the realm of rural special education? How did or do you plan to address them? A significant challenge in rural special education is providing high-quality MTSS with limited resources, especially when many students require support. MTSS serves as a framework for educators to provide academic and behavioral strategies for students with diverse needs.To address this, our school district is prioritizing Tier 1 instruction, which involves the core teaching provided to all students. As an instructional coach, I have the privilege of supporting teachers in refining their instructional strategies to enhance student learning, ensuring that every student receives the best possible education.
How has your work through Project SPIDERS influenced your career aspirations or goals in advocating and engaging with rural special educators? Through my work with Project SPIDERS, I have developed a more collaborative approach to advocacy. I have learned how to effectively communicate with legislators, highlighting how specific language in bills can impact rural students with disabilities, their teachers and the broader educational community. This experience has significantly shaped my career aspirations, reinforcing my commitment to supporting and advocating for rural special educators and their students.