Amanda S. Hilsmier

Amanda S. Hilsmier is a Professor in the Teacher Education Department at the Orlean Beeson School of Education, Samford University. She has been at Samford since 2004, previously working as a school psychometrist and learning specialist in Mississippi. Her expertise spans special education assessment, child development, and managing behavioral challenges in adolescents.

Education:

• PhD in Emotional Behavior Disabilities/High Incidence Disabilities, Vanderbilt University
• MSE in Mild/Moderate Special Education/School Psychometry, Mississippi College
• BA in Specific Learning Disabilities, Mercer University

Her research focuses on supporting students with disabilities through function-based interventions, particularly in secondary classrooms. She leads programs like Pathway to Graduation (summer reading for at-risk students) and collaborates with local schools on the Turning Points initiative. Dr. Hilsmier emphasizes training teachers to apply evidence-based strategies for behavior management and functional assessment.

She has presented nationally on topics like IEP writing and function-based thinking. Her work bridges theory and practice, addressing systemic barriers faced by students with autism and behavioral challenges.