Audra Classen

Audra Classen is an Associate Professor at the University of Southern Mississippi in the School of Child and Family Sciences. Her expertise focuses on inclusive education practices, early childhood special education, and Universal Design for Learning (UDL), with a particular emphasis on supporting young children’s academic and behavioral development.

• PhD in Early Childhood Education (University of Kansas, 2014)
• MS in Literacy and Learning Disabilities (University of Kansas, 2001)
• BA in Early Childhood Education (MidAmerica Nazarene University, 1995)

Her research integrates UDL frameworks and differentiation strategies to address the needs of diverse learners, including military families and children with disabilities. Recent publications analyze classroom auditory distraction reduction, literacy instruction for children with severe impairments, and social-emotional competence monitoring.

Key research trends highlight UDL implementation, self-determination skills, and professional development systems for educators. Her work bridges early childhood special education with practical tools for inclusive environments.

• Council for Exceptional Children
• Division for Early Childhood
• Teacher Education Division
• Missippi Council for Exceptional Children
• Missippi Literacy Association