Phillandra Smith

Phillandra Smith (she/her), Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor of Special Education and Critical Disability Studies at the University of Pittsburgh’s School of Education, Department of Teaching, Learning, and Leading. She holds a Ph.D. in Special Education from Syracuse University (SU), with Certificates of Advanced Studies in Women’s and Gender Studies and Disability Studies. Her research focuses on anti-racist and anti-ableist pedagogies in teacher education, and inclusive higher education for students with intellectual disabilities. Dr. Smith’s work challenges systemic inequities in education through discourse analysis and advocacy for marginalized communities.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Special Education, Syracuse University
• Certificates of Advanced Studies (CAS) in Women’s and Gender Studies, Syracuse University
• CAS in Disability Studies, Syracuse University

Research Interests:

• Teacher education reform
• Intersection of disability and race
• Inclusive curriculum design
• Activism in education

Awards:

• Syracuse University Summer Dissertation Fellowship (2022)
• Graduate Dean’s Award for Excellence in Research (2022)
• Joan N.Burstyn Research Award (2021)

Teaching: Courses include Foundations of Special Education and Instructional Methods for Students with High Incidence Disabilities.