Rebecca Hines

Dr. Rebecca Hines is an Associate Professor in the Department of School of Teacher Education at the University of Central Florida’s College of Community Innovation and Education. Her work focuses on special education, inclusion, and the integration of technology into teaching. She leads doctoral-level teacher preparation grants, including projects on transition and inclusion, and co-created UCF’s Inclusive Education Services program and the College and Career Prep program with the Down Syndrome Foundation of Florida. Her current research includes Project RAISE (AI/robotics for autism communication) and DEBRIEFSCAPE (customized teacher training).

Dr. Hines has diverse teaching experience in both general and special education, including roles as a language arts teacher, a specialist in severe emotional disturbance settings, and a middle school co-teacher. Her research emphasizes inclusive practices, teacher collaboration, and behavior management. She frequently presents at national conferences and has authored numerous articles on topics like inclusion strategies, technology in education, and special education policy.

Her professional background includes developing programs for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities, advocating for inclusive education policies, and exploring innovative uses of technology to support learners. She has contributed to ERIC Digest publications on middle school inclusion and published studies on teacher preparation and assistive technology.