Stephanie Gardner

Dr. Stephanie Gardner serves as Associate Professor in the Department of Early Childhood Education and Exceptionality Programs at Commonwealth University. She coordinates the Social, Emotional, and Behavioral Wellness for PK12 Students PDE Endorsement program and provides suicide prevention training as a certified QPR Institute instructor through the McDowell Institute. Her teaching focuses on positive behavior supports and supervision of dual-certification (Special Education PK-12/Early Childhood Education PK-4) and standalone Special Education PK12 student teachers.

Her educational background includes:

• Ph.D. in Special Education — Penn State University
• M.Ed. in Elementary Education — Bloomsburg University
• B.S. in Special Education — Penn State University

Dr. Gardner's research centers on evidence-based practices for autism spectrum disorder, socio-sexuality education for intellectual disabilities, and trauma-informed teacher preparation. She investigates multimedia technology applications to enhance classroom management and self-reflection skills, bridging special education theory with PK-12 classroom implementation. Her work emphasizes practical strategies for behavioral interventions and inclusive education.

Her publication trajectory reveals increasing focus on trauma-informed education since 2020, evolving from technology integration (TPACK framework) to comprehensive trauma supports in teacher preparation. Recent works emphasize community-based professional development, international teaching applications, and behavioral reflection techniques using video technology.

Award recognitions include:

• McDowell Institute Faculty Fellowships
• Provost’s Award for Excellence in Research/Scholarly Activity
• PAC-TE Teacher Educator of the Year (2021)

Dr. Gardner actively mentors pre-service teachers through student teaching supervision and coordinates the PK12 wellness endorsement program. Her leadership extends to the Pennsylvania Association of Colleges and Teacher Educators (PAC-TE), where she served two consecutive terms as At-Large Board Member and contributed to the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s Committee on Education Talent Recruitment addressing teacher shortages.

She collaborates with the McDowell Institute on suicide prevention initiatives and participates in state-level committees developing Career & Technical Education pathways for future educators.