Claudia Dunn

Dr. Claudia Dunn serves as a Visiting Professor at San Diego State University with dual appointments in the Department of Dual Language and English Education and the Department of Special Education. A leading researcher in social-emotional learning and educational equity, she champions culturally responsive strategies to empower immigrant parents of children with disabilities and foster resilient, inclusive learning environments for vulnerable student populations.

Her educational background includes:

• Ph.D. in Educational Psychology from Texas A&M University
• M.Ed. in Educational Psychology from Baylor University
• J.D. (Juris Doctor, Magna Cum Laude) from Universidad La Concordia, Aguascalientes, México

Dr. Dunn's research centers on Social Emotional Learning (SEL), educational equity, and special education for culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) communities. She investigates barriers faced by immigrant parents in special education processes and develops interventions to enhance mental health and academic success through culturally responsive teaching. Her work bridges bilingual education, disability studies, and family advocacy to address systemic inequities.

Recent publications (2022-2024) reveal a consistent focus on equity-driven special education research. Key contributions include examining cultural navigators in early childhood settings, DisCrit-informed transition planning, telepractice efficacy for autism and intellectual disabilities, and bilingualism in ASD. These studies collectively advance methodologies for inclusive education across diverse contexts.

Notable awards recognizing her excellence include:

• 2023 Outstanding Faculty Award, Department of Dual Language and English Education, SDSU
• 2022 Inclusive Excellence Fellowship, San Diego State University
• 2021 College of Education and Human Development Distinguished Honor Graduate, Texas A&M University
• 2020 Best Poster Presentation Award, Developmental Disabilities Conference

Dr. Dunn actively mentors graduate students in special education and bilingual education, with research supported by competitive awards such as the College of Education and Human Development Strategic Research Award (2020-2021) and the Inclusive Excellence Fellowship (2022). Her collaborative projects emphasize community engagement and practical applications for educators serving diverse learners.