Jennifer Freeman

Dr. Jennifer Freeman is a Professor in the Department of Educational Psychology at the University of Connecticut and a partner with the National Center on Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS). She leads the national crisis preparation response and recovery workgroup within the Center, providing expertise in post-incident support and prevention strategies for schools affected by violence.

Her educational background includes a Ph.D. from the University of Connecticut, an M.A. from Grand Valley State University, and a B.A. from Calvin College. Prior to her academic career, she served 10 years as a special education teacher across K-8 settings and as a district-level consultant for PBIS and Response to Intervention implementation.

Dr. Freeman's research centers on multi-tiered systems of support for high-risk student populations, particularly examining PBIS effects on high school graduation rates for students with disabilities. She investigates evidence-based classroom management strategies and teacher professional development models, with significant focus on crisis response frameworks and behavioral interventions in secondary settings. Her work bridges research and practice through sustained school partnerships.

Recent publications (2023-2025) reveal concentrated exploration of college and career readiness frameworks for students with emotional/behavioral disorders, elimination of seclusion practices, and equity-focused school climate policies. She consistently addresses systemic barriers through DisCrit-informed analysis while developing practical tools for educators.

As an active educator, Dr. Freeman teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in special education, mentoring future practitioners through her dual expertise in classroom application and research methodology. Her national leadership in PBIS implementation and crisis recovery continues to shape evidence-based practices across diverse educational contexts.