Karen Colucci

Dr. Karen Colucci serves as an Instructor in the Department of Exceptional Student Education within the College of Education at the University of South Florida, where she coordinates the Master of Arts Program in Exceptional Student Education and co-coordinates the Professional Practice Partner Program for master teachers mentoring undergraduate and MAT students.

Her educational background includes:

• B.S. and M.S. in Special Education from Florida State University
• Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction/Special Education from the University of South Florida

Dr. Colucci's research centers on transformative teacher education, emphasizing case-based instructional methods, technology-enhanced learning environments, and collaborative mentor development. Her work bridges theoretical frameworks with practical classroom applications, particularly for educators supporting students with exceptionalities. Through strategic partnerships between university programs and K-12 institutions, she develops innovative models for professional growth and instructional leadership.

Her 2019 publication analyzing innovative teacher education programs exemplifies her focus on systemic reform in educator preparation, highlighting how structured mentorship and case-based approaches can reshape teacher development paradigms.

With extensive prior experience teaching elementary and middle school students with emotional/behavioral disorders and learning disabilities, Dr. Colucci integrates frontline classroom insights into her academic leadership. Her coordination of the Professional Practice Partner Program demonstrates active engagement in cultivating the next generation of special educators through supervised field experiences and collaborative mentoring structures.