Karena Cooper-Duffy

Dr. Karena Cooper-Duffy is a Full Professor in Special Education and Coordinator of the graduate Special Education program at Western Carolina University's School of Teaching and Learning, within the College of Education and Allied Professions. She has 27 years of experience preparing special education teachers for students with significant intellectual disabilities, multiple disabilities, and autism. Her work emphasizes interprofessional collaboration and family engagement.

Education:

• PhD in Special Education (Severe Disabilities), Lehigh University
• MAED in Special Education (Severe Disabilities), Lehigh University
• BS in Biology with a minor in Foreign Language, Allentown Business College

Research focuses on evidence-based strategies for students with significant intellectual disabilities, including functional/academic/community skills, teacher preparation in literacy, and collaboration with families and professionals. Current projects include developing a teacher rating instrument for educators of students with extensive support needs.

Global collaborations include working with institutions in Jamaica, London, and Botswana to support students with severe disabilities. Teaching interests extend to online instruction methodologies in higher education.