Kelly A. Acosta

Kelly A. Acosta is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Special Education at Rhode Island College. She holds a Ph.D. (2022) and M.Ed. (2002) in Special Education from the University of Florida and University of North Carolina–Greensboro, respectively, and a B.A. in English and Secondary Education from Northeastern University (2001).

• Ph.D., Special Education, University of Florida (2022)
• M.Ed., Special Education, University of North Carolina–Greensboro (2002)
• B.A., English and Secondary Education, Northeastern University (2001)

Her research focuses on teacher education, special education policy, and addressing teacher shortages, particularly in rural settings. She explores interventions for students with learning disabilities and post-secondary transition strategies, contributing to inclusive education frameworks.

Publications span special education policy, teacher recruitment challenges, and assessment methodologies, with notable works on systemic solutions to staffing shortages and data-driven instructional practices. She has authored book chapters and policy briefs on leveraging multiple sources of information for student profiling.

Acosta's work emphasizes bridging educational theory with practical policy solutions, though no specific scientific awards or student advisement details are documented in the provided texts.