Kelly Acosta

Kelly Acosta is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Special Education at Rhode Island College. Her work focuses on teacher education, special education law/policy, learning disabilities, and addressing educator shortages. She holds a PhD from the University of Florida (2022), an M.Ed. from the University of North Carolina-Greensboro (2002), and a B.A. from Northeastern University (2001).

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

Her research investigates special education teacher shortages, policy solutions for rural staffing challenges, and evidence-based interventions for students with learning disabilities. Recent work includes analyses of state-level policies affecting special education workforces and collaborations to strengthen teacher retention strategies. She contributed to the CEEDAR Center’s 2021 policy brief on educator workforce investment.

Acosta has published widely in journals like Journal of Learning Disabilities Research and Practice and Teacher Education and Special Education, focusing on systemic solutions for equitable special education provision. Her writing often bridges academic research with practical implications for school leaders and policymakers.