Kera Ackerman

Dr. Kera Ackerman is an Assistant Professor of Special Education at the University of Kentucky's College of Education. Her research develops evidence-based approaches for preparing special educators, with emphasis on practice-based coaching, high-leverage teaching practices, and instructional strategies for diverse learners.

Ackerman directs the UK SimLab, creating simulated teaching environments for pre-service educators across Kentucky. Her work focuses particularly on addressing educational disparities in rural communities through innovative teacher preparation models.

Research priorities include:

• Co-teaching effectiveness in resource settings
• Peer-mediated interventions
• Evidence-based literacy instruction
• Professional development frameworks

Publications demonstrate applied research on:

• Vocabulary acquisition for students with disabilities
• Digital reading interventions
• Active engagement strategies
• Behavior management techniques

Leadership roles include:

• President of Kentucky Council for Exceptional Children Teacher Education Division
• State co-lead for Kentucky Excellence in Educator Preparation
• Principal Investigator for IHE Special Education Consortium

These initiatives strengthen connections between educator preparation programs, state education departments, and regional technical assistance centers.