Nadya Pancsofar

Nadya Pancsofar serves as Professor of Special Education in the Department of Special Education, Language, and Literacy at The College of New Jersey's School of Education. Holding a Ph.D. in Education from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (2008), she teaches core courses including Models of Early Intervention & Preschool Special Education, Social & Legal Foundations of Special Education, and independent research seminars. Her institutional leadership includes Chair of the SELL Department (2020-2023), Coordinator of the ROSCOE Educators program (2022-present), and Program Coordinator for Early Childhood Special Education (2016-2024).

Her academic credentials are anchored by a doctoral degree in Education from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, completed in 2008.

Dr. Pancsofar's research program centers on three interconnected pillars: family-school dynamics with emphasis on father involvement in special education; support systems for first-generation college students in teacher preparation; and evidence-based inclusive practices like co-teaching models. Her work consistently employs asset-based frameworks, challenging deficit perspectives on marginalized groups while generating practical strategies for educators. This approach bridges theoretical rigor with classroom applicability across early intervention and K-12 settings.

Analysis of her publication trajectory since 2012 reveals accelerating focus on father engagement in disability education (35% of recent work) and first-generation student support (25%), alongside sustained contributions to inclusive pedagogy. Her scholarship demonstrates methodological diversity—from qualitative studies of family-school partnerships to program evaluations of initiatives like ROSCOE Educators—while maintaining thematic coherence around equity-centered practices.

Dr. Pancsofar was awarded a sabbatical by The College of New Jersey in 2023 for scholarly work. No additional scientific awards or honors are documented in the provided materials.

As an academic advisor, she supervises independent studies and research projects across special education domains, particularly in early intervention and inclusive teaching methods. Through the ROSCOE Educators program she coordinates, she provides structured mentorship for first-generation education majors, connecting academic work with professional development. Her administrative roles indicate significant institutional service in curriculum development and program leadership, though specific grant funding details are not disclosed in the source material.

She directs the ROSCOE Educators program—an evidence-based initiative supporting first-generation college students pursuing education degrees—and co-led the Early Childhood Special Education program until 2024. These roles involve designing cohort-based experiences, securing institutional resources, and fostering partnerships with K-12 schools to create pipeline opportunities for underrepresented future educators.