Elizabeth M. Altieri                            Back to Dr. Altieri's homepage    

715 Oak Lane

Radford, VA 24141

(540) 633-1089

 

OBJECTIVES

To play a valued role in the development and expansion of a unified teacher education program. 

To become involved in collaborative practice and inquiry with the public schools in the pre-service preparation and professional development of elementary and special educators who can work with children with a wide range of abilities and needs.

 

EDUCATION

Ph.D.                                                                                                                   December 2001

Virginia Polytechnical Institute and State University                                                         Blacksburg, Va

 

Major:               Curriculum and Instruction: Elementary Education

Emphases:        Foundations of Education, Literacy, Qualitative Research

 

Activities:          Three questions drove my doctoral study: (1) How do school-based and cultural ways of constructing disability and ability influence teachers’ beliefs about learning, curriculum, educational settings, and teaching? (2) What do schools and school personnel need to do to enable children of differing abilities to be included and challenged in the classroom, and to become valued members of our school communities?, (3) What do teacher educators need to do differently in the preparation of teachers to facilitate that goal? I used a combination of course work, field studies, independent studies, seminars, writing activities, and research apprenticeship to build a broad base of understanding of the issues in the field of education today related to these three questions. I participated in several activities in which faculty and doctoral students functioned collaboratively as a community of learners.  One of these activities was a seminar, which I initiated with the help of others, on socio-cultural and social constructivist theories of learning, and the implications of these theories for our work as teachers and teacher educators. I also was involved for two years as collaborator in a research group that explored how teachers socially construct their understanding of teaching and what it means to be a teacher.

 

My qualitative dissertation, Negotiating Difference: Narratives Of Experience In Inclusive Education, was a narrative inquiry which began to sort out the complex question: “How do general educators who have children with disabilities fully included in their classrooms and who are committed to the principles of inclusive education come to feel comfortable and capable in this role, and what are the new understandings they have about themselves as teachers?”

 

Received graduate assistantship and full tuition scholarship for the three years of my doctoral work.

Inducted into Phi Delta Kappa. Nominated for university graduate teaching award. Participated in college-wide planning process for new 5-year early childhood teacher preparation program. Served as guest lecturer for a number of graduate and undergraduate classes and student teaching seminars.

 

Doctoral Study                                                                              1983-1984

Syracuse University                                                                                            Syracuse, NY

 

Major:               Mental Retardation

Emphases:        Cognitive Development, Non-traditional Assessment, Special Education

 

Activities:          My year of full-time study at Syracuse was a combination of course work, research, and field study, and was completed while working part-time and as an expectant mother with a two year old.

 

M. S.                                                                                                         1977

George Peabody College for Teachers                                                                 Nashville, TN

 

Major:               Special Education

Emphases:        Children with Multiple Handicaps, Educational Diagnostics

Activities:  My three semesters at Peabody were a combination of course work and fieldwork in classroom and clinical settings. Recipient of federally funded fellowship from the Bureau of the Education of the Handicapped.

 

B. A.                                                                                                     1975

Florida Atlantic University                                                                                  Boca   Raton,  FL

 

Major:               Exceptional Child Education

Minor:               Psychology

 

Activities:          Member, Student Government Association; Student Member, University Academic Conduct Committee; Inducted into Phi Kappa Phi.

 

 

 

EXPERIENCE

Assistant Professor of Education                                                          Fall 2002- present

Special Education Department, Radford University                                                 Radford, Va

 

Engage in a variety of teaching and supervision activities with undergraduate and graduate students in special education in mental retardation and early childhood special education, and undergraduate and graduate students in secondary education and curriculum instruction. In my first semester, I am being mentored and gradually assuming responsibility for the coordination of our undergraduate program.

Working with CREATE, a campus-wide group brainstorming and piloting creative applications of technology in education.

 

Assistant Professor of Education                                                                   1997-2002

Neff Center for Teacher Education, Emory & Henry College                                      Emory, Va

 

Engaged in a variety of teaching and supervision activities with secondary student teachers and elementary and middle school practicum students. Coordinated the early field experience placements for 110 students each semester, as well as designed and conducted 3 orientation sessions, 6 interactive seminars, and final interviews with all students in groups of 2-4. Coordinated all departmental efforts to support students in passing Praxis I including tutoring sessions and working with Learning Plus. Taught introductory class on Exceptional Learners each semester, and conducted long-term teacher research project to evaluate effectiveness of learning opportunities provided for students. Advisor for 25-35 students each year. Provided leadership and hands-on support to state education grant written and funded in collaboration with Washington County Schools: The focus of this grant was to build a mutual professional development model with prospective and practicing elementary education teachers and special educators. We learned with and from each other how to better support learners with identified special needs and other struggling learners in the elementary classroom. Designed and taught two new courses for this model (offered for grad. & undergr. credit): Assessment and Collaboration in Inclusive Education, and Curriculum Design and Instructional Strategies for Inclusive Education. Received Dean’s Outstanding Faculty Award for Teaching Excellence in 2000.

 

Instructor                                                                                               1996-1997

Virginia Tech., Division of Teaching and Learning                                                 Blacksburg, Va

 

Redesigned EDCI/FCD 3144 Educating Exceptional Learners during Summer 1996 in collaboration with Dr. Bonnie Billingsley, Associate Professor, Special Education Foundations. Assumed full responsibility for all teaching, grading, and evaluation activities for one section each semester (class sizes were 45 and 90). Students were from every area of teacher certification from elementary to agricultural ed. Course focused on helping students come to know the constructs of ability and disability in new ways, and used a social constructivist approach to learning and teaching. Student work focused on understanding and reflecting on images of disability in school and society that shape our assumptions about the needs, characteristics, and capacities of exceptional learners. Conducted teacher research project to evaluate effectiveness of learning opportunities provided for students.

 

 

Graduate Intern Supervisor                                                                  1994-1996

Virginia Tech., Division of Teaching and Learning                                                 Blacksburg, Va

 

Engaged in a range of weekly support, supervision, and evaluation activities for each of the 10-12 graduate interns in elementary education (K-8) assigned to me each semester. Served as liaison between Virginia Tech and the teachers and principals in the elementary and middle schools used as placements for these student teachers. Worked in eight different schools during my two years as supervisor, and gained valuable experience with a wide range of teaching and administrative philosophies and practice.  Assisted model director with weekly/bi-weekly seminars and teacher-as-researcher class sessions. Students submitted portfolios as their masters project and I was a member of the team evaluating those portfolios.

 

Executive Director                                                                              1992-1994

DiscoveryWorks.....A Children’s Museum                                                                Radford, Va

 

Guided organization through the transition from all-volunteer enrichment council to professionally staffed children’s museum. Engaged in strategic planning with Board and community. Worked with small paid staff and volunteers to maintain and enhance programs: classes and exhibits, performing arts in the schools, and special events in the community. Developed organizational structure and human and fiscal resources to maintain and expand operations. Grant writing and public speaking to gain support for the vision of a regional children=s museum offering unique, interactive educational experiences that emphasized the interrelationship of the arts, sciences, and humanities. Created office procedures and maximized building use. Developed a number of collaborative relationships with Radford University programs such as the Art Dept., Service Learning, and the V-Quest Project. Oversaw the planning of a unique book reading and book signing fundraiser called “Books, Dreams, and Literary Themes,” which drew on the resources of gifted regional authors.

 

Adjunct Faculty, Graduate Faculty status                               Summer 1992-Spring 1994

Radford University                                                                                                Radford, Va

 

Taught two courses in special education: EDSP 464, a class in methods for working with children with mental retardation and EDSP 461, Introduction to Exceptional Learners. (Also offered for graduate credit.) Restructured course formats to include information on current best practices, as well as an experiential component for students, which required personal interaction with children with disabilities, and interviews and observations in service settings.  Class sizes ranged from 20-30, and included both undergraduate and graduate students in general and special education.

 

Coordinator, New River Valley Early Intervention Council                Fall 1990-Fall 1991

New River Valley Community Services Board                                                          Radford, Va

 

Facilitated effective functioning of local interagency collaboration council of professionals and administrators in mental health, social services, medical services, education, and related fields, and family members. Supervised implementation of third year plan and developed fourth year plan to design and implement a comprehensive, collaborative, family-centered system of early intervention services and supports for high-risk/disabled infants and toddlers in the New River Valley. Participated in committee work for state level interagency council.

 

Director of Rehabilitation Services                                                            1986-1990

Enable (A Community Resource for People with Disabilities)                                   Syracuse, NY

 

Operations management and human resource supervision of nine program areas with total of 75 staff. Developed and monitored $1,000,000+ in program budgets. Integral player in the growth and transformation of agency mission and services. Job included program design and development, quality assurance, personal and systems advocacy, community and statewide services planning, training for staff and Board of Directors. Produced numerous written materials including agency brochure drafts, annual reports, funding proposals, state testimony, annual plans, conference handouts and training materials, policies and procedures, correspondence, and fundraising requests. Received Outstanding Employee of the Year award in 1987.

 

Acting Executive Director                                                                         Summer 1989

Enable (A Community Resource for People with Disabilities)                                   Syracuse, NY

 

Appointed by Executive Director and Board of Directors to manage agency and coordinate efforts of middle management team during Executive Director=s medical leave.
 

Training Specialist Consultant                                                                     1986/1987

Bureau of Staff Development, NYS Office of Mental Retardation                            Albany, NY

 

Developed and conducted day-long training sessions on assessment and functional curriculum/ training strategies for children and adults with severe disabilities. These training sessions served to provide continuing education and professional development for state employees across upstate NY.

 

Program Director (1st six months as Program Development Consultant)      1984-1986

McBride Center, United Cerebral Palsy of Syracuse (now Enable)                           Syracuse, NY

 

Developed and managed a community-based Medicaid funded day program serving 45-60 adults with severe disabilities. Handled all hiring, supervision, and training to maintain 20 staff positions.  Created policies, procedures, and record-keeping systems to obtain and maintain regulatory compliance. Developed training materials for staff, and community-referenced assessment and curriculum materials used with program participants. Generated $350,000+ budget and managed spending plan. Provided family education and support. Training emphasis on independent living skills learned in real community settings.

 

Clinical Consultant                                                             Fall 1983-Spring 1984

Jowonio School                                                                                                   Syracuse, NY

 

Functioned as support team member for model early childhood educational program integrating typical and autistic children. Provided consultation around learning, developmental, and behavioral issues, and in-service training for teachers and graduate students. Coordinated follow-up study of program graduates and their families.

 

Caseplanner for Children with Severe Disabilities                                         1980-1983

Direction Service, Center on Human Policy, Syracuse University                              Syracuse, NY

 

Provided intake, assistance, and follow-along to families with severely disabled children. Engaged in consultation and training with agencies and schools.  Emphasis was on the development of appropriate assessment strategies, and individualized educational plans and supports. Assisted new parent groups to develop, and supported established organizations.

 

Instructor                                                                                                         1981-1983

Extended Campus Program, School of Education, Syracuse University                    Syracuse, NY

 

Developed and taught two courses: Curricular Strategies for Severely Disabled Children and Youth, and Problem-solving for Teachers/Trainers of Severely Handicapped Persons.  Class sizes ranged from 8-30, and included both undergraduate and graduate students in special education and vocational rehabilitation. Monitored concurrent student practicum in wide variety of community settings.

 

OLDER                      WORK HISTORY

 

Classroom teacher                                                                                               Summer 1980

Parkside School, Association for Retarded Children                                    Syracuse, NY

 

Classroom teacher                                                                                                  1979 -1980

Devillo-Sloan School, Board of Cooperative Educational Services             Syracuse, NY

 

Educational Diagnostician/Developmental Specialist/Clinical Teacher                  1977-1979

Model Vision Project, George Peabody College for Teachers                            Nashville, TN

 

Research Assistant                                                                                                          1977

Special Education Department, George Peabody College for Teachers                     Nashville, TN

 

Coordinator/Behavior Specialist                                                                                     1976

Preschool Handicapped Grant, Division of Retardation, State of Florida   Ft. Lauderdale, FL

 

Assistant teacher/Teacher/Team Leader                                                                 1973-1976

Excalibur School                                                                                             Ft. Lauderdale, FL

                                    

 

 

OTHER                      RELEVANT EXPERIENCES

 

Member                                                                                                                   2000-2002

Board of Directors, Appalachian Independence Center                                           Abingdon, VA

 

Host Family                                                                                                             1992-1996

International Students Program, Radford University                                                 Radford, VA

 

Conference Co-coordinator                                                                                               1994

1st Annual Southwestern Virginia V-Quest Conference                                                Radford, VA

on Science, Mathematics, and Technology, Radford University

 

Member                                                                                                                   1993/1994

Service Learning Program Advisory Board, Radford University                                Radford, VA

 

Member                                                                                                                   1992/1993

Gender Studies Advisory Board, Radford University                                         Radford, VA

 

Committee Member and Coordinator of Host Family Arrangements                               1991

Russian Children Performing Artist Visit, Council for Community Enrichment       Radford, VA

 

Vice-President and President                                                                                  1991-1993

McHarg Elementary School PTA                                                                              Radford, VA

 

Member and Co-chair (1986/1987)                                                                            1981-1990

Onondaga County Rehabilitation Cluster                                                         Syracuse, NY

Advisory Body to the Onondaga County Dept. Of Mental Health

 

Member                                                                                                                   1988/1989

Board of Directors, Central New York NOW                                                         Syracuse, NY

 

Community Speaker                                                                                                1987-1989

United Way Annual Fundraising Campaign                                                    Syracuse,  NY

 

Provider Agency Representative                                                                             1987/1988

NYS Advisory Council on Supported Work                                                                Albany, NY

 

Advisor                                                                                                                    1987-1990

Parents for Positive Futures                                                                                   Syracuse, NY

 

Conference Co-coordinator                                                                                             1986

1st Annual Onondaga County Rehabilitation                                                           Syracuse, NY

and Residential Services Conference

 

Expert Witness                                                                                        1981/1982/1983

Due Process Hearings on Behalf of Children with Autism                            Upstate New York

and Multiple Disabilities

 

Conference Coordinator                                                                                                  1981

Series of three regional conferences on Developing Services                        Syracuse, NY

for Children and Adults with Severe Disabilities

 

Member                                                                                                                   1980-1983

Board of Directors, Onondaga  Association for Retarded Citizens                Syracuse, NY

 

 

 

 

                            PUBLICATIONS    

Altieri, E.  (1998).  Using literacy activities to construct new understandings of disability. In T. Shanahan and F. Rodriguez-Brown (Eds.), Forty-seventh yearbook of the National Reading Conference. Chicago: National Reading Conference.

 

Winzer, M., Altieri, E., & Larsson, V.  (2000).  Portfolios as a tool for attitude change. Rural and Special Education, 19 (3/4), 72-81.

 

Altieri, E. (in press). Using images of disability as tools of inquiry with pre-service teacher preparation students. In L.S. Bustle (Ed.), The power of visual image: Engaging learners in critical and creative inquiry. New York: Peter Lang.

 

Altieri, E., Winzer, Jacobs, S., Mellor, E. & Winzer, M. (manuscript in preparation). Reforms in special education: A comparative study of Australia, Canada and the United States. International Journal of Inclusive Education.

 

               OTHER SCHOLARSHIP

Member, Editorial Review Board for the 48^th and 49^th Annual National Reading Conference Yearbooks

 

Segment Contributor demonstrating story dictation and other language experience strategies. In  R.E. Diss (1998). The ABC=s of Tutoring: Help for reading coordinators and tutors [Video recording] Charleston, WV: Appalachian Educational Laboratory.

 

                

NATIONAL            PRESENTATIONS

Annual Conference of the Teacher Education Division                                           Nov.  2001

of the Council for Exceptional Children

A Mutual Professional Development Model for Inclusive Education   St. petersburg, FL

Session Leader with Jennifer Ramseyer, Sharon Hall and Ryan Walker

[Middle school teacher, special educator, and former student, now elementary teacher]

 

Ethnography in Education Forum                                                                            March 2001

Enacting a theory of Connected Inquiry: A multi-media, multi-layered                  Philadelphia

representation

Co-Presenter with Lynn Bustle and Elaine O’Quinn

 

Annual Meeting of the American Educational Research Association                      April 2000

Engaging Learners in Creative and Critical inquiry through                                        New Orleans

visual image: A Symposium

Co-Presenter with Rosary Lalik, Lynn Bustle and Kim Oliver

 

Southeastern Women’s Study Conference                                                              April 2000

Women at Play in the Work of Academia: A Pastiche of Friendship                               Boone, NC

and Research

Co-Presenter with Lynn Bustle and Elaine O’Quinn

 

Ethnography in Education Forum                                                                            March 2000

The Complexities of Learning to Negotiate Difference:                                         Philadelphia

Creating a Non-Linear, Polyvocal Text to represent

Changing Practice in Inclusive Education   (My dissertation research)

 

Annual Meeting of the American Educational Research Association                      April 1999

Connective Inquiry: Building on the Interrelationships of our Lives                                Montreal

and Scholarship

Co-Presenter with Lynn Bustle

 

Annual Meeting of the American Educational Research Association                      April 1999

Learning to Negotiate Difference: Shared and Intersecting narratives                         Montreal

of Experience in Inclusive Education  (My dissertation research)

 

National Reading Conference                                                                                 Dec.  1997

Using Literacy activities to construct new understandings of                     Scottsdale, AZ

disability

 

Annual Conference of the Teacher Education Division                                           Nov.  1997

of the Council for Exceptional Children

Understanding Disability in New Ways: Making the Journey                                  Savannah, GA

through Portfolios