Maria B. Peterson-Ahmad, Ph.D.

Contact

mpeterson3@twu.edu
940-898-2271
Stoddard Hall 113

View CV

Biography

Maria Peterson-Ahmad, Ph.D. is the Associate Dean of Research and Innovation and an Associate Professor of Special Education at Texas Woman’s University. As the Associate Dean of Research and Innovation, she strives to advance research and grant productivity within the College of Professional Education and facilitate innovative ways that can enhance outcomes for the university and community. Her research concentration is in teacher preparation and effectiveness, particularly for general and special education teachers of students with mild/moderate disabilities. Dr. Peterson-Ahmad serves as a member of the Council for Learning Disabilities Board of Trustees, Council for Learning Disabilities Executive Committee, is a Co-Chair of the Council for Exceptional Children Advanced Standards Workgroup and has collaborated with the CEEDAR Center to develop professional development materials on high leverage practices.

Education

Ph.D., Special Education, Texas Woman's University, Denton, Texas
M.Ed., Special Education, Texas Woman's University, Denton, Texas
B.S., Elementary Education, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND

Expertise

Teacher Preparation; High Leverage Practices; Technology in Teaching; Mild/Moderate Disabilities

Latest Articles

Mentoring adult learners in navigating asynchronous coursework to ensure student success
Faculty Focus (2024)
April Hill, Maria Peterson-Ahmad

Elevating High Impact Teaching Through Continuous Improvement
Faculty Focus (2024)
Maria Peterson-Ahmad, Toni Franklin, Angelica Addo

Supporting pre-service teacher pedagogical development with Mursion and video analysis.
Journal of the American Academy of Special Education Professionals (JAASEP) (2024)
Randa Keeley, Maria Peterson-Ahmad

Using the Full Individual Evaluation (FIE) Process to Create Strong Family-School Partnerships
The Dialog (2024)
April Hill, Maria Peterson-Ahmad

Infusing High Leverage Practices into Culturally Responsive Teaching to Support Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Students with Disabilities
Journal of the American Academy of Special Education Professionals (JAASEP) (2023)
Toni Franklin, Maria Peterson-Ahmad

Using mixed-reality to support inclusive teaching strategies in general and special education preparation programs.
Social Sciences (2023)
Maria Peterson-Ahmad, Randa Keeley, A. Frazier

Adapting Read Naturally for students with low vision: Implications from a pilot study
Visual Impairment and Deafblind Education Quarterly (2023)
Beth Jones, Belinda Rudinger, Maria Peterson-Ahmad

Using mixed-reality to support inclusive teaching strategies in general and special education preparation programs
Social Sciences (2023)
Maria Peterson-Ahmad, Randa Keeley, Andrea Frazier

Using Simulation to Support Assessment Discussion with Parents in an Educational Diagnostician Preparation Program
The Dialog (2023)
Maria Peterson-Ahmad, Michelle Loveless, Johnnie Pettigrew

Measuring the Implementation of Inclusive Strategies in Secondary Classrooms Using an Observation Rubric
Journal of the American Academy of Special Education Professionals (JAASEP) (2023)
Randa Keeley, Rebecca Alvarado-Alacantar, Maria Peterson-Ahmad, Paul Yeatts

Promoting differentiated learning: How administrators can support educators
Texas Study of Secondary Education (2022)
Randa Keeley, Maria Peterson-Ahmad

Embedding simulated learning opportunities for teacher candidate pedagogical development throughout a pandemic
Texas Teacher Education FORUM (2022)
Maria Peterson-Ahmad, Amanda Hurlbut

Working smarter, not harder: Setting up an online course to save time!
Faculty Focus (2022)
Randa Keeley, Maria Peterson-Ahmad, Schuyler Beecher

They don't read my feedback: Strategies to encourage reception and application of course feedback
Faculty Focus (2022)
Maria Peterson-Ahmad, Randa Keeley, Marilyn Roberts

Fostering Inclusivity in the College Classroom: Looking Through a Universal Design for Learning Lens
Faculty Focus (2022)
Maria Peterson-Ahmad, Vicki Luther

5 ways to engage students in an online learning environment
Faculty Focus (2021)
Maria Peterson-Ahmad, Randa Keeley

Put yourself in their shoes: How to check in with students in an online learning environment
Faculty Focus (2020)
Randa Keeley, Maria Peterson-Ahmad

Learning to teach: How a simulated learning environment can connect theory to practice in general and special education educator preparation programs.
Education Sciences (2020)
Melanie Landon-Hays, Maria Peterson-Ahmad, Andrea Frazier

Training pre- service teachers to match assistive technology to student needs.
Journal of Special Education Technology (2020)
Beth Jones, Maria Peterson-Ahmad, Nichole Williams, Melanie Fields

Maximizing paraprofessionals in math instruction: Ideas for pre-service teachers
Teachers of Math Teachers (2019)
Rachel Harrington, Maria Peterson-Ahmad

Virtual learning environments: How they can assist in training pre-service teachers.
Kappa Delta Pi Record (2018)
Maria Peterson-Ahmad, Jane Pemberton

Enhancing pre-service special educator preparation through combined use of virtual simulation and instructional coaching.
Education Sciences (2018)
Maria Peterson-Ahmad

Mini conferencing: Facilitating parental involvement in the IEP process.
International Journal of Special Education (Online) (2018)
Beth Jones, Maria Peterson-Ahmad

Teaching pre-service teachers how to utilize Web 2.0 platforms to support the educational needs of students with disabilities in general education classrooms
Education Sciences (2018)
Maria Peterson-Ahmad, Jennifer Stepp, Kyla Somerville

Cultivating professionalism in teacher candidates: Suggestions for teacher preparation programs.
The Journal of Special Education Apprenticeship (2018)
Maria Peterson-Ahmad, Katrina Hovey, Pamela Peak

Using Learning Express-ways in special educator preparation: Developing student-faculty relationships as a path to partnership.
The Journal of Special Education Apprenticeship (2018)
Heather Haynes-Smith, Anthony Sanchez, Maria Peterson-Ahmad, Christine Woodbury, Belinda Mitchell

A multi-case analysis of pre-service and in-service teachers' response to coaching techniques.
READ: An Online Journal for Literacy Educators (2016)
Jennifer Stepp, Maria Peterson-Ahmad

Updating and disseminating the Council for Learning Disabilities' principles of ethical practice: Employing a case-base framework.
Intervention in School and Clinic (2015)
Maria Peterson-Ahmad

5 ways to prepare pre-service special education teachers to teach students with learning disabilities
LD Forum (2015)
Theresa Garfield-Dorel, Maria Peterson-Ahmad

An overview of repeated reading for improvement in reading fluency
Texas Council for Exceptional Children Newsletter (2015)
Maria Peterson-Ahmad

Books

Collaborative Approaches to Recruiting, Preparing, and Retaining Teachers for the Field
IGI Global (2022)
Maria Peterson-Ahmad, Vicki Luther

Chapters

Inclusive Science Education for Students in Kindergarten through 5th Grade
in Quality Instruction and Intervention: Strategies for Elementary Educators | Rowman and Littlefield Publishers (2024)
Maria Peterson-Ahmad, Randa Keeley

Using Assistive Technology to Promote High Leverage Practices: Connecting the Dots for Pre-Service Teachers
in Using Assistive Technology for Inclusive Learning in K-12 Classrooms | IGI Global (2022)
Belinda Rudinger, Beth Jones, Maria Peterson-Ahmad

Social-Emotional Learning, Awareness, and Strategies for Teacher: Collaborative Approaches
in Collaborative Approaches to Recruiting, Preparing, and Retaining Teachers for the Field | IGI Global (2022)
Schuyler Beecher, Kristina Peterson, Maria Peterson-Ahmad, Vicki Luther

The Need for Multidimensional and Longitudinal Educator Training.
in Collaborative Approaches to Recruiting, Preparing, and Retaining Teachers for the Field. | IGI Global (2022)
Vicki Luther, Maria Peterson-Ahmad

Simulated learning environments to support general and special education preparation programs in developing teacher candidate instructional strategies and a disposition toward coaching
in Games and Simulations in Teacher Education | Springer (2021)
Maria Peterson-Ahmad, Melanie Landon-Hays

Translating Research to Practice.
in Research Methods in Special Education | Slack Books (2021)
Maria Peterson-Ahmad, Randa Keeley, Kimberly Floyd

Recent Presentations

A Practical Approach to Conducting Intervention Research in a University Course
Council for Learning Disabilities (2024)
Round Table | Randa Keeley, Maria Peterson-Ahmad

Using the special education evaluation processes to create strong family-school partnerships.
Council for Learning Disabilities (2024)
Round Table | April Hill, Maria Peterson-Ahmad

Leaning Into University and P-12 Collaboration: What Can We Learn from the 'Magic' of Novice Teacher Voices?
National Association of School University Partnerships (2024)
Paper | Maria Peterson-Ahmad, Vicki Luther

Collaborative Conversations: Pre-Service Teachers
National Association of School University Partnerships (2024)
Paper | Vicki Luther, Maria Peterson-Ahmad

Practical Preparation: Focusing on Burnout and Stress Related Aspects of Teaching to Enhance Retention Efforts
American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (2024)
Round Table | Vicki Luther, Maria Peterson-Ahmad

Social-emotional strategies to support culturally and linguistically diverse students
Council for Exceptional Children Teacher Education Division (2023)
Round Table | Toni Franklin, Maria Peterson-Ahmad, Gregory Blalock

The Development of an Integrated Data Source as a Self-Study to Inform Educator Preparation Program Improvement Efforts
AAQEP 2023 Quality Assurance Symposium (2023)
Symposium Paper | Gina Anderson, Maria Peterson-Ahmad, Randa Keeley

The convergence of learning, knowing, and being: Examining the experiences and preparedness of novice teachers.
American Educational Research Association (AERA) (2023)
Round Table | Vicki Luther, Maria Peterson-Ahmad

Supporting social emotional learning through culturally responsive practices: Listening to the needs of teacher candidates to inform classroom strategies
Council for Exceptional Children (2023)
Symposium Paper | Toni Franklin, Maria Peterson-Ahmad, Schuyler Beecher

Providing explicit feedback to pre-service and in-service teachers to support diverse learners
Council for Learning Disabilities (2023)
Symposium Paper | Randa Keeley, Maria Peterson-Ahmad, Marilyn Roberts, Edward Steffek

Using assistive technology to promote high leverage practices
Council for Learning Disabilities (2023)
Round Table | Beth Jones, Belinda Rudinger, Maria Peterson-Ahmad, Tim Allen

Continuously improving: Understanding programmatic and practitioner needs for sustainability and equitable excellence.
American Association of Colleges of Teacher Education (2023)
Round Table | Maria Peterson-Ahmad, Vicki Luther

Preparing teacher candidates in integrating new technology to support students with disabilities: Teacher preparation strategies
Council for Exceptional Children (2022)
Poster | Minkowan Goo, Maria Peterson-Ahmad

Examining the Experiences, Understandings, and Perceived Preparedness of Novice Teachers
National Association for Professional Development Schools (2022)
Symposium Paper | Maria Peterson-Ahmad, Vicki Luther

Equitable and accessible learning for all: Creating culturally responsive teacher candidate advocates.
American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (2022)
Round Table | Toni Franklin, Maria Peterson-Ahmad, Gregory Blalock

Transforming educational technology to support preparation programs during COVID: Lessons learned and considerations moving forward.
American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (2022)
Round Table | Maria Peterson-Ahmad, Randa Keeley, Edward Steffek

How to prepare culturally responsive teacher candidate advocates.
Council for Exceptional Children (2022)
Round Table | Maria Peterson-Ahmad, Toni Franklin

Maintaining Preparation Program Rigor During and After a Pandemic: How Educational Technology Can Support Candidate Preparation,
Council for Exceptional Children (2022)
Poster | Maria Peterson-Ahmad, Randa Keeley

Exploring the Efficacy of Adapting Read Naturally for Students with Visual Impairments
Council for Exceptional Children (2022)
Poster | Maria Peterson-Ahmad, Beth Jones , Belinda Rudinger

Preparing teacher candidates to meet the educational and social-emotional needs of culturally and linguistically diverse students with learning disabilities
Council for Learning Disabilities (2022)
Round Table | Maria Peterson-Ahmad, Toni Franklin

Promoting the development of social emotional learning through a culturally responsive lens.
American Association of Colleges of Teacher Education (2022)
Round Table | Toni Franklin, Maria Peterson-Ahmad

Examining the Experiences, Understandings, and Perceived Preparedness of Novice Teachers.
Georgia Association of Teacher Educators (2022)
Paper | Vicki Luther, Maria Peterson-Ahmad

What Does Equitable and Accessible Learning Mean? How to Prepare Culturally Responsive Teacher Candidate Advocates
Council for Exceptional Children (2022)
Poster | Maria Peterson-Ahmad, Toni Franklin

Promoting differentiated learning for students with LD: Supporting pre-service teachers through explicit learning opportunities.
Council for Learning Disabilities (2022)
Round Table | Randa Keeley, Maria Peterson-Ahmad, Schuyler Beecher

Supporting Pre-service Teachers Dissemination of Equitable Culturally Responsive and Social Emotional Practices.
Council for Exceptional Children Teacher Education Division (2022)
Round Table | Maria Peterson-Ahmad, Toni Franklin

Adapting Read Naturally for students with comorbid learning disabilities and visual impairments
Council for Learning Disabilities (2022)
Poster | Beth Jones, Maria Peterson-Ahmad

Measuring self-efficacy of teacher candidates: Using Mursion as a learning tool for teaching explicit instruction
Council for Learning Disabilities (2022)
Round Table | Randa Keeley, Maria Peterson-Ahmad, Schuyler Beecher

Strategies to support social emotional awareness for novice teachers
Council for Learning Disabilities (2022)
Round Table | Schuyler Beecher, Maria Peterson-Ahmad, Vicki Luther

Assistive technology: Teacher knowledge, perceptions, interests, and barriers
Council for Learning Disabilities (2021)
Round Table | Beth Jones, Maria Peterson-Ahmad, Comfort Atanga

Providing explicit feedback in special education teacher preparation programs
Council for Learning Disabilities (2021)
Paper | Maria Peterson-Ahmad, Randa Keeley, Edward Steffek

Innovations in coaching to support pre-service and practicing teachers
Council for Learning Disabilities (2021)
Symposium Paper | Jennifer White, Maria Peterson-Ahmad, Rebecca Shankland

Supporting teacher candidates' implementation of HLPs through scaffolded practice-based opportunities
Council for Learning Disabilities (2021)
Symposium Paper | Rebecca Shankland, Maria Peterson-Ahmad, Jennifer White

Culturally responsive strategies to support students with learning disabilities: What teachers need to know
Council for Learning Disabilities (2021)
Round Table | Toni Franklin, Maria Peterson-Ahmad

5 ways that the HLPs can help you become a culturally relevant special educator
Council for Exceptional Children (2020)
Round Table | Toni Franklin, Maria Peterson-Ahmad

Micro-teaching & coaching in teacher education: Promising practices for professional growth
Oregon Association of Teacher Educators Conference (2020)
Paper | Melanie Landon-Hays, Maria Peterson-Ahmad

Teaching Teacher Candidates and Novice Teachers How to Continuously Improve: The Teacher Preparation Program Role
Consortium of State Organizations for Texas Teacher Education (CSOTTE) (2020)
Paper | Maria Peterson-Ahmad, Theresa Garfield

Engagement Strategies for Students with Disabilities in Inclusive Classrooms
Consortium of State Organizations for Texas Teacher Education (CSOTTE) (2020)
Paper | Randa Keeley, Maria Peterson-Ahmad

Utilizing Simulated Learning Environments in Teacher Preparation Program
Consortium of State Organizations for Texas Teacher Education (CSOTTE) (2020)
Paper | Maria Peterson-Ahmad, Edward Steffek

The unsung practitioners: Reflections of novice teacher experiences to continue teacher preparation program improvement
Council for Exceptional Children (2020)
Paper | Maria Peterson-Ahmad, Vicki Luther

Equitable and accessible learning for all: Developing highly effective & culturally responsive special education teacher candidates.
American Association of Colleges of Teacher Education (2020)
Round Table | Toni Franklin, Maria Peterson-Ahmad

Individualized professional development for first year teachers through coaching and simulation: A university and school partnership.
American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (2020)
Round Table | Maria Peterson-Ahmad

The IMPACT of collaborative partnerships in serving students with disabilities
Council for Exceptional Children (2020)
Poster | Layne Case, Maria Peterson-Ahmad, Megan MacDonald, Katrina Hovey, Heidi Wegis

Different states & expectations: What does 'prepared' look like in teaching students with LD?
Council for Learning Disabilities (2020)
Round Table | Vicki Luther, Maria Peterson-Ahmad

Using the Digital Literacy Framework to evaluate digital literacy tools for students with LD
Council for Learning Disabilities (2020)
Round Table | Maria Stetter, Maria Peterson-Ahmad

Building school level camaraderie: Supporting your new special education colleagues.
Council for Exceptional Children (2020)
Paper | Toni Franklin, Maria Peterson-Ahmad

Building co-teaching strategies for math instruction
Council for Learning Disabilities (2019)
Poster | Matthew Gillette, Maria Peterson-Ahmad, Katrina Hovey

Using Mursion to teach high leverage practices
Oregon Association of Teacher Educators Conference (2019)
Paper | Maria Peterson-Ahmad, Melanie Landon-Hays

Strategies to support students with reading disabilities: Educator preparation approaches.
Council for Learning Disabilities (2019)
Round Table | Maria Peterson-Ahmad, Vicki Luther

Training pre-service teachers to meet AT needs of students with SLD
Council for Learning Disabilities (2019)
Round Table | Beth Jones, Maria Peterson-Ahmad

Technology supports for students with learning disabilities in the general education classroom
Council for Learning Disabilities (2019)
Poster | Maria Stetter, Maria Peterson-Ahmad

Propelling regional preparation programs forward: The power of partnerships
Association of Teacher Educators (2018)
Paper | Maria Peterson-Ahmad, Katrina Hovey

Pre-service use of virtual learning environments.
Oregon Association of Teacher Educators Conference (2018)
Paper | Maria Peterson-Ahmad, Melanie Landon-Hays

Utilizing Mursion Technology at Western Oregon University.
University Day, Oregon State Capital (2018)
Symposium | Maria Peterson-Ahmad

Professional development in math: The importance of professional development for paraprofessionals
Oregon Association of Teacher Educators Conference (2018)
Paper | Rachel Harrington, Maria Peterson-Ahmad

Through the looking glass: Children's literature to promote disability inclusivity in pre-service teacher preparation programs
Association of Teacher Educators (2018)
Paper | Marie LeJeune, Maria Peterson-Ahmad

Specific reading learning disabilities: Are pre-service teachers prepared to teach
Association of Teacher Educators (2018)
Round Table | Maria Peterson-Ahmad, Emily Peterson, Amanda Fowler

Pre-service and in-service teacher perceived knowledge of bullying in school-aged students
Association of Teacher Educators (2018)
Round Table | Maria Peterson-Ahmad, Nicolette Wise, Colleen Walsh

Using digital platforms in pre-service teacher preparation programs: Comparison, Review, & Efficacy
Council for Exceptional Children (2018)
Poster | Lisa Goran, Maria Peterson-Ahmad

Lessons in literacy: Pre-service training in high leverage practices
Council for Exceptional Children (2018)
Poster | Maria Peterson-Ahmad, Beth Jones

Mental health literacy for students with learning disabilities
Council for Learning Disabilities (2018)
Poster | Colleen Walsh, Maria Peterson-Ahmad

Reforming teacher preparation to meet the needs of students with disabilities
Council for Learning Disabilities (2018)
Symposium Paper | Maria Peterson-Ahmad, Katrina Hovey, Vicki Luther

Increasing pre-service teacher readiness to teach students with reading SLDs through the use of high leverage practices.
Council for Exceptional Children (2018)
Paper | Maria Peterson-Ahmad, Beth Jones

Cultivating professionalisms in pre-service teacher preparation program
Teacher Education Division of the Council for Exceptional Children (2017)
Round Table | Maria Peterson-Ahmad, Katrina Hovey, Pamela Peak

Propelling regional preparation programs forward: The power of partnership
Teacher Education Division of the Council for Exceptional Children (2017)
Round Table | Maria Peterson-Ahmad, Katrina Hovey

Specific reading learning disabilities: Are pre-service teachers prepared to teach
Council for Learning Disabilities (2016)
Poster | Maria Peterson-Ahmad, Elizabeth Tambunga, Becca Pruski

Cultivating professionalism in pre-service special education teacher preparation programs
Council for Learning Disabilities (2016)
Round Table | Maria Peterson-Ahmad, Katrina Hovey

Strategies for working with LD in a juvenile detention facility
Council for Learning Disabilities (2016)
Symposium Paper | Antonio Martinez, Maria Peterson-Ahmad

Effectiveness of transition services for students with LD: Teacher perceptions
Council for Learning Disabilities (2016)
Poster | Deborah Escalante, Maria Peterson-Ahmad

Utilization of the TeachLivE™ mixed-reality classroom to enhance pre-service teacher preparation
American Educational Research Association (2016)
Round Table | Maria Peterson-Ahmad

Pre-service special education teachers' frequency of opportunities to respond in the TeachLivE™ virtual classroom
Council for Exceptional Children (2015)
Poster | Maria Peterson-Ahmad

LD and behavior: What undergraduate pre-service teachers need to know
Council for Learning Disabilities (2015)
Poster | Elizabeth Tambunga, Maria Peterson-Ahmad

Facilitating mentorship: Student and faculty mentor experiences
Council for Learning Disabilities (2015)
Poster | Maria Peterson-Ahmad, Elizabeth Tambunga, Becca Pruski

Connected classrooms: Individualizing learning experiences in higher education
Council for Learning Disabilities (2015)
Round Table | Maria Peterson-Ahmad

Resourcing the resources: Ensuring LD resource accessibility for new teacher
Council for Learning Disabilities (2015)
Round Table | Katrina Hovey, Maria Peterson-Ahmad

Teacher perceptions of bullying among school-aged students: A pilot study
International Bullying Prevention Conference (2015)
Round Table | Maria Peterson-Ahmad

The top 5 things that pre-service teachers need to know.
Consortium of State Organizations for Texas Teacher Education (CSOTTE) (2015)
Paper | Katrina Hovey, Maria Peterson-Ahmad

Removing barriers to non-traditional student success: Suggestions for institutions of higher education
Consortium of State Organizations for Texas Teacher Education (CSOTTE) (2015)
Paper | Maria Peterson-Ahmad, Caroline Knight, Hsiao Wu

Professional Affiliations

• American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education
• Council for Exceptional Children
• Council for Exceptional Children- Teacher Education Division
• Council for Learning Disabilities

Honors & Awards

• ISTE-GM Artificial Intelligence Explorations in K-12 School Environments Program Recipient, International Society for Technology in Education (2023)
• Practice Based Teaching and Coaching Certification Institute Cohort, Teaching Works (2023)
• National Center on Intensive Intervention Reading Intervention Community of Practice Fellow, National Center on Intensive Intervention (2022)
• Texas Academic Leadership Academy Fellow, Texas Council of Chief Academic Officers (2022)
• COPE Faculty Research Award, Texas Woman's University (2020)
• T.H. Gentle Scholar Award, Western Oregon University (2020)
• ATE Clinical Fellow, Association of Teacher Educators (2017)