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Megan Cartier

Throughout the semester, we’re introducing our new additions to the Saint Rose faculty.

Megan E. Cartier

Title: Assistant professor of special education

Previous position: Doctoral candidate, Syracuse University, expected completion 2023

Education: B.S., communication disorders, University of New Hampshire; M.A., special education, Georgetown College; Certificate of Advanced Studies, disability studies, Syracuse University

Teaching:  Individuals with disabilities and exceptionalities in school and community; foundations and practices of including students with disabilities

Academic specialty: Inclusive education practices, disability studies, universal design for learning

Where she is from and how she became interested in special education: I’m an Army Brat! My dad was in the military so I moved around a lot. I went to 14 schools in 16 years. Although teaching was not always my endgame, I have always had a servant heart and my desire to work in special education developed while working as a residential counselor for a program designed for adults with intellectual disabilities.

Her academic scholarship: My dissertation research revolves around the continuity of special education services among military-connected families. It has wide-reaching implications including for children in foster care, homeless/housing insecure youths, and migrant/immigrant families. My other areas of academic scholarship include equity-based universal design for learning in inclusive settings and inclusive higher education opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

How she will strengthen student learning: My intentions here at Saint Rose include creating an awareness of disability and difference by engaging future educators in activities that will lead them first to presume competence in all of their students and then give them the tools to construct competence in their classroom pursuits regardless of dis/ability.

Why special education is particularly important for students these days – whether or not they major in it: Disability is a fluid category – meaning that at any given point in time, individuals can move into or out of a label of disability. As such, ALL students need to understand and acknowledge disability and difference in ways that privilege individual voice. Inclusive education is not only meant for students with disabilities. Inclusive education means that ALL students in the classroom have access to the supports and services needed to ensure their success.

What drew her to Saint Rose: I was first drawn to Saint Rose because of its reputation for and commitment to teacher education. Building relationships with my students is important to me and so learning of the smaller class sizes and the opportunities to truly get to know each student ultimately led to my decision to accept this position.

An interest she will pursue beyond academics: I’m excited to get out and explore more trails and nature. I am open to most any adventure and look forward to all the new opportunities here in the Albany area!