Dr. Dennis Garland

Biography

Dr. Dennis Garland is an Associate Professor of special education and the Coordinator of Advanced Special Education Programs in the College of Education, where he teaches graduate and undergraduate courses that focus on characteristics and assessment of students with disabilities, current issues in special education, and theory and practice related to educating students on the autism spectrum.

Focus of Teaching

Dr. Garland’s focus of teaching is informed by the Council for Exceptional Children’s professional teaching standards and high leverage practices. Thus, data-based decision-making, continuous improvement, and social emotional learning emphasized.

Current Research

Dr. Garland’s current research includes evaluating professional collaborations for improving educational experiences for teacher candidates; postsecondary educational opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and animal-assisted interventions.

Current Involvement

• Special Olympics New York Polar Plunge Committee
• University Planning and Resource Council
• University Designing Inclusive Curriculum Workgroup
• Coordinator, Special Olympics New York partnership
• Coordinator, Advanced Special Education Programs
• COE Partnership Inventory Committee
• Pi Lambda Theta International Educational Honor Society Gamma Lambda Chapter Counselor

Educational Background

• Ph.D. in Education, Exceptional Education Track, Univ. of Central Florida (2013)
• M.A. in Education, Exceptional Education Track, Univ. of Central Florida (2009)
• Autism Spectrum Disorders Advanced Certificate (2009)
• Bachelor of Science, Psychology, Univ. of Central Florida (2006)