Melinda Leko 

Melinda Leko, Ph.D., is a Professor of Special Education in the School of Special Education, School Psychology, and Early Childhood Studies at the University of Florida. Dr. Leko’s research focuses on (a) educator preparation to promote effective practices for students with disabilities, (b) reading instruction for adolescents with disabilities, and (c) educators’ implementation of evidence-based practices and high-leverage practices. She also writes about the rigorous application of qualitative and mixed methods research in special education. Dr. Leko has been awarded approximately $25 million in external funding for her research and educator preparation efforts. Dr. Leko is a Co-Director on the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) funded Collaboration for Effective Educator Development, Accountability and Reform (CEEDAR Center). She has been the principal investigator (PI) of two OSEP doctoral leadership preparation programs and co-PI on an Institute of Education Sciences (IES) Development and Innovation grant designed to enhance the preparation of emergency certified special educators in rural areas. She has served in a variety of editorial roles including being the Co-Editor for the journal Teacher Education and Special Education and Associate Editor for Remedial and Special Education, Journal of Positive Behavioral Interventions, and Intervention in School & Clinic.

Inclusion, Inclusive Education, Learning Disabilities / RTI, Mixed Methods, Professional Development, Reading, Research / Program Evaluation, Special Education, Special Educators' Roles and Responsibilities, Teacher Education, Teacher Quality