Preparing Next Generation Special Education Leadership Scholars.
Interested in a Fellowship Opportunity?
Teleports Scholars
The University of Central Florida - Technology Enhanced Learning Enabled by Partner Organizations, Research, and Teaching Success - UCF TELEPORTS
This project prepares special education personnel at the doctoral level with specific skills in the area of teaching, research, and service with effective leadership skills suitable for university positions. The focus of this program will be to prepare scholars to assume leadership roles in (a) local, state, and national levels with expertise in innovative technologies for students with disabilities (e.g., autism, learning disabilities, intellectual disabilities). Scholars will specialize in technology-enhanced instruction for secondary students. They will focus on effective transition practices that lead to college and career readiness.




Tahnee L. Wilder is a doctoral scholar and TELEPORTS Fellow in the Exceptional Education program at the University of Central Florida (UCF). She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Sciences and Disorders from UCF, and a Master of Science in Speech and Language Pathology from Nova Southeastern University.
She has over 12 years of experience collaborating with faculty and staff in a variety of educational settings including public, private, and charter schools. She performs evidence-based therapeutic interventions with a variety of developmental and neurological disorders in clinical settings focusing on cognitive, speech, language, and feeding delays.
Her current research is focused on utilizing technology to improve executive functioning and social-emotional skills in students with disabilities.



TJEEI Scholars


James Rujimora is a registered mental health counseling intern in Florida and currently earning his PhD in Education (Counselor Education) from the University of Central Florida. As a TJEEI Fellow, James looks to bring in his expertise in trauma-informed practices toward supporting children and adults with exceptional needs and their families. James is excited to continue working with TJEEI throughout his doctoral program serving the needs of children and adults through interdisciplinary research, practice, and partnerships. In his free time, James enjoys volunteering, being outdoors, and watching sports.
Jennifer Caton is a second-year doctoral student in Mathematics Education at the University of Central Florida. She received her master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction in Mathematics from the University of Central Florida. Jennifer’s teaching experience has included elementary school along with middle and high school mathematics. Her research has focused on improving efficacy in mathematics among low-level achievers and students receiving services in mathematics. As a Toni Jennings Scholar, Jennifer is involved in research focusing on teacher shortages in STEM and special education areas, along with game research related to STEM. Currently she works as an Algebra teacher in Volusia County Schools, where she is focused on providing equal mathematical learning opportunities for all students.
Down Syndrome Foundation Post Doc
LEAD IT Scholars
LEAD IT is a doctoral program designed to prepare highly competent special education leadership personnel, from culturally and linguistically diverse populations, for university faculty positions or for service in training positions in agencies or school systems.




LEAD NEXT Scholars
LEAD NEXT will prepare the next generation of special education leadership personnel to address shortages in state and national identified need for personnel preparation in special education. The focus of this federally funded project is to support educators to become national experts in (a) teaching, research, and service to support marginalized students with disabilities in Learning Sciences and evidence-based practices (b) collaborating and conducting research with State and local education agencies; (c) preparing future teachers and collaborating with families; (d) using technology and Learning Sciences to impact learning; (e) working collaboratively with colleagues in content areas and Learning Sciences; (f) conducting program evaluations; and (g) improving outcomes for students with disabilities by influencing policy and practices.








LEAD Prep Scholars


TPQ Scholar

Scholars



Third Year Saudi Arabia Consulate
