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Work with exceptional children to learn and grow!

This program prepares certified teachers to understand the field of LD as it relates to general education issues and practices as well as other exceptionalities in special education from inception to current practice.

You will learn to effectively administer, interpret, and report formal and informal assessments to accurately identify disabilities. You also will learn to develop and employ evidence-based instructional strategies to address individual needs in all school learning environments.  Course work and field experiences emphasize consultation and collaboration with parents and allied service providers in light of inclusion and transition planning.

Teachers who successfully complete the program are well prepared for the state proficiency test in the area of learning disabilities, and are eligible for K-12 endorsement in LD.

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Faculty Bios

Michele HarmalaAssociate Professor

B.S. Eastern Michigan University

M.A. Wayne State University

Ed.S. Wayne State University

Ph.D. Wayne State University

mharmala@madonna.edu

734-432-5651, 2228G

Michele Harmala

Leading to inspire learning, growth, and service!  Experienced professor and superintendent with a demonstrated history of success and leadership in higher education and the education management industry. Strong organizational professional skilled in Strategic Planning, Organizational Development, Talent Development and Performance Improvement, Program Evaluation, Instructional Design, Curriculum Development, and Public Speaking.  Experienced professor with demonstrated history of developing and facilitating adult learning and scholarship in both online and face-to-face settings.

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Karen ObsniukDean, College of Education and Human Development
Professor

B.S. Wayne State University

M.A. Wayne State University

Ph.D. Wayne State University

kobsniuk@madonna.edu

734-432-5648, 2230D

Karen Obsniuk

Karen L. Obsniuk, Ph.D., is the Dean of the College of Education. She joined the faculty of Madonna University in 1996. Previously, she was an adjunct faculty, while working in K-12 schools as a teacher and school administrator. She completed her doctoral degree in Administration and Supervision, with a cognate in curriculum, and her M.A. in English Literature, at Wayne State University. She teaches in the areas of educational practice and action research

Her interests include educational change, K-12 student behavior, literacy intervention with at-risk students, and quality of work life issues for teachers. Her research has been mixed methods research primarily with pre-service and in-service teachers, school administrators, and EL learners. She is actively engaged in the field of education through her work at the State and local levels, serving on State committees and a local board. 

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Joy OslundAssociate Professor

B.S. Oakland University

M.A. Northern Michigan University

Ph.D. Michigan State University

joslund@madonna.edu

734-432-5790, 2230F

Joy Oslund

Joy Oslund, Ph.D. is the Coordinator of Directed Teaching and an Assistant Professor in the College of Education. She joined the full time faculty of Madonna University in 2016. She received her Ph.D. in Teacher Education from Michigan State University. Her research interests include teaching elementary mathematics for social justice, using cooperative group work to promote equity in classrooms, and teacher learning. She serves on the board for the Detroit Area Council of Teachers of Mathematics and is actively engaged in organizations promoting anti-racism in schools.

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Sue Ann SharmaAssociate Professor

B.S. University of Michigan – Flint

M.S. Oakland University

Ed.S. Oakland University

Ph.D. Oakland University

sasharma@madonna.edu 

734-432-5785, 2230G

Sue Ann Sharma

Dr. Sue Ann Sharma is an Assistant Professor and Director of Graduate Literacy in the College of Education at Madonna University. She is passionate about preparing teachers to meet the diverse needs of learners and developing instructional literacy leaders. Dr. Sharma is a literacy advocate and has served on the International Reading Association's Literacy Reform Task Force. Dr. Sharma is the past president of the Michigan Reading Association, and also holds appointments on the Michigan Reading Association's Board of Directors and Michigan Reading Journal Review Board.

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