Diane Browder, Lake and Edward P. Snyder Distinguished Professor of Special Education, has received the 2018 Special Education Research Award from the Council for Exceptional Children. This award recognizes an individual whose research has significantly advanced the education of children and youth with exceptionalities.
During three decades of research, Browder has received $12 million in funding and has produced more than 200 scholarly publications. Her work has paved the way for research innovation around teaching academics to youth with disabilities and has reached beyond the University to create real change in special education classrooms. Most notably, she authored several curricula to support standards-based learning for students with severe disabilities. Her curricula have been adopted by thousands of school districts across the country.
In addition to her own prolific scholarship, Browder is one of the original architects of the doctoral program in special education at UNC Charlotte. As a hands-on researcher and professor, she has served on 38 doctoral committees, 22 of which she chaired. Her mentorship has guided and inspired a generation of new researchers who are working to advance the inclusive education systems of the future.
Browder was recognized during the CEC 2018 Convention and Expo’s Opening General Session, the largest annual gathering of members of the field of special education. The award marks the second national recognition Browder received this year; she won 2018 Burton-Blatt Humanitarian Award from the Division on Autism & Developmental Disabilities.
The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) is the professional association of educators dedicated to advancing the educational success of children and youth with exceptionalities that accomplishes its mission through advocacy, standards and professional development.