Course Credits and References

Course Author After 19 years as a professor and instructional designer, Dana Sparkman now works as an educational specialist for the Mayo Clinic and a freelance writer. She has a master’s degree in special education from Syracuse University and a PhD in elementary education from the University of Alabama, with academic concentrations in special education, K-6 mathematics, and educational research. 

Course Instructor Dr. Dennis Mithaug (BA, MA, M.Ed., Ph.D.) is Professor Emeritus at Teachers College, Columbia University. He has over 40 years experience of teaching students at the college level in all subjects he is an expert on, including--psychology, sociology, cognition, special education, behaviorism, disabilities, self-determination, social policy and education policy--to name a few. He is prolific writer and author, having published and edited over 10 books and hundreds of journals and articles. He has conducted extensive research in the field of cognition, behavior, vocational training, and special education, and his studies and research are some of the most respected and referenced in his field.