Selma Powell

Selma Powell is a full teaching professor and the Director for the Special Education Teacher Education Program in the College of Education at the University of Washington.  She earned her Ph.D. from University of Central Florida in 2012, writing her dissertation on developmentally appropriate use of mathematics applications for tablets in early childhood classrooms. She began her career as an elementary special education teacher in Tampa, Florida and worked in public schools for nine years, teaching students with disabilities from preschool through fifth grade. Since coming to UW, Dr. Powell has worked to transform the special education teacher education program in a number of ways: increasing enrollment and retention of teacher candidates of color, developing collaborative and co-taught courses with the Elementary Teacher Preparation Program, shifting curriculum to highlight inclusive and culturally sustaining practices, and cultivating partnerships with schools and districts who share similar commitments. Dr. Powell’s research and passions lie in the preparation and induction of critical, inclusive teachers who can support and sustain multiply-marginalized children and their families.