Caroline Fitchett

Education
Dr. Caroline Fitchett, Assistant Professor of Special Education at California State University, San Bernardino, earned her Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction (2023), M.S. in Teacher Leadership/Autism (2020), and B.A. in Special and Elementary Education (2017) from the University of Louisville. Her academic achievements are distinguished by numerous honors, including the 2023 Outstanding Doctoral Dissertation Award and graduating summa cum laude. Dr. Fitchett also holds professional certifications in special and elementary education and has been recognized for her leadership and service in the field, notably as President of Kappa Delta Pi Honors Society.

Research and Scholarship

Dr. Fitchett’s research agenda focuses on innovative instructional practices for students with extensive support needs (ESN) and enhancing teacher preparation. Specifically, she is interested in furthering knowledge in teaching social studies to students with ESN, embedding self-determination skills into academic instruction, and advancing knowledge of student engagement and teaching students with profound and multiple disabilities (PMD). She has contributed to peer-reviewed journals and book chapters addressing topics such as social studies instruction in inclusive classrooms and strategies for using assessment data to improve educational outcomes. Additionally, Dr. Fitchett has an extensive record of presenting at national and international conferences, including topics like accessible social studies curricula and mentoring alternative certification teachers. 

Professional Service and Teaching

Through both Managing Editor and Associate Editor experience for Rural Special Education Quarterly, Dr. Fitchett supports scholarly contributions and mentoring within the field. She is actively involved in professional organizations such as the Council for Exceptional Children and it's divisions: Division on Autism and Developmental Disabilities and Complex and Chronic Conditions, The Division for Physical, Health and Multiple Disabilities and serves on committees focused on equity and research. At California State University, she teaches specialized courses on extensive support needs and supervises student teachers. Dr. Fitchett is passionate about both teaching and providing general curriculum access for students with ESN. Dr. Fitchett believes all students should learn and participate in high-quality educational opportunities and is passionate about empowering teachers with the tools and knowledge to design their own effective programs.