A leader in special education
Teresa Doughty found her calling in special education as a high school student, after growing up with a close uncle with Down syndrome and spending a day in a school for children with disabilities.
“I loved the energy in the classroom and was fascinated with how the students were engaged in learning,” said Doughty, dean of the College of Education at The University of Texas at Arlington. “It was exciting to see the positive impact that good teaching could have on the lives of these students. Even as a 15-year-old, I knew that this was my place where I would make a difference.”
Doughty is committed to the preparation of outstanding education professionals to ensure that every child has access to a highly effective teacher and school leader. She will be recognized for her special education research and advocacy with the 2020 Burton-Blatt Humanitarian Award from the Division on Autism & Development Disabilities (DADD). The award is given to those who have made significant contributions to the field of intellectual disability, autism and developmental disabilities.
UTA President Vistasp Karbhari said Doughty’s work addresses critical issues and will lead to positive outcomes in education in Texas.
“This is tremendous recognition of her leadership and scholarship as related to special education and teacher preparation and shows the high regard with which she is held by the profession,” Karbhari said. “Her focus on ensuring that UTA develops a leading-edge program in this area meets a critical state need and will position the University well, while also ensuring that graduates from our program continue to have a positive and long-lasting impact on the future of Texas.”
The award will be presented during the 2020 DADD International Conference on Jan. 23 in Sarasota, Fla.
“My passion for teaching individuals with disabilities and conducting research in the field is grounded in my desire to ensure equity, access and successful life participation for all individuals regardless of ability,” Doughty said. “I am deeply humbled by this recognition. Previous recipients have been groundbreakers in the special education field, scholars I have admired and from whom I have learned my craft. I am overwhelmed to be included in their ranks as a recipient of this prestigious award.”
Doughty is a nationally recognized leader in special education, autism and other developmental disabilities with more than 30 years of experience as an educator, faculty member and university administrator. As a researcher, she focuses on instructional and inclusive practices in special education with students who experience severe disabilities and autism.
“Dr. Doughty has been a leader in our college and university through the creation of special education undergraduate and master’s programs and efforts to improve outcomes for people with disabilities,” said John Romig, assistant professor in the College of Education. “She has been a leader in state policies for teacher preparation. She is constantly pushing the faculty to innovate and lead our field—always with the heart of improving the lives of children with disabilities.”
Doughty’s uncle, now in his late 50s, still serves as an inspiration.
“Whenever I encounter a research question or issue, I think about how it might impact him,” she said. “I see his unlimited potential for learning, his sense of humor and his stubbornness, along with the many challenges and obstacles he encounters in his daily life. I also experience the joy he contributes to our family and the fulfilling life he now leads.”