2021 Kauffman-Hallahan-Pullen Distinguished Researcher | Patricia Snyder, Ph.D.

In recognition of the critical importance of research in special education that has a meaningful impact on the field, the Division for Research is honored to recognize Dr. Patricia Snyder, University of Florida, as the 2021 Kauffman-Hallahan-Pullen Distinguished Researcher Awardee. This award recognizes individuals or research teams whose research has resulted in more effective services or education for exceptional individuals.

Dr. Snyder is a scholar whose work shapes and improves research, policy, and practices in early intervention and early childhood special education in the context of the broader early childhood field. Her research focuses on (a) embedded instruction in early learning; (b) social-emotional and communication foundations for early learning; (c) applications of research designs and methods in early intervention and early childhood special education; (c) measurement and assessment in early childhood; and (d) evidence-informed professional development implementation support practices, including practice-based coaching. She and her colleagues developed a practice-based coaching model, which is used widely in early childhood, including Head Start. Dr. Snyder is a former editor of the Journal of Early Intervention. She is a member of the Pyramid Model Consortium and she chairs the Division for Early Childhood’s Recommended Practices Evidence Synthesis Group. As her nominator stated, Dr. Snyder “has addressed practical needs in real-world contexts” and her “work has raised the bar for rigor in examining the implementation of effective practices.”