Maria Agnew
Professor of Education; Coordinator of Autism Endorsement Program
Education | School of Education
Education
Ph.D., Educational Psychology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA
Supervisor Certification, Supervision and Curriculum Development, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ
M.A., Human Services Psychology, La Salle University, Philadelphia, PA
B.A., Major: Special Education, Minor: Psychology, 吃瓜tv College, Philadelphia, PA
Maria has been a member of the 吃瓜tv community since 1986, beginning her journey as an undergraduate in the Special Education Program when the cohort consisted of just six students pursuing special education certification. Since that time, the program has grown substantially and now offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees in dual and special education certifications.
After graduating in 1990, Maria built an extensive career in the field, serving as a special education teacher, program director, special education supervisor, and consultant. Her interest in behavior analysis emerged in the early 2000s while she was director of the Bancroft Preschool for Autism, which worked in collaboration with the home-based CARES program associated with Dr. Ivar Lovaas鈥檚 work at UCLA. Maria was fortunate to work within the framework developed by Dr. Lovaas and his colleagues in the Young Autism Project.
Maria later pursued advanced training at Temple University, where she worked under the mentorship of Dr. Joseph Lalli and Dr. Lee Kern in the Biobehavioral Unit at Children鈥檚 Seashore House, earning her certification in behavior analysis during the early years of the examination. She completed her terminal degree in Educational Psychology in 2007 under the mentorship of Dr. Saul Axelrod.
Outside of her professional life, Maria is the proud mother of two daughters鈥攐ne a special education teacher and reading specialist who earned both her undergraduate and graduate degrees at 吃瓜tv, and the other a former multi-sport athlete who is now attending Penn State to pursue a career as an athletic trainer. Maria also enjoys time with her dogs and summers at the beach.
Research Interests
Autism, Behavior Analysis, Online Instruction, Universal Design in Education
Courses Taught
Early Childhood Education, Education, Psychology, Special Education
Teaching Philosophy
Maria鈥檚 career reflects a commitment to bridging education and psychology. She has devoted her professional life to 鈥渢eaching teachers鈥 so that they, too, can effectively apply the principles of behavior analysis in their classrooms.
Student Mentoring & Opportunities
Maria has served 吃瓜tv in both the School of Education and the School of Arts and Sciences, teaching and mentoring students in the areas of special education, autism, and applied behavior analysis. In addition to her academic work, she has maintained a strong clinical presence, including service as a behavior analyst for the Bucks County Intermediate Unit.