Alison Zagona

[email protected]
Special Education, Rehabilitation, and School Psychology
University of Arizona


Academic Background

Ph.D., Disability and Psychoeducational Studies
University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona
Major: Special Education, Severe and Multiple Disabilities
Minor: Autism and Families

Expected May 2017
Master of Arts, Special Education, Severe and Multiple Disabilities
University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona

December 2007
Bachelor of Science, Special Education
University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona
May 2006


Professional Experience

Co-Instructor Fall 2014
University of Arizona
Assessment and Instruction: Learners with Low Incidence Disabilities
Used online platform to co-teach a graduate course evidence-based assessment and
instructional strategies for students with intellectual disabilities and multiple disabilities

Instructor Spring 2014
University of Arizona
Introduction to Low Incidence Disabilities
Lead instructor and instructor of record for in-person undergraduate course
Coordinated guest lectures for four modules of content related to learners with low
incidence disabilities- Deaf/Hard of Hearing, Visual Impairment and Blindness, Severe
and Multiple Disabilities, and Deafblindness
Graded student quizzes and assignments and communicated with students regularly

Co-Instructor Spring 2014
University of Arizona
Assessing and Educating Students with Intellectual and Severe Disabilities
Used in-person course to instruct graduate students in evidence-based practices related to
assessment, curriculum planning, assistive technology, and adaptations for learners with
intellectual and severe disabilities
Co-created syllabus and co-graded assignments and examinations


2
Instructor Fall and Spring 2013-2014
University of Arizona
Behavior Principles and Disability: Assessment and Intervention
Used online platform to instruct undergraduate students in the introductory terms,
concepts, and techniques of applied behavior analysis and their application to individuals
with disabilities
Graded all assignments using a mastery approach

Instructor Spring 2014
University of Arizona
Assessment and Instruction: Learners with Low Incidence Disabilities
Developed syllabus for this inaugural online course that was previously available only in-
person
Used online platform to instruct graduate students in evidence-based assessment and
instructional strategies for students with intellectual disabilities and multiple disabilities
Graded all assignments, projects, and examinations

Co-Instructor Fall 2013
University of Arizona
Assessment and Instruction: Learners with Low Incidence Disabilities
Co-created Syllabus and used in-person platform to instruct undergraduate and graduate
students in evidence-based practices in assessment and instruction for learners with low
incidence disabilities
Co-graded assignments, projects, and quizzes

Graduate Associate 2012-2013
Project FOCUS, University of Arizona
Supported instructors and students within a model demonstration project that includes
young adults with intellectual disabilities into all aspects of college and campus life
Provided training and support to peer mentors regarding project goal areas including self-
determination, independence, technology, and employment skills

Co-Instructor Spring 2013
University of Arizona
Introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorders
Used online platform to co-instruct undergraduate and graduate students in an
introductory course for autism spectrum disorders including evidence-based assessment
and instructional strategies

Graduate Assistant Spring 2013
University of Arizona
Augmentative and Alternative Communication for Learners with Severe and Multiple
Disabilities
Assisted instructor with maintaining course website
Supported and mentored students to complete the semester-long project of designing and
implementing an augmentative communication system
3

Graduate Assistant Fall 2013
University of Arizona
Introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorders
Assisted in grading undergraduate students assignments

Inclusion Specialist, Special Education Teacher 2010-2012
Cottonwood Elementary, Vail School District
Coordinated the development, monitoring, and implementation of 8-12 students IEPs
including data collection and collaboration with team members
Conducted Functional Behavior Assessments as needed
Developed specialized materials and assistive technology supports to meet students
needs including picture schedules, object schedules, Social Stories, visual aids for
behavior supports, and adapted academic materials
Supervised and trained paraprofessional staff

Inclusion Specialist, Special Education Teacher 2008-2010
Old Vail Middle School, Vail School District
Coordinated the development, monitoring, and implementation of 8-12 students IEPs
including data collection and collaboration with team members
Developed specialized materials and assistive technology supports to meet students
needs including picture schedules, object schedules, Social Stories, visual aids for
behavior supports, and adapted academic materials; supervised and trained
paraprofessional staff

Inclusion Specialist 2006- 2007
Valley View Preschool, Catalina Foothills School District
Coordinated IEP development and implementation for 6 children within the inclusive
preschool classroom

Guest Lectures

Introduction to Individuals with Severe and Multiple Disabilities
Presented one class session to undergraduate students in Introduction to
Low Incidence Disabilities course.
2014

Behavior and Communication Strategies for Supporting Students with Severe
and Multiple Disabilities
University of Arizona
Presented a 2 hour presentation to undergraduate and graduate
students in a Visual Impairments Methods course.
2014

Families and Early Intervention
University of Arizona
Presented one class session to undergraduate students in Introduction to
Low Incidence Disabilities course.

2013
4

Introduction to Deafblindness
University of Arizona
Co-Presented a six-hour overview to undergraduate and graduate students
in Introduction to Visual Impairment and Deafblindness course.


2013
Teaching Strategies for Students with Deafblindness
University of Arizona
Presented one class session to undergraduate students in Introduction to
Low Incidence Disabilities course.

2013
Conference Presentations

Liaupsin, C., Zagona, A., Bohjanen, S., Bettini, E. (2014, October). Function-Based Teacher
Support: Whose Behavior Needs to Change? Presentation at National Teacher Educators
for Children with Behavioral Disorders Conference, Tempe, AZ.

MacFarland, S., Brodsky, P., Zagona, A. (2013, January). Project FOCUS. Components
of Model Demonstration Project presented at the AZ Wins! TASH Conference on
Inclusive Schools, Phoenix, AZ.


Professional Service

Officer, Tucson Council of the Arizona Autism Coalition 2013-2014

Peer Reviewer, Article submitted to the Journal of Visual Impairment
and Blindness
Summer 2013


Workshops

Where Do I Start? Strategies for Successfully Collecting, Managing, and
Using Student Data
Toolbox Tips in Tucson Workshop, AZ CEC
Presented to Arizona Council for Exceptional Children members


2013
The Peer Mentor
Project FOCUS, University of Arizona
Co-Presented to Peer Mentors
2012


Professional Memberships

TASH (Formerly the Association for Persons with Severe Handicaps)
5
Council for Exceptional Children
Association for Positive Behavior Support
Society for Research in Child Development

Honors and Awards

Personnel Preparation Fellowship 2013
University of Arizona
This award was funded by a grant and provides tuition and travel funds in addition to an
annual stipend for living expenses.

Outstanding Senior Award 2006
University of Arizona
Department of Special Education, Rehabilitation, and School Psychology

Certifications

Behavior Support Specialist Certificate, University of Arizona 2014

Arizona Special Education Teaching Certificate, Severe and Multiple Disabilities 2007