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About Derrick W. Smith

Positions

2021 - Present Professor, The University of Alabama in Huntsville
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2018 - Present Associate Dean, The University of Alabama in Huntsville ‐ College of Education
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2014 - 2021 Associate Professor, The University of Alabama in Huntsville
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2015 - 2018 Chair, The University of Alabama in Huntsville ‐ Department of Curriculum and Instruction
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2009 - 2018 Certified Orientation and Mobility Consultant, Madison City School System
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2015 - 2016 Adjunct Professor, Marshall University
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2013 - 2016 Adjunct Professor, Dominican College
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2012 - 2016 Adjunct Professor, North Carolina Central University
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2007 - 2016 Adjunct Professor/Instructor, Texas Tech University
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2015 Adjunct Professor, George Mason University
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2008 - 2014 Assistant Professor, The University of Alabama in Huntsville
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2013 Adjunct Professor, University of Northern Iowa
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2012 Adjunct Professor, West Virginia University
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2011 - 2012 Adjunct Professor, New Mexico State University
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2007 - 2009 Adjunct Professor, University of Nebraska
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2008 Adjunct Professor, University of Northern Colorado
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2005 - 2007 Graduate Assistant for Pat Kelley, Texas Tech University
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2005 - 2006 Graduate Assistant for Nora Griffin-Shirley, Texas Tech University
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2000 - 2005 Secondary Mathematics Teacher, Alabama School for the Blind
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Curriculum Vitae

Disciplines

Grants

2020 - 2024 “Project VIABLE: Visual Impairment and Applied Behavior Learning Experiences”
U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Programs
Role: PI
$1,029,438
2017 - 2020 'Perceptual and Implementation Strategies for Knowledge Acquisition of Digital Tactile Graphics for Blind and Visually Impaired Students"
National Science Foundation
Role: PI
$64,947
2014 “Establishment of the STEM-VI Mathematics Research Laboratory Infrastructure”,
University of Alabama in Huntsville Research Infrastructure Funds (RIF) grant
Role: PI
$5,245
2013 - 2014 "Investigating Audio Embossed Graphic Images for Individuals with Visual Impairments and Blindness"
University of Alabama in Huntsville Individual Investigator Distinguished Research (IIDR)
$11,000
2012 - 2014 "EAGER: Promoting algebra learning through an accessible expression system for students with visual impairments and blindness"
National Science Foundation
Role: PI
$300,000
2010 - 2011 “The Characteristics and Role of Tactile Graphics in Secondary Mathematics and Science Textbooks in Braille”
University of Alabama in Huntsville Junior Faculty Distinguished Research (JFDR)
Role: PI
$9,482
2010 - 2011 “The Impact of the System for Conceptualizing Spatial Concepts (SC)² on Science and Mathematics Content”
New Mexico School for the Blind and Visually Impaired Collaborative Project Grant
Role: PI
$20,000
2009 “ATTICC: Assistive Technology for Teaching In Collaborative Classrooms”
University of Alabama in Huntsville Instructional Improvement
Role: PI
$2,950
2009 “Collaboration in Secondary Education”
Alabama State Department of Education State Personnel Development Grant
Role: Co-PI
Colleague(s): Dr. Monica Dillihunt
$15,000
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Professional Service and Affiliations

2014 - Present Member, Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development
2012 - Present Member, Computer Science Teachers Association
2008 - Present Member, Alabama Federation Council for Exceptional Children
2006 - Present Member, CEC Technology and Media Division
2006 - Present Member, Kappa Delta Pi Honor Society for Education, Nu Sigma Chapter
2001 - Present Member, Association for the Education and Rehabilitation of the Visually Impaired and Blind
2001 - Present Member, CEC Division on Visual Impairments and Deafblindness
2001 - Present Member, Council for Exceptional Children
2000 - Present Member, National Council for Teachers of Mathematics
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Honors and Awards

  • Alumni of the Year, Faulkner University, 2013
  • Alumni of the Year, Department of Special Education, Leadership, Technology, and Foundations, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 2008
  • National Dissertation of the Year, Council for Exceptional Children Division on Visual Impairments, 2008
  • Outstanding Doctoral Student of the Year, Texas Tech University College of Education, 2007
  • Virginia Sowell Student of the Year Award, Council for Exceptional Children Division on Visual Impairments, 2003
  • Alabama AER/UAM Student Membership Award, 2001

Courses

  • ED 301/501: Introduction to Education Practicum
  • ED 311: Instructional Strategies
  • ED 374: Teaching Elementary Mathematics
  • ED 402: Special Topics in Education
  • ED 450: Special Topics-Internship
  • ED 493: Elementary/Collaborative Teaching Internship
  • ED 497: High School Internship
  • ED 565: Introduction to Differentiated Instruction
  • ED 570: Differentiated Instruction for Special Populations
  • ED 593: Educating Exceptional Children and Youth
  • ED 620: Educational Technology for Differentiated Instruction
  • ED 635: Assessment Guided by Differentiated Instruction
  • ED 690: Action Research Project
  • EDC 301: Teaching the Exceptional Child
  • EDC 302: Introduction to Low Incidence Populations
  • EDC 321: Collaborative Consultation
  • EDC 331: Critical Issues in Special Education
  • EDC 551: Foundations of Visual Impairments
  • EDC 625: Assistive Technology for the Education of Individuals with ASD
  • EDC 652: Introduction to Orientation and Mobility
  • EDC 653: Strategies for Students with Visual Impairments
  • EDC 654: Introduction to Braille Literacy
  • EDC 656: Programs for MIVI/DB
  • EDC 657: Advanced Braille and Assistive Technology

Education

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2008 Ed.D. in Special Education, Texas Tech University
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2007 Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist, Texas Tech University
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2005 Educational Leadership Certification, University of Alabama, Birmingham
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2003 M.A.Ed in Special Education, University of Alabama, Birmingham
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2000 B.S. in Mathematics, Faulkner University
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2000 Associate of Science, Faulkner University
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Contact Information

301 Sparkman Dr.
Robert's Hall 322
Huntsville, AL

derrick.smith@uah.edu
256-824-3048

Research Works (46)