One of the primary reasons Penn State is recognized around the globe as a distinguished university is the sterling caliber of its faculty. As a World Campus student, you will have the opportunity to learn from the same instructors who teach traditional, face-to-face classes on Penn State's 24 campuses across Pennsylvania.

David McNaughton, PhD

Academic Program Director, Associate Professor of Special Education

David McNaughton teaches course work in augmentative communication and assistive technology, and collaboration skills for working with parents and educational team members. His research interests include reading instruction for individuals who use augmentative and alternative communication, and supports to employment for individuals with severe disabilities.

Charles Hughes, PhD

Professor of Education

Dr. Hughes is a professor of special education at Penn State. He has worked in special education for 35 years. His first 15 years were spent as a classroom teacher of students with learning and behavior problems, as a diagnostician, and as a state-level consultant. His research interests focus on developing and validating learning and self-management strategies used to help adolescents become independent learners. Dr. Hughes is currently the executive director of the Council for Children's Division for Learning Disabilities and the editor of the journal Learning Disabilities Research & Practice.

Rick Kubina, PhD

Associate Professor of Special Education

Dr. Kubina received an undergraduate degree in psychology and master's and doctoral degree in special education, with an emphasis on applied behavior analysis. He has worked as a behavior analyst and special education teacher, using both effective and behavioral change practices with a range of learners with disabilities. His research focuses on explicit instruction and methods for facilitating instructional decision making.

James K. McAfee, PhD

Associate Professor of Special Education

Dr. McAfee began his career in special education in 1969 as teacher of children and adolescents with serious emotional disturbance. Later, he became a school principal, a superintendent, and the state director of vocational/community living services for the South Carolina Department of Mental Retardation. He currently teaches courses in special education law and administration, and instruction of students with disabilities in general education settings. His research interests include special education law and due process, transition, and postsecondary education, and the interactions of persons with disabilities and the criminal justice system.

Paul Morgan, PhD

Assistant Professor of Special Education

Robert Stevens, PhD

Associate Professor of Educational Psychology

Rayne Sperling, PhD

Associate Professor of Education

Peggy Van Meter, PhD

Associate Professor of Education