Briana Bronstein, PhD

Assistant Teaching Professor

Media Expertise:

Education

Affiliated Programs

Education

PhD, Special Education (2019)
Temple University (PA)
MAEd, Special Education and Autism (2014)
La Salle University (PA)
BA, Elementary and Special Education/ American Studies (2013)
La Salle University (PA)

About Me

Briana Bronstein, Ph.D., is an Assistant Teaching Professor in Widener University’s Center for Education and Director of the Community Engaged Teacher Education (CETE) Program. A former K–5 autism support teacher, Dr. Bronstein brings experience in special education, behavior support, and educator preparation to her teaching, research, and community-engaged work. Her scholarship focuses on special education teacher preparation, evidence-based practices for individuals with disabilities, autism, community-engaged education, and the responsible use of artificial intelligence in special education. Her current research includes the development of safety-skills interventions for autistic adults and the evaluation of AI-supported tools for parents and caregivers of children with disabilities and complex support needs. Dr. Bronstein is also actively engaged in state and national leadership in special education and teacher preparation, including leadership roles with the Council for Exceptional Children and the Pennsylvania Association of Colleges and Teacher Educators.

Areas of Expertise

Autism
Special education
PK-8 education
Teacher preparation
Professional development

Research Interests

Special Education
Teacher Preparation
Artificial Intelligence in Education
Autism
Evidence-Based Practices
Community-Engaged Teacher Education
Inclusive Education

Publications

Glover, T. A., Wiggs, N. B., Reddy, L. A., Bronstein, B., Alperin, A., & Dudek, C. (2025). Understanding paraprofessionals’ reported behavior management knowledge and implementation training needs. The Journal of Special Education. https://doi.org/10.1177/002246692513669
Nuske, H. J., Smith, T., Levato, L., Bronstein, B., Sparapani, N., Garcia, C., ... & Kasari, C. (2024). Building better bridges: Outcomes of a community-partnered new school transition intervention for students on the autism spectrum. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 1-18. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-024-06285-7
Dudek, C. M., Bronstein, B., Reddy, L. A., Fingerhut, J., Wiggs, N. B., & Glover, T. A. (2024). Teachers’ perceived relationships with paraprofessionals who support students with challenging behaviors. Contemporary School Psychology, 1-14. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40688-024-00529-0

Professional Affiliations & Memberships

Council for Exceptional Children, Council for Exceptional Children: Pennsylvania Chapter, Council for Exceptional Children: Division on Autism and Developmental Disabilities

Noteworthy

June 9, 2023
Widener Receives Funding to Support Expedited Curriculum for Special Education Teachers
Widener has been awarded over $99,000 from the Pennsylvania Education Department (PDE) in an effort to expedite the process for students to become special education teachers through partnerships between universities and local school districts.
Led by Assistant Teaching Professor Briana Bronstein, Widener will offer an accelerated teaching certification program in special education which can be completed in 18 months, including student teaching. This program is geared towards working professionals, with remote courses being offered in the evenings, as students also engage in ongoing field experiences within the partner schools.
In addition, Widener is building new partnerships with Melmark and Elwyn, and strengthening existing relationships with the Chester-Upland School District to offer their staff tuition benefits and scholarships to attend Widener to complete the updated course curriculum in special education.
Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/widener-receives-funding-support-expedited-curriculum-special-education-teachers