Briana Bronstein, PhD
- Assistant Teaching Professor
Affiliated Programs
- Elementary Education & Special Education (PK-12) (BA & Certification)
- Elementary Education (MEd & Certification)
- Special Education (MEd & Certification)
- Education (Certificates)
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
My career as an educator began as a classroom teacher. As a former K-5 Autism support teacher in PA, teaching future educators to work in the field is especially meaningful. I received my PhD in special education from Temple University. Throughout my career, I worked with students with autism spectrum disorders and other challenging behaviors, as well as educators, school personnel, and families. In addition to my work in academia, I am an active member and leader in the Council for Exceptional Children at both a national and state level.
Areas of Expertise
- Autism Spectrum Disorders
- Special Education
- Challenging Behaviors
- Teacher Preparation
- Coaching and Consultation
Research Interests
My research interests include the use of evidence-based practices in school and community-based settings for individuals with disabilities and teacher training, specifically in under-served communities.
Publications
- Bronstein, B., Breeden, N., Glover, T. & Reddy, L. (2020) Paraprofessionals’ Perceptions of Behavior Problems in Elementary School Classrooms. Journal of Special Education. https://doi.org/10.1177/0022466920961085
- Nuske, H. J., McGhee Hassrick, E., Bronstein, B., Hauptman, L., Aponte, C., Levato, L., Stahmer, A., Mandell, D. S., Mundy, P., Kasari, C., & Smith, T. (2019). Broken bridges—new school transitions for students with autism spectrum disorder: A systematic review on difficulties and strategies for success. Autism, 23(2), 306–325. https://doi.org/10.1177/1362361318754529
- Alperin, A., Reddy, L. A., Glover, T. A., Bronstein, B., Wiggs, N. B., & Dudek, C. M. (2021). School-based interventions for middle school students with disruptive behaviors: A systematic review of components and methodology. School Psychology Review, 1-26. https://doi.org/10.1177/0022466920961085
- Bronstein, B. M. (2019). Evaluating the Effects of a Commitment Emphasis Consultation Model to Increase Teacher Implementation of Autism Specific Assessment. Temple University. https://www.proquest.com/docview/2234267381
Professional Affiliations & Memberships
Council for Exceptional Children, Council for Exceptional Children: Pennsylvania Chapter, Council for Exceptional Children: Division on Autism and Developmental Disabilities
Noteworthy
- 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.