Department ofEducation

Functional Behavior Assessment and Positive Behavior Interventions

Applied Behavior Analysis

Functional Communication Strategies

Families' Experiences with School Districts

Autism Spectrum Disorders

Inclusion

Assessment

Exclusionary Tactics in EBD

Ph.D. in Special Education, University of Washington, 2009

M.Ed. in Low Incidence Disabilities, University of Washington, 2003

BA in Elementary Education & Special Education, Western Washington University, 1995

Vanessa Tucker received her dual certification to teach from Western Washington University in 1995.  She began her career working with children with EBDs and moved into classrooms serving students with high support needs.  She got her M.Ed. from the University of Washington, Seattle in Low Incidence Disabilities in 2003.  She moved from the classroom into a specialist position in 2004 and coordinated the autism programs in Tacoma Public Schools for 7 years.  She left in 2010 to join the University of Washington, Tacoma as a full time lecturer where she coordinated the Teacher Certification Program.  She joined PLU in 2012 as an assistant professor.  When she isn't working, she is busy chasing after two children and working in the garden.