Alison Zagona

zagona@email.arizona.edu
Special Education, Rehabilitation, and School Psychology
College of Education, University of Arizona
Academic Background
Ph.D., Disability and Psychoeducational Studies
University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona
Major: Special Education, Severe and Multiple Disabilities
Minor: Autism and Families
Master of Arts, Special Education, Severe and Multiple Disabilities
University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona
Bachelor of Science, Special Education
University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona

Expected May 2017

December 2007
May 2006

Professional Experience
Instructor
Fall 2015, Spring 2014
University of Arizona
Introduction to Low Incidence Disabilities
Lead instructor and instructor of record for in-person undergraduate course
Coordinated guest lectures for four modules of content related to learners with low
incidence disabilities- Deaf/Hard of Hearing, Visual Impairment and Blindness, Severe
and Multiple Disabilities, and Deafblindness
Graded student quizzes and assignments and communicated with students regularly
Co-Instructor
Fall 2015
University of Arizona
Introduction to High Incidence Disabilities
Currently preparing and delivering content online and in-person through a hybrid class
design and assisting with grading
Graduate Assistant
Summer 2015
University of Arizona
Introduction to Special Learning Needs in the General Education Secondary Classroom
Co-taught in-person course, using balance of online platform and in-person lecture and
activities to deliver course content for pre-service teachers in the Teach Arizona program
Adjunct Instructor
Spring 2015
University of Arizona
Supervisor of Student Teachers in Special Education Cross-Categorical Program
Mentored and observed three undergraduate student teachers in the Cross Categorical
Special Education program across a 15-week semester.

University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Trainee

Spring 2015
University of Arizona
Participated in seminars designed to prepare students from a variety of disciplines to
become leaders and advocates in the disability field with an understanding of principles
of self-determination and meaningful community inclusion for all people with
disabilities.
Co-Instructor
Fall 2014
University of Arizona
Assessment and Instruction: Learners with Low Incidence Disabilities
Used online platform to co-teach a graduate course evidence-based assessment and
instructional strategies for students with intellectual disabilities and multiple disabilities
Co-Instructor
Spring 2014
University of Arizona
Assessing and Educating Students with Intellectual and Severe Disabilities (Methods)
Used in-person course to instruct graduate students in evidence-based practices related to
assessment, curriculum planning, assistive technology, and adaptations for learners with
intellectual and severe disabilities
Co-created syllabus and co-graded assignments and examinations
Instructor
Fall 2013, Spring 2014
University of Arizona
Behavior Principles and Disability: Assessment and Intervention
Used online platform to instruct undergraduate students in the introductory terms,
concepts, and techniques of applied behavior analysis and their application to individuals
with disabilities
Graded all assignments using a mastery approach
Instructor
Fall 2013
University of Arizona
Assessment and Instruction: Learners with Low Incidence Disabilities
Developed syllabus and online learning materials for this inaugural online course that
was previously available only in-person
Used online platform to instruct graduate students in evidence-based assessment and
instructional strategies for students with intellectual disabilities and multiple disabilities
Graded all assignments, projects, and examinations
Co-Instructor
Fall 2013
University of Arizona
Assessment and Instruction: Learners with Low Incidence Disabilities
Co-created Syllabus and used in-person platform to instruct undergraduate and graduate
students in evidence-based practices in assessment and instruction for learners with low
incidence disabilities
Co-graded assignments, projects, and quizzes

Graduate Associate
2012-2013
Project FOCUS, University of Arizona
Supported instructors and students within a model demonstration project that includes
young adults with intellectual disabilities into all aspects of college and campus life
Provided training and support to peer mentors regarding project goal areas including selfdetermination, independence, technology, and employment skills
Co-Instructor
Spring 2013
University of Arizona
Introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorders
Used online platform to co-instruct undergraduate and graduate students in an
introductory course for autism spectrum disorders including evidence-based assessment
and instructional strategies
Graduate Assistant
Spring 2013
University of Arizona
Augmentative and Alternative Communication for Learners with Severe and Multiple
Disabilities
Assisted instructor with maintaining course website
Supported and mentored students to complete the semester-long project of designing and
implementing an augmentative communication system
Graduate Assistant
University of Arizona
Introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorders
Assisted in grading undergraduate students assignments

Fall 2013

Inclusion Specialist (Special Education Teacher)

2010-2012
Cottonwood Elementary, Vail School District
Coordinated the development, monitoring, and implementation of 8-12 students IEPs
including data collection and collaboration with team members
Conducted Functional Behavior Assessments as needed
Developed specialized materials and assistive technology supports to meet students
needs including picture schedules, object schedules, Social Stories, visual aids for
behavior supports, and adapted academic materials
Supervised and trained paraprofessional staff
Inclusion Specialist (Special Education Teacher)
2008-2010
Old Vail Middle School, Vail School District
Coordinated the development, monitoring, and implementation of 8-12 students IEPs
including data collection and collaboration with team members
Developed specialized materials and assistive technology supports to meet students
needs including picture schedules, object schedules, Social Stories, visual aids for
behavior supports, and adapted academic materials; supervised and trained
paraprofessional staff

Inclusion Specialist (Special Education Teacher)

2006- 2007
Valley View Preschool, Catalina Foothills School District
Coordinated IEP development and implementation for 6 children within the inclusive
preschool classroom
Conference Presentations
Bohjanen, S., Zagona, A., Liaupsin, C. (2015, April). Changing Teacher Behavior:
Collaboration, Consultation, and Treatment Integrity Research. Presentation at Council
for Exceptional Children 2015 Convention and Expo, San Diego, CA.
Zagona, A., Mastergeorge, A. (2015, March). A Systematic Empirical Review of Peer-Mediated
Instruction and Intervention: Applications and Implications for Young Children with
Autism. Poster presentation at Society for Research in Child Development Biennial
Meeting, Philadelphia, PA.
Liaupsin, C., Zagona, A., Bohjanen, S., Bettini, E. (2014, October). Function-Based Teacher
Support: Whose Behavior Needs to Change? Presentation at National Teacher Educators
for Children with Behavioral Disorders Conference, Tempe, AZ.
MacFarland, S., Brodsky, P., Zagona, A. (2013, January). Project FOCUS. Components
of Model Demonstration Project presented at the AZ Wins! TASH Conference on
Inclusive Schools, Phoenix, AZ.
Guest Lectures
Special Education and Inclusion
Presented one class session to undergraduate students in Public
Education in America class, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ

2015

Developmental Milestones and Autism Spectrum Disorders

Presented one 1.5 hour class session to students in a Psychology 101
Course at Pima Community College, Tucson, AZ

2015

Introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorders

Presented one class session to undergraduate students in Introduction to
Low Incidence Disabilities course, University of AZ, Tucson, AZ

2015

Introduction to Individuals with Severe and Multiple Disabilities

Presented one class session to undergraduate students in Introduction to
Low Incidence Disabilities course, University of AZ, Tucson, AZ

2014

Behavior and Communication Strategies for Supporting Students with Severe

and Multiple Disabilities
Presented a 2.5 hour presentation to undergraduate and graduate students

2014, 2015

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in a Visual Impairments Methods course, University of AZ, Tucson, AZ
Families and Early Intervention
University of Arizona
Presented one class session to undergraduate students in Introduction to
Low Incidence Disabilities course, University of AZ, Tucson, AZ

2013

Introduction to Deafblindness
University of Arizona
Co-Presented a six-hour overview to undergraduate and graduate students
in Introduction to Visual Impairment and Deafblindness course,
University of AZ, Tucson, AZ

2013

Teaching Strategies for Students with Deafblindness

University of Arizona
Presented one class session to undergraduate students in Introduction to
Low Incidence Disabilities course, University of AZ, Tucson, AZ

2013, 2014

Professional Service
Peer Reviewer, Article submitted to the Journal of Positive Behavior
Interventions

September 2015

Member, Board of Directors, Autism Society of Southern Arizona

Jan 2015- Present

Education Committee Chair, Autism Society of Southern Arizona

April 2015- Present

Officer, Tucson Council of the Arizona Autism Coalition

Peer Reviewer, Article submitted to the Journal of Visual Impairment
and Blindness

2013-2014
Summer 2013

Workshops
Where Do I Start? Strategies for Successfully Collecting, Managing, and
Using Student Data
Toolbox Tips in Tucson Workshop, AZ CEC
Presented to Arizona Council for Exceptional Children members

2013

Educating Students with Disabilities: Using Behavior, Communication, and

Curricular Supports to Increase Student Achievement
Presented to Special educators and paraprofessionals at one school in the
Casa Grande Unified School District

2015

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Professional Memberships
TASH (Formerly the Association for Persons with Severe Handicaps)
Council for Exceptional Children
Association for Positive Behavior Support
Society for Research in Child Development
Honors and Awards
College of Education Graduate Student Travel Award
2015
University of Arizona
This award was funded by the UA College of Education in the amount of $450. I
received this award after completing application forms and requesting financial support
to attend the SRCD 2015 Biennial Meeting.
Graduate Professional Student Council (GPSC) Travel Grant Award
2014
University of Arizona
This award was funded by the UA GPSC in the amount of $500. I received this award
after completing the grant application forms, requesting financial support to attend the
CEC 2015 Conference.
Personnel Preparation Fellowship
2013- 2017
University of Arizona
This award was funded by an OSEP training grant and provides tuition and travel funds
in addition to an annual stipend for living expenses.
Outstanding Senior Award
University of Arizona
Department of Special Education, Rehabilitation, and School Psychology

2006

Certifications
Behavior Support Specialist Certificate, University of Arizona

2014

Arizona Special Education Teaching Certificate, Severe and Multiple Disabilities

2007