Melinda Leko

Melinda Leko, Ph.D., is a Professor of Special Education in the School of Special Education, School Psychology, and Early Childhood Studies at the University of Florida. Dr. Leko’s research focuses on (a) educator preparation to promote inclusive and equitable practices for students with disabilities, (b) reading instruction for adolescents with disabilities, and (c) educators’ implementation of evidence-based practices and high-leverage practices. She also writes about the rigorous application of qualitative and mixed methods research in special education. Dr. Leko is a Co-Director on the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) funded Collaboration for Effective Educator Development, Accountability and Reform (CEEDAR Center). She has been the principal investigator (PI) of two OSEP doctoral leadership preparation programs and co-PI on an Institute of Education Sciences (IES) Development and Innovation grant designed to enhance the preparation of emergency certified special educators in rural areas.